The world’s PENN, Kei Hiramatsu. Created to catch the big fish of Japan. Offshore jigging rod PENN SLMMER JIGGING

Supervised by professional angler Kei Hiramatsu. The four line-ups necessary for capturing big fish.

Kei Hiramatsu is well-known for his series ‘Kei Hiramatsu’s Offshore World’ in Angler’s Time. He is an expert who has been targeting big fish since the early days of jigging in Japan, and has won many trophy-class fish with his own techniques and observant eye. One of Mr Hiramatsu’s most famous quotes is ‘I didn’t catch the fish, I caught it! He is a master of the art of fishing. What he means by this is that he does not just shimmy up and down in the dark, but he considers the field conditions, predicts the behaviour of the fish, and then lures the fish to the right spot to catch it. The performance of the rod is crucial to realising Hiramatsu’s fishing style. He needs a rod that can produce the jig movements he envisions. And of course, it is also important to have a rod that has a torquey performance when a big fish hits. The ‘PENN SLMMER JIGGING’, supervised by Kei Hiramatsu, is a rod that is packed with the know-how for catching big fish, based on Hiramatsu’s many experiences to date.

The new rod is a jigging rod with a spinning reel, which is Mr Hiramatsu’s speciality. The line-up consists of four models – 63ML, 63M, 56H and 53XH – designed for catching yellowtails, yellowfin tuna, amberjack, dogtooth tuna and large rockfish, which Mr Hiramatsu has been targeting all over Japan since the early days of jigging. While inheriting the basic performance of the TORQUE series, the new models were created with the latest PENN technology.

PENN’s first jigging rod for Japan, the TORQUE, was launched in 2018, born from years of jigging experience. The new Slammer Jigging is a further evolution of that rod. The tone, length and other features of this jigging rod for large fish were set up based on Hiramatsu’s experience.

Designed for jig operation and fighting in actual fishing conditions.

First of all, each model has been designed to suit the jerking, jig shape and target. To get a more probable hit in jigging, anglers’ jerking technique is of course necessary, but the rod performance to produce the best jig movement more effectively is also important. Firstly, Mr Hiramatsu uses the 63ML and 63M rods most frequently, and he uses these two types of rods for both sunfish and yellowfin tuna fishing. The length and tone are based on his long experience.

First of all, my priority is to hook a fish. How do you hook a fish?　When jigging, how do you move the jig in the water?　In jigging, the most important thing is how you move the jig in the water. In jigging, I have suggested that the line and point movements of the jig should be used to search for fish. In contrast, the point action is to make the jig hover to create a pause for predation and make the fish use its mouth. I think the length of 63 is a length that is easy to handle for both jig operation and fighting, based on my past experience’ (Hiramatsu).
The 56H and 53XH are used on expeditions targeting larger fish, in fast-tide conditions and in deeper water.

Each item has a different tone, with the top priority on catching fish.

SLJS-63ML

Model designed to make fish use their mouths with a point action and to hook fish firmly. Tip to belly action designed to produce movements that make fish react to the jig, while reducing the jig’s travel distance. The rod’s tip action makes the jig jump too far, but the rod is designed so that the jig moves up to the belly when the angler pulls it out, and the jig moves with the rod’s bud.
‘When you bring the fish in, to turn it on and make the jig jiggle, you have to take advantage of the jig’s inertial movement to lure it in with hovering. We designed the lure to have a fast taper and a firm bend all the way to the belly so that it bites more easily and the bounce goes firmly into the fish’s mouth, after which the lure is sure to be hooked.

SLJS-63 M

The action of this model is set up to produce line action. The action of the line is designed with a fast taper to make it easy to manipulate the jig, so that the lure continues to act in a single pitch or jerking motion, and the jig is caught and hooked in the movement. Blank design for easy casting of jigs when fishing in a wide area
Rod designed to be used in situations where fish react while moving a jig and bite with a thump, so it was designed to prioritise jig action rather than focusing on hooking fish. Even though it is a fast taper rod, it is not designed to be ‘super’, but to move the jig firmly but not to bounce when it hits.’

SLJS-56H

This model is designed for moving 300g-class jigs in a single pitch, which is often used for targeting large scampi, rock cod, yellowfin tuna and large root fish on fishing expeditions. Short length to ease angler’s workload and to take control of the lure once it hits the water, with RCB2 blank to absorb strong pull of big fish while making parabolic bends after hitting. End cap made of Fuji’s GRC Gimbal rubber cap to prepare for fighting with large fish.
‘Despite being a heavy type, this rod bends well. ‘This rod can be used with heavy jigs and thick lines, but is easy to handle after hooking a fish. The rod’s excellent bending performance allows anglers to move jigs in a natural way.

SLJS-53XH

High-power model capable of handling jigs up to 400g. 5’3’ blanks designed to be short, but this length makes it easy to shuck even heavy jigs, and enables anglers to manipulate jigs firmly. As with the 56H, it is equipped with Fuji’s GRC gimbal rubber caps to prepare it for gimbal fights with large fish.
‘This model is easy to use in the deep zone. Its strong, short length makes it easy to shuck heavyweight jigs. It is also suitable for attacking highly active fish with continuous jerking or stimulating the fish’s lateral line with a larger action.

All models use Fuji Sic stainless steel frames with all double-wrapped guides. The grips are shaped to be easy to grip during long fights and strong pulls.

The 56H and 53H models use the RCB2 manufacturing method, where the outer layer of the rolled carbon and glass composite core is reinforced with longitudinal glass fibres. This distributes the load evenly and creates a supple parabolic action from tip to end. Its bend helps the angler when fighting.

Surprising pricing and finishing dimensions

The Slammer Jigging is equipped with solid performance, but what is even more surprising is its price. Most rods for targeting large fish are in a reasonable price range, but all models have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 34,000 yen. And for such a low price, the rods come with a semi-hard case that can hold several rods, making them easy to use on expeditions and other such occasions. The maximum case size is 1260 mm, so it can be carried on remote island expeditions by small aircraft without any problems.

On expeditions using aeroplanes, it can be a problem how to take the rods with you. For domestic flights, the airline can put them in a box, but getting them in and out of the box is also a hassle. However, with Slammer Jigging, which comes with a case, you can put the rod in the case and take it to the airline counter, where you can check it in as it is. The rod itself is priced at a great price, but it is surprising that it comes with such a case!

The photo shows the original Slammer Jigging Torque 63 model, which has caught many sunfish, scampi and yellowfin tuna. To its basic performance, the latest PENN technology has been added to the Slammer. This model can be recommended for its reliable performance and price point.

Best match for PENN reels. Selection should take into account jig action, jig used, line used and size of fish.

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Product details manufacturer’s website
https://www.purefishing.jp/product/penn/rod/boat-rod/penn-slammer-jigging.html

Photos and text by Angler’s Time editorial team