The popular rod,
the [SHIMANO OCEA JIGGER INFINITY]
, finally debuts its third generation

The Benchmark Model for Shimano Slow Jigging Rods

Jigging rods come in a variety of models, each with its own unique concept and performance characteristics. Their performance varies significantly depending on how they are used, how the jig is worked, and how the fish is fought. Among these, the fundamental performance required of a slow jigging rod is the ability to quickly snap the jig upward by utilizing the blank’s spring-like recovery—the force generated when the reel handle is cranked. The basic technique involves adding a falling action to this to trigger a reaction from the target fish. It is also important for the rod to possess the sensitivity to detect when a fish reacts to the jig or approaches it during the fall. Furthermore, depending on the target and conditions, an ideal rod should be capable of moving the jig more quickly to mimic the movement of fleeing baitfish, or of making precise, rapid lifts within a narrow depth range. A good slow jigging rod allows the angler to control the jig at will and repeat these actions with minimal effort.

The “OCEA JIGGER INFINITY” is the flagship model among Shimano’s slow jigging rods. As such, it has evolved over the years with the goal of achieving ultimate jerking performance and more reliably guiding fish to the hook. The third-generation model, which we are introducing here, is scheduled for release in August 2026.

Shimano’s development team, together with Shimano instructor Hiroto Yamamoto, sought to enhance the sense of unity between the angler and the rod more than ever before. Through extensive development testing, they pursued the ability to manipulate the jig with greater freedom and achieve even smoother, more responsive jerks, ultimately bringing this model to fruition.

“In my own jigging, the OCEA JIGGER INFINITY series is the rod that sets the standard for everything. The series includes the top-of-the-line Limited model, followed by the Infinity, and then the Motive, but the Infinity sits at the heart of the lineup. If this model isn’t perfected, we cannot move forward to develop the models beyond it.” (Hiroto Yamamoto, hereinafter: Yamamoto)

Slow jigging is a fishing technique that involves skillfully maneuvering the jig through rod and reel control to target fish. The third-generation OCEAN JIGGER INFINITY was designed to make it easy for anyone to control the jig exactly as intended, while also offering effortless handling.

Ultimate Performance Achieved Through Repeated Trial and Error

The OCEAN JIGGER INFINITY lineup consists of 11 models ranging from 0 Power to 10 Power. During development, we had to test every single one of them. It was also necessary to conduct tests by varying the fishing spots, target species, and water depths for each power model. We produced samples, verified them through actual fishing, exchanged opinions between the development team and the testers, and repeated this process countless times.

“We put the previous INFINITY model through its paces for about six years at various fishing spots both in Japan and overseas. While it was the best it could be at the time, as we gained experience with many different fish species and conditions, we began to identify areas for improvement for each model, such as ‘I’d like to tweak this a bit more.’ With this new model, we’ve sincerely addressed each of those issues and thoroughly refined the design.”

With slow jigging rods, which require delicate control of the jig, even the slightest difference can drastically alter performance. During testing, there were times when improvements resulted in samples that failed to deliver the expected performance. In such cases, the development process would go back to square one. Through this cumulative effort, each power model was finally perfected.

Testing for the light models began in Wakayama and continued on to Toyama, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Miyagi. The power models, designed to handle large fish and deep waters, were subjected to rigorous, repeated testing in the Ogasawara Islands, the Tokara Islands, Kumejima, for cod jigging, and for Big Skilfish.

We pursued butt power that turns the fish’s head the moment it’s hooked. While this could be achieved simply by making the rod stiffer, the new OCEAN JIGGER INFINITY model aims to be more supple than its predecessor to improve maneuverability, while also delivering the power needed to land fish more reliably.

Incidentally, a common evolutionary feature across this series of models is the adoption of a slimmer profile and a slow taper design, with the bend balance finely tuned. Even with a light input, the bending pivot smoothly shifts toward the handle, leading to effective action. While a slow taper can sometimes cause power to escape—potentially resulting in wobble or a lack of power—Shimano technologies such as Spiral X Core and High Power X have eliminated these drawbacks. The rod achieves a performance where the entire rod vibrates with both sharpness and suppleness, efficiently transmitting energy to the tip. Furthermore, the rod is designed to allow for stress-free fishing all day long, thanks to a bending action that transmits load continuously from the tip through the belly, inside the grip, and all the way to the butt. We’ve also completely reevaluated the power balance from the belly to the butt. We’ve created a blank that maintains high jig control performance while controlling the fish’s sudden reversal the moment it’s hooked, giving you the flexibility to maintain control.

The third-generation model features a slower taper design than previous models, bringing the bending pivot point closer to the handle. This allows you to flick the jig upward with minimal effort, while also improving jig control and sensitivity at the handle.

By incorporating Spiral X Core and High Power X, the rod achieves high strength despite its slender profile. Even with minimal input, the entire rod bends to move the jig. This can sometimes create the illusion that the jig you’re using is one size lighter.

Blank that flexes smoothly all the way to the grip, paired with a newly designed grip

The new OCEAN JIGGER INFINITY is designed to reduce fatigue by allowing the rod to flex all the way to the grip area, ensuring comfortable use all day long. This makes it easier to sense changes in the current and the fish’s initial bite. It also helps minimize fish loss after a strike.

Furthermore, this model features the newly designed “Full Holding Seat R” reel seat. Its shape is optimized to accommodate any jerking style, hand size, and reel size. The slim, compact form with an exquisite taper naturally conforms to the hand. Additionally, the enlarged trigger minimizes hand fatigue when gripping with either three or four fingers, contributing to a stress-free rod design.

A newly designed reel seat that works in unison with the angler to support precise keep-jerking. It fits securely regardless of hand size and is designed to accommodate a wide variety of reels. It allows for a firm hold with minimal effort, reducing fatigue even during extended use. The trigger has also been lengthened to accommodate various grip styles.

The carbon rear grip, featuring a lightweight, hollow, thin-walled, and rigid structure, offers high sensitivity and reliably transmits information from underwater.

Where Each Power Model Excels

With a lineup of 11 items, you might be wondering which model to choose. To help you decide, the models are broadly divided into three categories: 0–3 Power, 4–7 Power, and 8–10 Power.

First is the 0–3 Power range, designed for super-light to light jigging in coastal waters.

“The 0–3 Power models achieve a smoother bend than ever before while improving the overall resilience and strength of the rod. In particular, the 0 Power model offers a natural bend compared to its predecessor, yet still provides ample lifting power—making it an ideal finish,” says Yamamoto.

Additionally, the 4–7 Power models serve as the mainstay for mid-depth and offshore fishing. They excel in targeting inshore species such as red seabream, Pacific cod, red seabass, and black seabream, as well as on long-distance expeditions for yellowtail amberjack, yellowfin tuna, Japanese amberjack, and large bottom-dwelling fish.

“We enhanced the control performance required when fighting large fish while also pursuing a nimble feel during jig manipulation. In addition to a sharp, responsive feel from moderate stiffness and the flexibility to absorb the fish’s power, these rods possess a high level of power to firmly stop the fish the moment it’s hooked,” (Yamamoto)

Furthermore, the 8–10 Power models are designed for deep-water fishing. They come into their own when targeting red seabream and black seabream in areas with strong currents, as well as amberjack and blacktail seabream in ultra-deep waters.

“While offering ample power, it bends smoothly, allowing for reliable control of even heavy jigs with minimal effort. The 8 Power model is particularly well-suited for high-pitch jerking with jigs weighing around 200g.” (Yamamoto)

As with the previous model, the thread on the butt guide varies in color for each model, allowing for instant identification.

B65-0

The lightest model in the series. Ideal for inshore jigging primarily using jigs weighing 40–130g. It handles depths of around 40m for fast retrieves targeting bluefish, and up to 80m+ for slow retrieves targeting species like hairtail and flounder.

B65-1

Slim and lightweight, yet capable of precise jig control. It handles jigs weighing 80–180g, proving its true value when targeting bluefish at depths of around 60m, as well as hairtail, red sea bream, and bottom-dwelling fish at depths of up to 100m.

B65-2

A model designed to handle a wide range of inshore jigging scenarios. It covers depths of up to 80m+ for bluefish using fast retrieves, and up to 180m+ for hairtail and bottom-dwelling fish using slow retrieves.

B65-3

A core item for slow jigging. Excels in a wide range of scenarios, from nearshore to mid-depth waters. It handles depths of up to 100m+ for bluefish using fast retrieves, and up to 230m+ for slow retrieves.

B63-4

This lure is effective from nearshore waters to the deep range. With a fast retrieve, it can reach depths of around 130 meters and tackle areas with strong currents; with a slow retrieve, it can reach mid-depths of around 300 meters. It’s also ideal for targeting yellowfin tuna and albacore.

B63-5

An item well-suited for targeting large fish and deep waters. It’s effective for catching yellowtail, yellowtail amberjack, and Japanese amberjack at depths of 80–160 meters with a fast retrieve, as well as for targeting cod, sculpin, and bottom-dwelling species in the mid-depth range exceeding 200–300 meters. It also excels in fall-focused tactics for targeting tuna species.

B63-6

A heavy-duty item that excels in targeting big fish and on long-distance fishing expeditions. It’s suitable for fast retrieves targeting amberjack and yellowtail at depths of 100–180 m, as well as deep-sea species like blackthroat seabream and red seabream at depths approaching 400 m. It also performs well when targeting tuna in areas with strong currents.

B61-7

Models rated 7 Power and above are designed for serious long-distance expeditions and deep-water fishing. It supports jig weights up to 600g. While possessing the power to cover depths exceeding 500m, it delivers surprising maneuverability during jerking actions.

B61-8

A rod designed for expeditions and deep-sea fishing, challenging uncharted territories. It’s ideal for fast retrieves targeting amberjack and migratory fish at depths of 250m and beyond, and for slow retrieves targeting unexplored species dwelling at depths up to 600m.

B61-9

A deep-sea tackle item designed to deliver jigs into the deep range. It targets amberjack and migratory fish at depths of around 300m, and with slow retrieves, it handles unexplored targets lurking at depths of up to 700m. It features all-double-foot guides prioritizing strength and rigidity.

B61-10

The most powerful rod in the series, breaking through the limits of slow jigging. With the underlying strength to handle 1,200g jigs and depths of around 1,000m, it takes on deep-sea monsters like the Big Skilfish. Features all-double-foot guides designed for strength and rigidity.

［Manufacturer’s website]
https://fish.shimano.com/ja-JP/product/rod/offshoresalt/slowjigging/a075f000047hbauqaq.html

A Rod Anyone Can Use

The third-generation OCEAN JIGGER INFINITY, crafted without compromise and packed with the dedication of both Shimano and Mr. Yamamoto. According to Mr. Yamamoto, the INFINITY has been guided by the same development philosophy since its very first generation.

“That philosophy is that the INFINITY must serve as the benchmark for all rods while also achieving the highest level of perfection. Furthermore, it’s not about creating a rod that’s ‘easy only for me to use.’ It must be a rod that anyone—from beginners to experienced anglers—can handle naturally and feel they can ‘maneuver the jig exactly as they intend.’ It’s a rod that feels ‘just right’ the moment you pick it up. In pursuit of that ideal, we’ve meticulously refined every detail.”

We invite you to experience the current pinnacle of Shimano’s slow jigging rods out on the water. You’re sure to appreciate its level of perfection and the magnitude of its evolution.

Summary: Anglers’ Time Editorial Department