Chris Wong had directly witnessed the development and evolution of Japanese Jigging and Popping Tackle through his 25 years of experience visiting Japanese tackle shows and exhibitions. Eventually, Chris could no longer resist the temptation of jumping into the jigging market and began importing Japanese rods from Carpenter, Daiko, and Hots. During this same time Chris also began importing and experimenting with Zest long jigs. His passion for finding the right rod and lure combination to create the best possible action was born. Through his commitment to practice and research, as well as some luck along the way, he managed to join a group of Japanese jiggers who regularly jigged the Ranfurly Banks on the wild East Coast of New Zealand. One member of that group consisted of the originator of Japanese Jigging – Yoichi Mogi and inlucded his good friend Kenji Konishi of Carpenter. Chris Wong found himself in rare and legendary company!
About that same time Chris had reached out to Taiwanese born Pony Liu, owner of Jigging Master, to start organizing trips to the famous 3 Kings. Those early trips would serve as another foundational period in Chris’ life. He became well-schooled in the dark art of Japanese Jigging or what is now called Mechanical Jigging. These opportunities allowed Chris to experience various styles of jigging and continue to gain experience from two iconic groups! That passion and commitment, along with his new team of friends, fueled the fire to create what would become Jig Star!
Chris began to understand how effective this form of fishing could be for all species of fish. He also understood that jigging was such an addictive form of fishing that was still in the infancy of its evolution. To tackle the monster NZ Kingfish Chris knew he needed a rod that was strong and yet lightweight. He was using some of the best Asian brands he could source at the time. Chris understood what he gravitated towards and what would be best suited for the NZ conditions. He started formulating plans to produce attractively priced lightweight tackle that could stand up to monster fish he wanted to chase and Jig Star was born!
Two Passions for Fishing Intersect!
At the young age of 51 Adam Trieschmann has the opportunity to fish the world for hundreds of species of fresh and saltwater fish. Growing up on the shores of Lake Michigan and spending his early years fishing the Great Lakes & Canada Adam was introduced to jigging. Early on it was evident that jigging was a very effective method for catching numerous species of fish, especially Lake Trout. At the time vertical jigging was not a new concept, but it was new to Adam. Adam was amazed that fishing in depths up to 160’ a “Diamond Jig” always outperformed all other methods of fishing. There was something really exhilarating about dropping a hunk of lead in the water and having a beast latch on.
In the mid 90’s Adam moved to Florida and has spent the last two decades chasing fish offshore. During this same decade the Japanese Butterfly Jig was proving to become a very effective method of fishing for deep water species. This was especially true when targeting bottom fish and jigging offered the added bonus of pulling up Pelagics while moving up and down the water column.
The downside to the early methods of vertical jigging was the tackle was just modified offshore tackle. Vertical jigging in the 90’s was a very aerobic activity and would wear out the most avid angler in less than an hour. This labor-intensive form of fishing was not for everyone and limited the exposure and growth of jigging. The sport of jigging saw another surge of growth in the US in the early 2000’s but still was never accepted as a recognized method for offshore success. Jigging was still plagued with tackle that was not ready for the grueling demands of deep offshore sport fishing.
The industry was trying to respond and stepped up and developed many specialized rods and reels that were designed for offshore vertical jigging but more specifically designed for fishing butterfly jigs. Even though this was progress the style was a grueling workout and not something that could be done all day even by the most avid fisherman. The go to outfit of the time was a short spinning rod with large spinning reel. This was a heavy outfit and all day fishing required and bag of ice for the elbows and Jim Beam on the Rocks for the body.
In comes SLOW PITCH JIGGING and introduces a totally new style of fishing. Jigs are now designed to be center weighted and create an entirely new action up and down the entire water column. Jigs now flutter while falling as well as creating long slides and dips all produced by the action of a very strong, yet light weight, super bendy rod. The design is such that the rod imparts the action on the lure and the reel becomes the primary tool for fighting the fish. In all his years of fishing South Florida Adam insists he has not found a more effective method of offshore fishing. In just one year of experimenting and learning how to slow pitch jig Adam has caught an assortment of species to include, Grouper, Snapper, Sailfish, Tilefish, Queens, Rosies, and every species of Jack. Adam conservatively estimates that catches to date include about 35 different species of fish, and he still considers himself a jigging rookie. With every catch Adam became more addicted to jigging and excited about the unlimited potential. You can catch more fish by accident on certain days when other forms of fishing are not producing. This is the Wild West expansion when it comes to fishing with endless possibilities. Adam has taken this method out to 1200’ and is now setting out to become the one of the first fisherman to raise a swordfish on a jig!
While perfecting his jigging skills Adam began using Jig Star terminal tackle while he was searching for the perfect set up for strength and action. He was so impressed with the quality and performance of Jig Star tackle he ordered every rod that Chris Wong was producing under the Jig Star Banner. He was intrigued with Chris’ journey and began to learn everything he could about the History of Jigging. In Australia & New Zealand the fisheries are some of the best in the world, massive fish inflicting brutal abuse on tackle. Adam was impressed that Jig Star NZ took all styles of Jig Fishing from all around the world and incorporated speed, mechanical, technical, kubara, & slow pitch (jerk) jigging into their entire line of products. Adam’s passion for this form of fishing was on fire and he decided to set up a meeting with Chris Wong. This meeting, shared passion, and instant friendship lead to what would become Jig Star USA!
Jig Star USA is built to go big, “Go DEEP”, or go home! We believe in chasing monster fish on super light, yet super strong tackle, purpose built for one reason – “Fill the Box”. We started fishing Jig Star products years ago and where all other manufacturers fall short Jig Star consistently delivers every trip. Whether you’re chasing Giant Tuna, Yellowtail, Trevally, or Swordfish (Yes Swordfish) Jig Star has a setup for you. Jig Star has been developed and perfected through passion and is like no other company on the market. Each rod has been specifically designed for target fisheries and different styles of jigging. All models have been painstakingly field tested until they are perfected. There is a Jig Star rod and setup for every Boat, Kayak, or SUP. Charter boats have incorporated jigging into their fleets as they have found that jigging is an all-day alternative to live bait, and dead bait fishing, consistently providing better results with less effort and money. Find your jigging passion today and skill up to a whole new experience and world of fishing. Tight lines & Fish Deep.