■ If I’m buying for the first time, which model is recommended?
First, Edge Bait Original is recommended. It is the base model in the series, with broad compatibility for jerking, steady retrieves, and falling action.
Using Original as a reference also makes it easier to understand the differences in action and best use cases of the other models.
■ What are the differences between Original, Slow Lift, and Slide Slow?
Original is characterized by roll-based action and ease of turning sideways with minimal input.
Slow Lift is suited to fishing centered around the fall, targeting with a line angle close to vertical.
Slide Slow is a model that entices fish with lateral slides followed by a horizontal fall.
■ How should I choose the jig weight?
For Original and Slow Lift, try starting with a weight one step lighter than the jig you usually use. For example, if you normally use 200 g in your area, starting with 180 g is recommended.
However, the required weight changes depending on current speed, boat drift, and PE line thickness. If it’s hard to feel the bottom or control the jig, adjust by increasing the weight. On chartered fishing boats, also follow the captain’s guidance.
■ What kind of rod matches this?
For the Edge Bait series, we recommend a soft, forgiving rod that loads under the jig’s weight and water resistance, allowing you to work it gently.
Choose a rod that can handle the jig weight you use and the resistance of the current, while allowing comfortable operation.
■ What is the basic technique?
Even very small movements are fine—so small that you may not even be sure you are jerking it.
Even input that creates just a slight amount of line slack is enough to move the jig. First, think of that very small input as your “zero baseline,” then adjust strength while watching the fish’s response.
Rather than trying to move it big from the start, it’s recommended to begin with small, rhythmic twitches or lift-and-fall. When targeting pelagic fish, a stop after fast reeling is also an option.
■ Can it be used with a steady retrieve?
Original can also be used with a steady retrieve, up to around 100 g as a guideline. It entices fish with a tight, roll-based swimming action.
Slide Slow is also producing results with steady retrieves. Please try not only jerking and falling, but also retrieve-based presentations.
Swim Blade works best with a smooth, relaxed retrieve at slow to moderate speed—just fast enough to get the jig swimming—rather than an ultra-fast retrieve. Adjust your speed to the fish’s response and the depth you want to fish.
■ Can it be blade-tuned?
For blade jigging (BLJ) targeting Spanish mackerel and similar species with fast retrieves, we recommend adding a blade to the Original. Iwashi Renge also works well with a blade.
Because Original rotates with fast retrieves, please attach a swivel to reduce line twist. Don’t worry—rotation of the body does not mean it won’t catch fish.
Blade shape and size, the swivel, and how the hooks are attached all change the retrieve resistance and action. After attaching it, test it in the water and make sure the blade spins and does not tangle with the hooks or line.
Swim Blade, however, is best suited to a smooth, relaxed retrieve at moderate speed rather than an ultra-fast retrieve.
■ How should I choose the hook size and attachment method?
The side with the V logo on the rounded face is the top side. Attach the hooks on that side. The jig falls from the side with the sharper edge.
The hooks I use are as follows:
・SLJ: Our original SLJ flat-fall hook
・Slow jigging for red sea bream: Suteki Bari “Hikari” #1, 1/0, or a straight-point hook
・For pelagic species: use Suteki Bari “Hikari” 3/0 as a baseline
・Casting with Iwashi Renge: Suteki Bari “Hikari” 2/0 barbless twin hooks, with approximately 5 cm of assist cord.
Use this as a guideline and adjust according to the target fish and jig size. Set the assist line length so it is less likely to tangle with the hooks, jig, or blade.