Every offshore angler knows the feeling. You head out to the tuna grounds, full of hope, only to find the giants are nowhere to be seen. It can be a frustrating experience, but a slow day chasing tuna doesn't have to mean an empty cooler. Beneath your boat, in those same deep, offshore waters, lies a world-class ground-fishing opportunity. With the right technique and a slight adjustment in mindset, you can turn a failed tuna trip into a successful day of jigging for cod, haddock, and pollock.
In this guide, we will explore how you can use your existing tuna gear to target these delicious groundfish. We will look at a highly effective method demonstrated by Captain Mike Hogan of Hogy Fishing Tackle, featuring the Hogy Jig-Biki Rig and a slow-twitch jigging style that proves irresistible to bottom dwellers.
Turning a Slow Tuna Day Around
The beauty of offshore fishing is the diversity of species available. The same grounds that hold bluefin tuna are often home to thriving populations of groundfish. While tuna can be notoriously fickle, groundfish are generally more cooperative. They offer a fantastic way to salvage a trip, putting fish in the boat and providing some excellent sport along the way.
The best part? You do not need to bring a completely different set of tackle. The powerful spinning and conventional outfits you use for casting to and jigging for tuna are perfectly suited for targeting cod and their relatives. This dual-purpose capability makes the switch from tuna to groundfish seamless, allowing you to adapt quickly when Plan A is not working out.
Gearing Up: Using Your Tuna Tackle for Cod
The heavy-duty gear required for tuna fishing is more than capable of handling even the largest of cod. The strength needed to battle a 100-pound bluefin translates into effortless power when winching a 20-pound cod up from the depths.
- Rods and Reels: Your standard tuna jigging setup, whether it is a spinning or conventional outfit, is ideal. These rods typically have a fast action and a powerful backbone, which is perfect for working heavy jigs near the bottom and lifting fish away from potential snags. The high-speed retrieve of a quality tuna reel also helps to get your line back up quickly for the next drop.
- Line: The heavy-duty braid you use for tuna (typically 60-80lb) provides the strength and sensitivity needed for deep-water jigging. The thin diameter cuts through the water, allowing you to maintain better contact with your jig, while the no-stretch properties mean you can feel every tap and nudge from a curious fish.
The Hogy System: Jig-Biki Rig & Heavy Flutter Pitch Jig
While your rod and reel are ready for double duty, your terminal tackle needs a specific adjustment to effectively target groundfish. Captain Mike Hogan showcases a deadly combination designed for this exact purpose: the Hogy Jig-Biki Rig paired with a Heavy Flutter Pitch Jig.
The Heavy Flutter Pitch Jig
This jig is engineered to get down deep quickly and stay in the strike zone. Its design creates an enticing fluttering action on the drop, which imitates a wounded baitfish—a primary trigger for predatory groundfish. When it reaches the bottom, its shape allows it to be worked with subtle movements, kicking up sand and silt to attract attention without needing an aggressive, tiring retrieve.
The Jig-Biki Rig
This is the secret weapon that multiplies your chances. The Jig-Biki is a multi-hook rig, similar to a sabiki rig but built with the strength needed for larger offshore species. It features several "teaser" flies or plastics on dropper loops above the main jig. When you attach the Heavy Flutter Pitch Jig to the bottom, the entire setup presents multiple targets to the fish.
Often, a cod or pollock will strike the main jig, but just as frequently, they will hit one of the smaller teasers on the Jig-Biki rig. This setup dramatically increases your hook-up ratio and can even result in multiple fish on a single drop, helping you fill the cooler in short order.
The Slow-Twitch Jigging Technique
Forget the high-speed, frantic jigging often associated with tuna. Groundfish, especially cod, respond best to a more deliberate and subtle presentation. Captain Mike Hogan’s slow-twitch technique is designed to mimic prey moving along the seabed.
- Get to the Bottom: Drop your jig-and-rig combo straight down. Free-spool the line until you feel the jig hit the bottom. You will know you are there when the line suddenly goes slack.
- Engage and Lift: Engage your reel and wind up any slack until you feel the weight of the jig. Now, begin the retrieve with a slow "twitch" or lift of the rod tip, raising it a foot or two.
- The Crucial Drop: After the lift, slowly lower the rod tip. It is vital to maintain contact with the jig as it falls. Most strikes will occur as the lure flutters back down towards the bottom. By keeping a tight line, you will feel the instant a fish takes the lure.
- Stay in the Zone: The key is to keep your jig within a few feet of the bottom at all times. After a few twitches, let the jig fall back to tap the seabed before repeating the process. This ensures you are always presenting your lure where the fish are feeding.
This slow, methodical approach is far less taxing than speed jigging and is incredibly effective at triggering bites from cod, haddock, and pollock that are hugging the bottom.
From the Ocean to the Table
While the thrill of the chase is a huge part of angling, one of the greatest rewards of ground-fishing is the exceptional quality of the catch. Cod and haddock provide beautiful, white, flaky fillets that are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you prefer them battered for classic fish and chips, baked with lemon and herbs, or pan-fried, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal.
So, the next time you are out on the tuna grounds and the action is slow, do not be discouraged. Look down, not out. With your tuna gear, a specialised rig like the Hogy Jig-Biki, and the right technique, you can quickly pivot to a productive day of ground-fishing and head home with a cooler full of some of the tastiest fish the ocean has to offer.