We designed the Zig Jig for trout on Arkansas' White River. Then anglers started sending us photos from the coast. Our customers have now caught 21 saltwater species on the Super HD Zig Jig, from Florida to Mexico's Gulf of California. Every ocean fish in our gallery was caught on a Super HD. Here's what they caught, which sizes they used, and how to fish a marabou jig in salt water.
Why a marabou jig works in salt water
- Marabou moves on its own. It breathes and pulses in the water even when the jig is sitting still, so it looks alive at every speed.
- The fall triggers strikes. The Zig Jig's offset head zig-zags like wounded prey as it falls instead of dropping straight down. That's exactly what predators key on. About 90% of our strikes come on the fall.
- It's small and natural. Pressured inshore fish that ignore big, flashy lures will often eat a small jig that looks like a baitfish or shrimp.
Why it has to be the Super HD
A trout hook isn't built for a redfish or a tarpon. The Super HD has a 2x steel hook, a 1/0 on the 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz and a 2/0 on the 1/2 oz. It holds up to fast, hard-pulling saltwater fish that would bend a lighter hook.
21 saltwater species caught on the Super HD
Inshore
Snook, tarpon, redfish (including a 40-incher), speckled trout, flounder, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, pompano, ladyfish, Spanish mackerel, grunt and saltwater catfish.
Offshore and open water
Mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, green jack (caballito) and gag grouper.
And a few surprises
Leatherjacket, spiny pufferfish, inshore lizardfish, and even squid.
Most of these came from Dean Franklin, who fishes the Super HD around Florida and in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Randal Vest caught the mahi-mahi and John Walraven the yellowfin tuna.
"Nothing comes close to Zig Jig in quality or performance. They consistently outfish all other lures I have used. If you want to catch fish, these are a must-have item."
Dean Franklin, Florida, 5-star review of the 1/4 oz Super HD
What size Super HD for salt water?
- 1/4 oz: the go-to for inshore flats, docks, mangroves and passes. Dean's snook and his tarpon (on a ginger/white) were both caught on the 1/4 oz.
- 3/8 oz: for moving water and deeper channels, when the 1/4 oz won't reach the bottom.
- 1/2 oz: for strong current, wind, deep structure and long casts to breaking fish.
Use the lightest jig that still gets down to the fish. A lighter jig falls slower, and the fall is when most fish hit.
What colors work in salt water?
White and light colors look like baitfish, and our customers' saltwater catches include white and ginger/white Super HDs. The Super HD comes in white/gray, white/chartreuse, red/white and black in all sizes, and the 3/8 oz adds ginger and olive blends. White/chartreuse is a good place to start in stained water.
How to fish a marabou jig in salt water
- Cast up-current of where fish are holding, like a dock piling, a mangrove edge, a channel edge or a bait school.
- Let it sink on a slack line and let the current carry it toward the fish.
- Pop and drop. Pop the rod tip, then let the jig fall again as you reel up the slack. Keep it near the bottom for redfish, flounder and snapper. Work it higher and faster for mackerel, jacks and ladyfish.
- Watch the line on the fall. If it jumps or stops, set the hook hard. Saltwater fish have tough mouths.
For toothy fish like Spanish mackerel, add a short, heavier leader so they don't bite through your line.
Take care of your jigs after salt water
Salt is hard on any tackle. Rinse your jigs in fresh water after every trip and let them dry before you put them back in the box. Your hooks will stay sharp longer.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a trout jig in salt water?
A regular trout jig will catch fish, but a big fish can bend the hook. The Super HD Zig Jig has a 2x steel hook built for saltwater fish.
What saltwater fish will eat a marabou jig?
Our customers have caught 21 saltwater species on the Super HD, including snook, tarpon, redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna and roosterfish.
What is the best size jig for snook and redfish?
Start with the 1/4 oz Super HD. Go heavier only when current or depth keeps it from reaching the fish.
Where can I buy the Super HD Zig Jig?
Here on our site. It's sold by the dozen and ships from Missouri. See every size and color.