Mechanical jigging is really making an impression in Cyprus recently and the market has been flooded with all types of the latest and greatest specialist jigging rods, reels, jigs and terminal tackle.

This is great for fanatics like me, but often it leaves the average “weekend fish-hunter” wondering from where to start.

This is the first part of a jigging guide we are putting together to help answer a lot of your questions. It aims to give you a better understanding of this method of fishing from start to finish. In this section we will be covering the basic techniques involved in mechanical jigging, and discuss the rods and reels required.

My jig-fishing skills have developed over the past two – three years through many hours on the water and by fishing with more experienced jig-fishermen, many of whom helped me out with information and tips when I was new to the sport. Special thanks to “Hampas” for his patience and valuable support.

This series deals with modern tackle used for mechanical jigging – not the old school speed-jigging with fast-taper fibreglass rods and high-speed reels spooled with monofilament.

Finally, before we get into it, I would like to point out that I don’t work in the fishing industry, nor am I affiliated with any companies or brands.

History

The art of ‘mechanical jigging’ was pioneered in the early 1990s by a Japanese angler by the name Yoichi Mogi. The development of suitable rods, reels and jigs for this extremely effective method of fishing was largely influenced by Yoichi.

Mechanical jigging has spread to many areas of the world, thanks to guys like Yoichi, Okada San, Konishi San and Pony Liu traveling around the world and targeting various sport fish, promoting the sport, their respective fishing tackle brands, and filming their fishing adventures in world-class areas.

So, enough about the history of jigging, I am sure that  you are ready to look the basic technique involved in mechanical jigging which involves using an overhead reel, even though a good spinning outfit can also be very effective.

Dances with Predators

(Dances with Wolfs is one many favorite movies)

The main aim while mechanical jigging is to get the jig ‘dancing’ its way up through the water column (or part of the water column, depending on where the fish are), so predatory species are enticed into biting. This is done with smooth (and/or erratic) lifts and drops of the rod while retrieving line at the same time.

Start with the rod’s butt section under your left armpit (for a left-hand-wind reel it would be under the right armpit), your thumb and index finger gripping around the side-plate of the reel, and the remaining fingers curling around the rod. Next, point the rod down toward the water, click the reel into free-spool and drop the jig to the bottom. When the jig touches down, quickly put the reel into gear and get the jig up away from the bottom with a wind or two to help prevent getting snagged. With the rod pointing down and the reel’s handle hanging downwards, take a lift of the rod up to an angle of around 45-degrees. At the same time take half a wind of the handle, which would leave it at the top of the rotation.

Next, drop the rod again, and at the same time take a half wind of the reel downwards. Now slowly and smoothly put the up-stroke of the rod and reel handle and the down-stroke of the rod and reel handle into one smooth motion.

This is the basic technique involved and just a starting point. You can jig using this technique at a fast/slow/moderate pace, or mix it up and add a pause in there – or even a yo-yo motion – the choice is yours. On days out jigging I have experienced times when the fishing has been slow and the slightest change in technique has made all the difference, so don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit from time to time. In the next section we will be discussing jigging fishing equipment there advantages and disadvantages so you form an idea of what is best for you.

4 stroke outboard advantages

• they are quiet
• they are fuel efficient
• they are easy to maintain
• they are pretty much maintenance free
• they are reliable

Inboard / Outboard’s biggest advantage is that you don’t really see the engine. If you are a big water sports person – inboard / outboard typically are more powerful and you can get the extended swim platform.

• They are less fuel efficient
• Just as loud if not louder with outboard engines
• Need more maintenance so in the long run you will spend more on repairs – biggest areas of concern are the starter and the exhaust manifolds

So if I was asked to recommend which type of engine I would definitely go with the outboard.

Information on regulations governing Boating and Fishing in Cyprus may be obtained.

We are also making available to our visitors the fishing frenzy calendar, with dates and times fish in Cyprus are most hungry!!!. The prediction map has been used with very high degree of success for over two generations. Being fishing lovers and also wanting to make fishing a hobby for younger generations we decided to share it with our visitors.

We would recommend to all fishing hobbyists to let fish go when they are not of proper size “Catch & Release” will help in enriching the fish life in the sea and damns.

Bowriders

Bowriders are the most popular boats in the runabout/ sportboat category, thanks to the spacious seating in their open bow (front) area. Swim platforms at the stern (back) are handy for swimming, donning skis or just dangling toes in the water when at anchor. Sterndrive power is the norm, but outboard engines are becoming increasingly popular for power.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 16 feet
• Maximum Length: 28 feet
• Maximum Capacity: 9 people
• Trailerable: Yes
• Propulsion Type: Outboard Engine / Sterndrive Engine

Center Console

These type of boats are open fishing boats built to take rough offshore waters in pursuit of deep fish like king fish, grouper, tunas, swordfish and other migrating species of big game. A baitwell is necessary to keep live bait on board and fish lockers should be insulated to keep fish iced. An aluminum and canvas t-top provides shade and rod storage. Gunnel rod holders, outriggers and other gear are common fittings onboard.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 18 feet
• Maximum Length: 28 feet
• Maximum Capacity: 7 people
• Trailerable: Yes
• Propulsion Type: Outboard Engine

Cuddy Cabins

Cuddies are quick and maneuverable like a bowrider but a closed deck over the bow area allows a cozy sleeping area with limited plumbing for toilet, sink and sometimes cooking. They are most often powered with sterndrive engines but outboard power is becoming popular, too. A sunpad, swim platform and tow line hook make them ideal for skiing, tubing and wakeboarding.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 18 feet
• Maximum Length: 28 feet
• Maximum Capacity: 8 people
• Trailerable: Yes
• Propulsion Type: Outboard Engine / Sterndrive Engine

Dinghies

These small craft are usually less than 10 feet in length, easy to carry on a car top or light enough to carry on board a cruiser to be rowed or motored ashore when the mother ship cannot venture into the shallows. They make a good companion boat for camping trips or for use in fishing smaller waters.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 5 feet
• Maximum Length: 12 feet
• Maximum Capacity: 5 people
• Trailerable: Yes
• Propulsion Type: Outboard Engine / Man Powered

Inboard Cruisers

Inboard cruisers tend to be 30-feet long or longer and have even more room for creature comforts like sleeping, cooking and plumbing facilities. They feature a simpler drive mechanism that is often considered easier to maintain in salt water. They are steered with a rudder, rather than by turning a propeller drive mechanism and sometimes require more skill to manage.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 26 feet
• Maximum Length: 75 feet
• Maximum Capacity: n/a
• Trailerable: No
• Propulsion Type: Inboard Engine

Inflatable Boats

Two categories of inflatable boats, roll-up inflatables or rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs), share key benefits that distinguish them from other types of boats. These boats are suitable for saltwater and freshwater fishing, watersports and more.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 8 feet
• Maximum Length: 30 feet
• Maximum Capacity: 6 people
• Trailerable: Yes
• Propulsion Type: Outboard Engine / Sterndrive Engine / man powered

Motor Yachts

Usually more than 60-feet in length, motor yachts are ideal for open sea cruising or navigating around the Greek islands. Two engines, usually fueled with diesel, and a generator for electricity make them self-sufficient in terms of living accommodations. Motor yachts have luxurious living accommodations and are ideal for entertaining clients or adventuring from continent to continent.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 26 feet
• Maximum Length: 100 feet
• Maximum Capacity: n/a
• Trailerable: No
• Propulsion Type: Inboard Engine / Sterndrive Engine

Performance Boats

Performance boats are the sleek sports cars of the boating world, offering high speeds and precise handling to boaters who prefer their thrills full throttle. Matching big horsepower with sleek hulls results in boats that are equally at home slicing through ocean swells or tearing up inland lakes. Cranking offshore or simply relaxing in a cove, performance boats deliver lots of smiles per hour.

Technical Information

• Minimum Length: 19 feet
• Maximum Length: 50 feet
• Maximum Capacity: 8 people
• Trailerable: Yes
• Propulsion Type: Outboard Engine / Inboard Engine /Sterndrive Engine

Sailboats

Sailboats differ from other types of boats in that they are propelled partly or entirely by wind; they use sails to transform the power of the wind into power that moves the boat through the water. The term sailboat covers a wide variety of sailing craft, each with its own characteristics and styles. In general, sailboats are distinguished by size, hull configuration, keel type, number of sails, use and purpose. To learn more about a specific type of sailboat, click on a category below.

Technical Information

Minimum Length: 7 feet
Maximum Length: 70 feet
Maximum Capacity: 14 people
Trailerable: Yes
Propulsion Type: n/a

We introduce a new blog titled About Fishing. We will be posting interesting information related to both salt water and fresh water fishing. Gradually we will be presenting more expertise information. At this stage new anglers will benefit the most as the series will be covering introductory subjects to fishing such as which types of rods, reels, fishing lines, hooks, baits are more effective for which type of fishing. Later on we are planning to provide you with our own secret formulas and secrets for bait preparation that will give you higher success rates. As time passes we will also be presenting to you new ideas and successful practices as we get to try them out first.

Already we introduced a general overview for both fresh water and salt water fishing in Cyprus, a general guide to fish that can be found in Cyprus, both the dam and the sea. If you are a fresh water angler make sure you visit our fresh water fishing in dams page. If you prefer saltwater fishing thence you must visit our fishing in sea page. Both pages have detailed information on the species that can be found in Cyprus fresh waters and Sea together with seasons that can be fished, suggestions about hook sizes and fishing lines.

Fishing from a boat is also an exciting experience. As we grow older and gain more experience we will be presenting to you new ways and ideas on how to use various fishing techniques from a boat. Keep coming back as we promise to keep you up to date and also we plan to get each and everyone of you more involved.

1. Go boating with friends several times.

Make sure that boating is an activity which really fits your interests and time schedule. Owning a boat just to take her out few times during summer is still an option but the fun with boating in Cyprus starts when the beaches are empty from people! This is when weather and sea conditions are best. Summer months are usually very windy with the exception of few days. Of course winter and days with storms should be avoided (although I came across few people who live dangerously…)

2. Be aware of the true cost of being a boater.

When I was considering buying my first boat few years back, I still recall an old mans words “Buying a boat is like digging a hole in the sea and you keep pouring money in” or another man’s saying “buying a boat is like having three mistresses”.  These words may not be far off at times.

However, a boat can provide great recreational and learning experiences for you, your family and friends. I just ask that you do some serious looking at original cost, insurance, bank interest, fuel and oil, trailer, storage, repairs. Setting up a tow vehicle, lodging, weekend food, extra fishing gear, skis, life jackets, licenses and permits, maintenance, etc are also factors to consider.

Also you need to realize the time required to round up the gear, get to the water, participate in water activities, get back home, unpack, and maintain your boat. Millions of people do exactly this and couldn’t enjoy it more. I am merely suggesting that you consider it before you jump in. Relatively developments in engine efficiencies, sport jet boats and inflatable boats are making boating both easier and more economical.

Additionally, many moving up from Personal Water Crafts already have a pretty good idea of what the boating experience will be.

3. Go to boat shows or shop around

Do some shopping around by visiting boat shows or if one is not going to take place at the purchasing intention date, visit as much boat dealers as possible. Leave your cheque book at home. DO NOT buy your first boat at a boat show. The sales pressure is too intense and you have “boating fever”.

Boat shows are a great place to review products from the various builders, obtain brochures and gain some knowledge of local dealers.

4. Decide what your main boating activities will be

What will be the main purpose of your new boat? Will you be fishing, skiing, tubing, cruising? How many people will you take on the boat each time?  Do you plan on trailering your boat?

Buying a boat that only suits your own personal needs while neglecting the interest of close family members, can lead to a disappointing experience or reduced time on the water. There’s nothing worse than a boat that’s too small for your families needs or not used enough because your family can’t fit on it. Be sure to think about what is really important to you and those around you.

5. The importance of a good dealer

I strongly encourage new boaters to “buy a dealer” instead of buying a boat. Many first timers buy a used boat from classified ads. Worse I bought my first boat from a friend of a friend’s and by the time I got to get this boat on the water I remembered the old man’s words too often.

I strongly discourage that unless you have grown up in a boating family and already have a lot of boating experience. Buying a boat from classifieds looses the safety zone a good dealer provides. Ask around, shop around, and visit many boaters and dealers in your area to find a reputable, honest, dealer that provides good service. Then take your general list of intentions for the boat to the dealer along with what you expect to spend for the whole boating experience (My son and I want to fish; my two boys want to tube, we expect to trailer it out to sea most of the time – are legitimate statements one must consider).

A good dealer can put you in an appropriate “first boat” and help you have good boating experiences. He will help you with questions, parts, repairs and winterization. On your second or third boat you will begin to develop your own likes and dislikes about certain models and have more specialized needs.

By then you will have a good network and should be able to have a more focused idea of exactly what you need at that time. Then you might “price shop” more widely for what you need and be willing to take on more of the maintenance yourself in exchange for a good price. You will still need to have access to a parts dealer.

6. Don’t buy too much boat your first time.

Get a small, economical, sound, easy to get around, easy to handle boat you can learn in that doesn’t cost a fortune and that doesn’t go 80 kilometers an hour or spent gas like a rocket ship. You won’t be so sad when you crash it into the dock a few times and scratch it up trying to learn how to get in on a trailer on a windy day. Your whole family can learn on it and you might even keep it on as a second boat for the kids if you “move up” later.

Your dealer might have a nice used boat that still has some warranty and is in excellent shape that could make you a nice first boat. Big boats are more difficult to handle and more costly to operate. Your dealer can help you find an appropriate sized first boat.

7. Review the Press

A handful of boating magazines, especially any directly dealing with the type of boats you are interested in are available out there. This industry has several excellent magazines. You can learn a lot from them. Some magazines have online counterparts, but few are as informative as their printed versions.

8. Asking Price vs. Selling Price

Just like cars, most boats sell for less than the asking price. Learn the approximate value of the boat from the guides and comparison shopping, then be prepared to negotiate.

9.  Search the Web

A lot of information about different boats can be reviewed by browsing the WWW.

Visit this place often as we plan on providing useful links to expert information to boaters in general.

Venue & Date: Competition will be held in Limassol at the Polemidia dam on 5th and 6th September 2009.

Skiers Categories: Under 14 boys and girls, under 17 boys and girls, open Men & Women and Seniors (one category)

Homologation: Ranking List

Provisional Schedule: The competition shall consist of 3 rounds in slalom

Program:

• 5/09/2009 Saturday
  • 08:00 – Slalom 1st round
  • 15:00 – Slalom 2nd round
  • 20:30 -Welcome dinner 
(Complimentary for skiers)
• 6/09/2009  Sunday
  • 08:00 – Slalom 3nd round
  • 12:00 – Trophy presentations Ceremony

Cash Prizes:

Cyprus, the third largest island situated in South East Mediterranean is a full member of the European Union. The landscape of Cyprus combined with its excellent climatic conditions with sunshine more than 250 days per year offers residents and visitors alike great and exciting experiences involving the three major environment elements: earth, wind and of course water.

Outdoors4all.com is an information portal covering all outdoors activities in Cyprus. Being an island country, Cyprus offers exciting and unique experience for outdoors lovers from young ages and children to teenagers, adults and even retired people involved with boating, sailing, sea fishing, dam fishing, everything about cars, motorbikes, remote control cars, plains, boats, helicopters, extreme sports such as paragliding, kite surfing, down to more slow paced activities such as bird watching, walks on nature trails, and photography.

Cyprus, is the third largest island situated in South East Mediterranean and is a full member of the European Union. The landscape of Cyprus combined with its excellent climatic conditions with sunshine more than 250 days per year offers residents and visitors alike great and exciting experiences involving the three major environment elements: earth, wind and of course water.

Outdoors4all is categorized in such a way whereby the visitor may find useful and expert information based on activities involving the air, the water and earth. Under each major category we provide general and topic specific information such as:

• Bungee Jumping
• Paragliding
• RC Airplanes
• Remote Control Reviews
• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Car Rallies
• Cycling
• Go Karting
• Golf
• Hiking and Trekking
• Horse Riding
• Hunting
• Mountain Biking
• Gravel Gear
• Skiing
• Boating and Sailing
• Fishing in Dams
• Fishing in Sea
• Parasailing
• Scuba Diving
• Water Sports

Our promise is that we will gradually enrich the content of this portal therefore keep coming back. What will keep us motivated to do so is to see people coming back, we would be delighted to see outdoors fanatics share their experiences and thoughts thus contribute to making this portal the ultimate source for outdoor activities in Cyprus. If you have any suggestions please feel free and make them available to us. We ill be happy to hear from you.

An effort by CompAd Marketing Integrators Ltd as part of our societal contribution and our corporate social responsibility towards children in need.