The experience with Terry is far far more than simply buying from a shop.
A shout out and and grateful thanks to Terry at Jigabite for his help with SPJ rod choice, jigs and bits.
Terry started over a cuppa (over an hour in total) going over the concepts of SPJ, discussing my requirements and answering a plethora of questions. We then proceeded from office to shop to get hands on with trying a few different rods for feel and discussing details behind the myriad of jigs.
I ended up with the rod expected, having spent time researching his website prior (Temple Reef Grand CRU), but more by luck than judgement and with a heavier version than expected. Understanding I will only use inshore around the incredibly strong rips of Portland and mainly over Channel Wrecks in 200-250ft water, Terry recommended the 150-400g which covers more like 100-300g in British waters. The action of the rod isn't quite 'typical' for a general SPJ rod, having a very strong backbone (but still nice whippy tip to flick the jig well) suited to deeper waters/stronger tides and bigger jigs and fish, also fortuitously permitting a 70/30 section split, so I will no longer have to have the tip section poking precariously out of my rod carrier protected only by quiver tip tube.
Jig wise, chatting through properly, it is now at least clearer why not going over ~260g for jigs in UK waters is most preferable, albeit the conditions I will fish will dictate a typical weight of 200g and so making up the bulk of my starting selection of jigs, with a reasonable number of 240g and 260g thrown in for good measure. We also added a trio of longer and thinner 260g jigs to stretch the SPJ fishable conditions window for me as far as reasonably possible.
For jig storage, I thought I had done well to find a pair of clear plastic 10-compartment wallets on eBay. However, adding a pair of Jigabite jig wallets it became very apparent which is the smaller, tidier and far more preferable of the two solutions.
Terry also added a couple of items I wouldn't even have considered; a removable foam cylinder that wraps around the rod butt to enable the rod to sit in boat rod holder without scratching or damaging the carbon. Also, a jig cover that again wraps around the rod and allows the jig to be slipped into, to protect both rod and fellow anglers from flailing hooks if left loose.
The experience with Terry is far far more than simply buying from a shop. His knowledge, experience and friendly easy going manner all contributing to an immensely helpful and informed buying experience.
Thanks Terry, you couldn't have set me up any better, now to (hopefully) catch some fish 🎣
8 October 2023
Unprompted review