The Anchovy Jig: A Reliable Option When Conditions Get Tough
By Captain Chris Blake, Co-Captain of Unreel Sportfishing
When you spend enough time chasing tuna off Cape Cod, you start to develop a feel for what works—and what just looks good in the tackle box. I’m Captain Chris Blake, Co-Captain of Unreel Sportfishing, and if there’s one jig color I’ve seen quietly outperform the rest time and time again, it’s the Anchovy Jig from UVT Fishing.
It doesn’t scream for attention, and that’s exactly why it works. Here's why this jig’s always rigged and ready on our boat.
Why the Anchovy Color Works
Mimicking a Variety of Prey
The Anchovy Jig doesn’t just resemble anchovies—it mirrors the flash and appearance of several key baitfish species found in the Northeast U.S., including sand eels, butterfish, halfbeaks, herring, and mackerel. While the jig’s shape may not exactly replicate these fish, its simple, reflective color and subtle glow make it a highly effective stand-in. This versatility ensures the jig is ready for the diverse forage tuna encounter in the region.
Flash That Gets Noticed
When fishing deeper waters, visibility is often far from ideal. That’s where the Anchovy Jig’s flash becomes critical. The combination of its understated glow and reflective finish catches just enough light to stand out, helping tuna locate it even in murky conditions or low-light environments.
Proven When Others Fail
There have been days when pink glow, sand eel, and chartreuse were in the water alongside Anchovy—with fish all around—and the only jig getting strikes was Anchovy. This reliability has cemented its place in my tackle box as an essential option when nothing else works.
When and Where to Use the Anchovy Jig
Deep-Water and Low-Visibility Conditions
The Anchovy Jig shines when fishing deeper waters where visibility is limited. The combination of its glow and reflective flash ensures it can still be seen by tuna hunting below, making it an excellent choice for these challenging conditions.
Clear and Murky Waters
The Anchovy Jig performs well across a range of water conditions. In clear water, its natural color closely resembles baitfish, while in murkier waters, the flash and glow add just enough visibility to make it stand out without looking unnatural.
Targeting Tuna Species with the Anchovy Jig
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin tuna, known for chasing small baitfish like sand eels and butterfish, respond well to the Anchovy Jig’s lifelike flash and glow. It’s a go-to choice when yellowfin are schooling and feeding on bait like those off the Northeast coast.
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna can be picky, but they’re opportunistic feeders. The Anchovy Jig’s ability to replicate multiple baitfish species makes it a versatile option when targeting these powerful fish, especially in deeper water where visibility is lower.
Jigging Techniques for the Anchovy Jig
Subtle Yet Effective Vertical Jigging
When fishing with the Anchovy Jig, a smooth, refined vertical jigging motion is key. Drop the jig to the desired depth and retrieve it with steady, controlled movements. This approach highlights the jig’s flash and glow, making it irresistible to tuna.
Experiment with Retrieve Speed
Tuna behavior can vary throughout the day. When they’re actively feeding, a faster retrieve mimics the flight of escaping baitfish. If tuna are hesitant, slow your retrieve to keep the jig in the strike zone longer, giving them more time to commit.
Tips for Success with the Anchovy Jig
- Trust the Flash: The subtle glow and reflective flash are designed to stand out in deep and murky waters—perfect for attracting fish even in low visibility.
- Rely on Its Versatility: Use the Anchovy Jig when fish are feeding on small baitfish like sand eels, mackerel, herring, or butterfish, or when other jigs aren’t producing.
- Don’t Overlook Depth: Focus on mid- to deep-water fishing, where the Anchovy Jig’s unique features can truly shine.
Conclusion
The Anchovy Jig is a versatile, reliable choice for tuna anglers, designed to replicate the flash and glow of multiple baitfish species. Whether you’re fishing in deep water with low visibility or targeting tuna that are picky about their prey, this jig consistently delivers. There’s a reason it’s my go-to when nothing else works.
Ready to put it to the test? Shop Captain Cory’s Anchovy Jig now and see why it’s trusted by tuna anglers worldwide.
About Unreel Sportfishing
When I’m not fishing with UVT’s Anchovy Jig, I’m running charters as Co-Captain of Unreel Sportfishing alongside Captain Chris Blake. We’re Cape Cod natives heading into our fourth season and built this business around our love for the sport. There’s not much in the world that compares to the rush of tuna on light tackle.
We specialize in light tackle bluefin tuna and canyons fishing, offering everything from inshore and midshore bites to the ultimate offshore adventures.
Book your trip with Unreel Sportfishing and let’s go find some fish.
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Captain Chris Blake
Co-Captain – Unreel Sportfishing
Cape Cod, MA
www.unreelsportfishing.com
