Say you were having a nightmare where you could only have one jig to use for the rest of your days (Heaven forbid!) After waking up in a cold sweat, you might just get to thinking if that really WAS the case, what lure would I choose? Based on the results I’ve seen over the last few years. It would be hard to go past the Catch Double Trouble as the most effective and versatile jig out there. This initially angular looking pattern comes in a pretty wide variety of sizes from 100 grams to 300 grams, and I have personally used, and watched it in action, catching darn near everything out there that hits a lure.
It’s an absolute go-to for a lot of anglers and with good reason.
Apart from the obvious targets, kingfish and snapper, this jig has caught everything else including, but not limited to, john dory, hapuka, bass, gemfish, albacore, skipjack, and even an overly zealous gurnard.
It is also the lure, and almost certainly the only jig, responsible for catching a 60kg southern bluefin tuna in New Zealand.
This amazing feat achieved by Flyn Jack (@Flynjack fishing) was a night effort, and certainly blew away everyone on board, with the story soon travelling at tunaspeed across social media.
So, what is this lure all about, why is it so good, and how do you best use it?
The jig’s design
You’ll notice the distinctive triangular cross section of this lure the moment you see it.
Perhaps this is largely responsible for the fluttering action imparted once it’s on the drop, as the hydrodynamics constantly fight to balance the jig in the water and can’t get it to sit still.
This action is very attractive to fish, subsequently this shimmering motion, combined with, take a breath, holographic, ultraviolet, and luminous paint combo throw a host of ‘panicked baitfish’ signals out to nearby predators.
Choose any of the several colours available, it’s one of those things that sometimes does, and sometimes doesn’t make a difference.
Luckily, they all work so there’s no wrong choice.
Importantly, the finish is nice and hard and durable, so it stays looking good and performing well long after it’s been chewed by a few critters.
It’s also a very strong jig cross section, and tends not to bend, even slightly, unlike a lot of other longer, softer jigs, so it retains its integrity and action after a lot of punishment.
How to fish the DT
Although it most resembles a classic mechanical, or knife jig, designed for chasing fast pelagic species like kingfish, the action is so active, that you can take a break and fish it in a slower, more energy conserving fashion more like a slow pitch jig.
Having this double-edged nature, the jig becomes very versatile, as you can speed jig till your arms fall off, and then simply change action to a slower, more rhythmical retrieve with longer pauses, allowing the lure to flutter down and impart most of the action itself.
The ends of the jig are asymmetrically tapered to enhance this option (hence it’s name, the Double Trouble).
Attach the line to the longer, sharper end of the lure by simply moving the split ring from one end to the other, and the jig is claimed to knife up and down faster in the vertical plane like a classic speed jig.
Leave it attached to the shorter ‘eye’ end and the action is a little more active in the horizontal plane to give additional hang-time for slower jigging action.
Whatever end you choose to anchor your leader to the jig, make sure you attach it to the solid ring, not the split ring and not directly to the lure.
I’ve found you can alter the action of the jig nicely whatever end it’s mounted to, so don’t often bother changing it around much.
Summary
This is a proven performer. A jig that works on any fish that hits jigs, and even a few that don’t usually.
It’s strong, good value for money, and definitely one that more than holds its’ own in any jig bag arsenal.
If you’re looking for a jig with a little extra X factor, and one that allows you to give your arms a breather during longer jig sessions, then grab a few colours and sizes, and don’t be shy about going big.
We’ve caught good snapper on a 300 gram Double Trouble on more than one occasion.
From the top...White warrior, Shady Lady, Rainbow Warrior, Orange Assassin, and Ballistic Blue. For more details try the Catch Website
