Product Review: TD Black Jiggy Smalls 712MMLX

By Joshua Davey

I’ll start off by saying it is absolutely no secret that the TD Black Jiggy Smalls would have to be the most well used and versatile rod in my arsenal. Which says a lot, because typically the majority of my gear is very finely tuned to a specific purpose. Originally I ordered the Jiggy Smalls as a football jig/chatterbait (hence its name) rod for golden and redfin perch, and don’t get me wrong it absolutely excels for this form of fishing! But I have found that it is capable of so much more.

With more use I have found that its action and length is so incredibly versatile that it has become my favourite King George whiting rod by an absolute country mile. I’m sure a lot of you will read that with a funny face, because it probably goes against what a lot of people would use for these fish. Being from South Australia, I do a lot of whiting fishing. In fact, throughout winter it is just about my staple target fish.

Think about it, a typical jig rod has a fast taper and a lot of backbone, so that means a nice light sensitive tip with plenty of backbone to set the hook. I don’t know about the rest of you, but those are the two main attributes that I look for in a quality King George rod. In addition that solid backbone gives me the power and control I need if I were to hook something larger, like a big snapper or gummy shark which isn’t a rare occurrence on the inshore whiting grounds.

My last point is the fact that it’s a baitcaster, it certainly isn’t common for people to fish a baitcaster for whiting but I have completely come around to it, especially if you like to hold the rod. You are always in contact with your bait and can let out line with just the click of the thumb bar, plus being able to lock your thumb into the spool when you set the hook is of enormous benefit for good hook penetration.

Lately I have also been experimenting using this rod for Murray cod, particularly land-based due to the rods extra length at  7ft 1”. Again, far from a traditional cod rod because it is only rated 3-8kg but the areas I have been using it are dominated by smaller cod up to about 80cm. There are bigger cod mind you, but I’m yet to have an issue, be ready for the next blog when I do!

Long story short, this rod casts an absolute mile particularly for the smaller crankbaits ive been using such as the Steez RPM’s. But I’ve found this rod really shines for topwater. Topwater cod fishing is only a relatively new thing for me, but I have been absolutely loving it.

There really is nothing like fishing cold still nights, listening to your topwater lure paddling along the surface until it is brutally interrupted by what sounds like nothing short of a bomb going off. It is an absolute addiction! The jiggy smalls in my opinion just offers that perfect taper of setting the hooks on a topwater cod lure, which can be an extremely difficult task. When the fish hits, the tip almost folds away allowing the cod to take the lure down properly. But with a bit of a strike, that strong backbone really drives those hooks home!

Now these are only two examples of how I like to use this rod, I guess “left of field” but trust me this still only scrapes the surface of the potential for this rod. Don’t believe me? Next time you are in your local tackle shop, do yourself a favour, pick one up and make the choice for yourself!