The Shimano Butterfly Jigging System was developed in Japan, the concept started back in the early 1990's when sport fisherman were targeting Bluefin Tuna.  Commercial pressure was keeping the tuna from coming to the surface, frustrated fisherman needed a way to get their offerings down deep fast to reach these fast moving fish.  Many styles of jigs have been tried, the Shimano Butterfly Jigs with their unique profile and hard edges have been proven to be very effective at creating violent reactionary bites.




Shimano Flat Side Butterfly Jigs


The Butterfly Jigging System centers around the jigs themselves, however, there are several components that complete the system and make if most functional.  The Jigs have the most action with a free moving connection from the leader to the lure.  To accomplish this, Shimano suggests using a solid and split ring connection.



The fluorocarbon leader is connected to a solid ring, which is then attached to a split ring, which in turn is connected to the jig.  The Assist style hooks are attached to the same solid ring as the leader.  This accomplishes several goals, it establishes a direct connection between the leader and the hooks.  The jig remains free swinging, to give it the best fish enticing action and also prevents the fish from using the jig as a lever to get the hooks out.



 Owner Split Rings

The hooks are assist style rigged with dyneema or wire, and are suspended from the front of the jig on the ring system.  Owner has developed the  Dancing Stinger Rigs   in several sizes and lengths to accommodate the Shimano Butterfly Jigs.



The rods of choice are the Shimano Trevally Jigging Rods, they were developed specifically for use with the Butterfly jigs.  The Trevala rods, have a moderate action, with plenty of pulling power, built from Shimano's TC4 construction, these rods are very tough.  The moderate action provides the proper action and shock absorption when using the spectra braid lines.



The reels need to have a high speed retrieve and lots of power, the new Torsa  lever drag reels and the Stella   Spinning reels are ideal.  These reels are loaded with a braid line like Power Pro , then fished with a 10-12' Fluro Carbon Leader. .




Two other pieces of gear complete the Shimano Butterfly Jigging system, the Butterfly Jig Storage Bags , and the special Baysteel Plier.   The jig bag provides a protective environment for your lures as well as places to store your rings, hook rigs and pliers.  The Baysteel Pliers are a multi-function plier that opens and holds open the Hyper Wire split rings, cuts the braided line, and has an area specifically designed to hold the solid ring while attaching the fluorocarbon leader.