For Australian anglers chasing native freshwater species like Yellowbelly (Golden Perch) and Australian Bass, few techniques are as precise and effective as vertical jigging. This method, which involves dropping your lure directly below the boat and working it vertically in the water column, allows you to stay locked onto fish even when they’re sitting deep or suspending in tight schools around structure.

Shimano-sponsored angler Carl Jocumsen, Australia’s first-ever B.A.S.S. Elite Series competitor and a leading voice in modern fishing techniques, has refined the vertical jigging approach to suit tough native conditions across Queensland's lakes and impoundments. His approach combines technology, technique, and top-tier Shimano gear to consistently bring fish to the boat—even when the bite is slow.

In this article, Carl shares his tips for successful vertical jigging, along with why it’s such an essential tactic for anglers targeting suspended natives.

Tip 1: Find the Structure First

Before any lure hits the water, your first priority should be finding structure. In impoundments, fish like Yellowbelly and Bass are rarely found randomly cruising open water. Instead, they suspend near submerged trees, drop-offs, rock piles, creek beds, or man-made structures like old foundations or standing timber.

Carl relies heavily on high-quality sonar and side-imaging technology to scan and locate structure, then zoom in on fish that are holding at specific depths. Once fish are marked, it's time to slow down, position the boat or kayak precisely above them, and get ready to present the lure.

Tip 2: Spot the Fish and Use the Short, Sharp Rip Technique

Once you’ve found the structure and located fish, you need to get your lure in the strike zone. There are two ways to do this:

Count your lure down after casting or dropping straight over the side.

Measure depth using your electronics and drop your lure directly to that level.

Carl's preferred technique once the lure is in place is the short, sharp rip technique. This involves a quick lift of the rod tip—enough to make the lure jump a metre or two—followed by a pause to let it flutter back down. This action mimics a distressed baitfish and often triggers a reaction strike from nearby predators.

The technique works not just with blades or metal jigs, but also with soft plastics rigged on jig heads. In fact, Carl often switches to a Squidgies plastic if fish are reacting more to a slower or more subtle fall. Regardless of the lure, the key is to make short, aggressive twitches to keep the lure in the zone and get those fish fired up.

Tip 3: Match Your Gear to the Technique

When vertically jigging, you need a light, responsive setup that offers both control and sensitivity. You’ll be holding your rod all day, making repetitive motions, and detecting subtle bites on the drop—so comfort and performance matter.

Carl recommends the following setup:

A Shimano Vanford FA in 2500 or 3000 size.

10lb braided mainline, for minimal stretch and maximum sensitivity

A 10–12lb fluorocarbon leader, which offers abrasion resistance when fishing near timber.

This balanced combo allows for accurate depth control, solid hooksets, and enough stopping power to manage large fish around snags. The lightweight feel of the Vanford FA means you won’t fatigue over long sessions, and its design makes it ideal for finesse and reaction-style techniques.

Tip 4: Smooth Drag is the Game Changer

Fish like Yellowbelly and Bass are notorious for running straight into structure after they’re hooked. That’s why Carl emphasizes the importance of a smooth and reliable drag system. A jerky or sticky drag can result in pulled hooks, snapped leaders, or worse—fish wrapping you in trees and getting away.

The Shimano Vanford FA delivers where it counts. Its ultra-smooth drag offers consistent resistance across the fight, allowing you to apply pressure without risking break-offs. Especially when using light leaders around hard cover, that silky drag performance makes a world of difference.

Vertical jigging is a smart, controlled way to target suspended natives in deep water. When executed properly—with the right structure, cadence, and tackle—it allows anglers to turn tough sessions into productive ones.

Whether you’re fishing a large impoundment, a hidden dam, or a well-known Bass hotspot, Carl Jocumsen’s vertical jigging method provides a blueprint for success. Equip yourself with the right gear—like the Shimano Vanford FA, which Carl trusts for its performance and precision—and you’ll be ready to tackle Australia’s iconic freshwater predators with confidence.

So next time you mark fish off the bottom, drop straight down, work the rip, and hold on.