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Learn More »Shimano Lucanus Jig: The Slow Jig for Snapper & Reef Fish
Are you tired of the exhausting, fast-paced retrieve required for traditional jigging? The Shimano Lucanus Jig is the practical answer for anglers who want a simpler, more effective way to target bottom-dwelling reef fish. This isn't just another fishing lure; it's a clever system designed to do the work for you, triggering bites from quality table fish like snapper with a slow, almost effortless technique.
A Note From Fishing Luminary Steve Starling
"I’m so glad to see the Lucanus Back. I’ll be loading up a few tackle boxes with these and then loading up the fish box with some beautiful snapper!"
- Steve Starling, one of Australia's most respected fishing journalistsSource: Shimano Tackle Tour 2024 YouTube Video
Why The Lucanus Jig System Works
Pro-Tips: How to Fish The Lucanus Jig
- The Golden Rule: Do Not Strike! This is the most important tip. When you feel a bite, do not strike aggressively. Simply start a slow, steady wind. The fish will hook itself on the small assist hooks as the tension comes on. Striking hard will often pull the lure out of the fish's mouth.
- Keep Your Line Vertical: This technique is most effective when fishing directly below the boat with a vertical line. It's not a casting lure. Position your boat over the structure for the best results.
- The "Do-Nothing" Technique: The easiest method is often the most effective. Drop the Lucanus to the bottom, place the rod in a holder, and let the rocking of the boat lift and drop the jig.
- The Slow, Steady Wind: If you prefer to work the lure, the best retrieve is a simple, slow wind (about one turn per second) a few metres off the bottom. Do not jig it fast.
A Word on Colours: Our Sales Data Insights
"I was ecstatic when I found out that Shimano were bringing the Lucanus Jigs back. I remember from the days we stocked them in one of our original Kiama stores that it was the Pink/White and the Orange/White that were the two best sellers. It's interesting to see from our sales data since their re-release that this remains consistent all those years later. However, looking at my sales records, we have two new additions that are also proving very popular this time around: UV Coastal Crab and Sunset Crab are gaining some real traction with our customers both locally in our Illawarra store and online with our wider Australian customer base."
- Ben Czulowski, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) Owner
Technical Specifications & Model Selection Guide
| Weight | Ideal Depth Range | Primary Target Species |
|---|---|---|
| 60g | 15-40 metres | Snapper, Morwong, Pearl Perch |
| 80g | 20-50 metres | Snapper, Jewfish, Dhufish, Morwong |
| 100g | 30-80 metres | Snapper, Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Kingfish |
| 150g | 50-120+ metres | Red Emperor, Bar Cod, Blue-Eye Trevalla, Kingfish |
Note: Price is for a single lure and varies by weight. Hooks are included. Each size and colour is sold separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Australian fish species is the Lucanus Jig best for?
It's a go-to lure for bottom-dwelling reef fish. It is very effective on Snapper, but it's also a top performer for Pearl Perch, Morwong, Dhufish, Coral Trout, and even larger species like Red Emperor and Jewfish.
What is the correct way to fish a Lucanus Jig?
The key is to fish it slowly. The most effective technique is a slow, steady wind (about one rotation per second) a few metres off the bottom. Do not jig it aggressively. Its subtle action is designed to entice bites without fast movements, and it's so effective it can even be left in a rod holder to let the boat's motion do the work.
Why does the Lucanus Jig have a sliding head?
This is a key design feature that improves your hook-up rate. When a fish bites, the head slides up the line. This gives the lure a more natural feel in the fish's mouth and, most importantly, prevents the fish from using the heavy weight of the jig as leverage to shake the small assist hooks free during the fight.
Do I need a special "slow jig" rod to use a Lucanus?
While a dedicated slow-jig rod with a soft, parabolic action is ideal for getting the best action, it's not essential. The Lucanus can be fished effectively on any lighter graphite boat rod with a softer tip that allows you to work the lure slowly and feel the subtle bites.
When should I use a Lucanus Jig instead of a soft plastic?
The Lucanus excels in deeper water or stronger currents where getting a light soft plastic to the bottom is difficult. It's also a fantastic choice when fish are shut down and not responding to more aggressively-worked lures. Its subtle, passive action can trigger bites from fish that ignore other presentations.
How do I choose the right weight for the depth I'm fishing?
The depth ranges in our table are a great starting guide, but the most important factors are current and wind. The goal is to use the lightest jig possible that still gets to the bottom and allows you to keep your line vertical. On a calm day, an 80g jig might be perfect for 50 metres, but on a day with strong current or fast wind drift, you might need to use the 150g model to stay in the strike zone effectively.
Ready to try a simpler, more effective way to catch quality reef fish? Choose your weight and colour, and add the Shimano Lucanus Jig to your cart for fast dispatch.
