Deep jigging in the Maldives targets the outer reef walls where the atoll drops from 30m to 300m+. This is where Dogtooth Tuna patrol - arguably the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound in the Indian Ocean.
We use knife jigs from 150g to 400g, dropped on heavy spinning or conventional setups. The technique is demanding - fast mechanical jigging to trigger reaction strikes from fish that live in deep, current-swept water.
South Ari Atoll has some of the best jigging structure in the Maldives. The channels between islands create current convergence zones where bait stacks up and predators concentrate on the deep walls.
Peak months are April and October during monsoon transitions, when current shifts concentrate bait at the channel mouths. Dogtooth are present year-round on the deep walls. This is an advanced trip - expect hard physical work and big rewards.
TARGET SPECIES
PRICING
Per boat. Includes captain, crew, all gear, drinks, snacks, resort pickup.
INCLUDED
BEST MONTHS
Peak: April & October (monsoon transitions concentrate bait at channel mouths). Good: Year-round. Dogtooth live on the deep reef walls in every season.
OTHER TRIPS
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Typically 80-150 metres on the steep drop-offs and seamounts, with jigs from 150-400g depending on current. The atoll wall in South Ari puts serious depth minutes from the islands.
It's a workout - repeated lifting and dropping of heavy jigs, and dogtooth tuna fight brutally hard. We rate it intermediate; reasonable fitness makes the day far more enjoyable.
Dogtooth tuna is the prize. Ruby snapper, amberjack, big eye pomfret, grouper, and jobfish round out a typical day. Everything except the doggies is superb eating.
Yes - dedicated jigging rods, high-drag reels, braid, and a full spread of jigs matched to the depth and current. Bring your own outfit if you have one you love.
Deep jigging produces year-round - the fish hold on the same structure every month. Calmer boat rides December-April, hotter current-driven bite May-November.