Ajing Fishing in Australia

The Complete Guide to Aji Fishing, Gear, Techniques & Reins Micro Lures

Ajing — also known as Aji fishing — is one of Japan’s most refined ultralight techniques. Built around tiny jigs, micro plastics and finesse presentations, Ajing targets horse mackerel (“Aji”) with incredible precision.

In Australia, Ajing has exploded in popularity among anglers chasing:

  • Yellowtail scad
  • Slimy mackerel
  • Herring
  • Small pelagics around jetties, harbours and breakwalls

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — gear, jig weights, retrieves, conditions, and the exact setups that work in Australian waters.

 What Is Ajing?

Ajing is a Japanese finesse technique using:

  • Ultralight rods
  • 0.2–0.6 PE line
  • 0.6–1.5g jigheads
  • Small soft plastics (1–2 inches)

The goal is to present a tiny lure naturally in the water column, imitating micro baitfish and plankton that Aji feed on.

In Australia, the same technique is deadly on:

  • Yellowtail (yakkas)
  • Slimies
  • Herring
  • Small trevally
  • Hardyheads and bait schools

 Ajing Gear: Rods, Reels, Line & Leaders

Ajing Rods

A true Ajing rod has:

  • A solid tip for sensitivity
  • A fast taper for hook‑sets
  • A lightweight blank for micro jigs

Ideal specs:

  • Length: 7’–7’6”
  • Lure weight: 0.3–5g
  • Line rating: 0.2–0.6 PE

These rods allow you to feel the slightest taps from small pelagics.

Reels

A 1000–2000 size reel is perfect.
Look for:

  • Shallow spool
  • Smooth drag
  • Lightweight body

Japanese reels excel here because they’re designed for finesse fishing

  • Line & Leader

    Mainline: 0.2–0.6 PE braid
    Leader: 2–6lb fluorocarbon

    Thinner line = better lure control and more bites.

🪙 Jigheads for Ajing (The Most Important Part)

Ajing jigheads are unique because they’re designed for:

  • Ultra‑light weights
  • Horizontal fall
  • High sensitivity
  • Precise control in current

Recommended weights for Australia

  • 0.6–1g for calm harbours
  • 1–1.5g for light current
  • 1.5–2g for deeper water or wind

Hook size

  • Size #8–#12
  • Fine‑wire, needle‑sharp

These match the tiny mouths of yellowtail and herring.

🐟 Soft Plastics for Ajing

Ajing plastics are typically:

  • 1–2 inches
  • Slim profile
  • High‑frequency vibration
  • Soft, supple material

Colours that work extremely well in Australia:

  • Clear
  • Glow
  • Pink
  • Silver
  •  UV

Match the hatch — think tiny baitfish, krill, and plankton

 Where to Do Ajing in Australia

Ajing works anywhere small pelagics gather:

  • Jetties
  • Harbours
  • Marinas
  • Breakwalls
  • Rock platforms
  • Under lights at night

Prime locations:

  • NSW estuaries
  • Sydney Harbour
  • Gold Coast marinas
  • WA rockwalls
  • SA jetties

If you can catch yakkas there, you can Ajing there.

 Ajing Technique: How to Work the Lure

Ajing is all about control and micro‑movement.

1. Let the jig sink

Count it down to the depth where fish are feeding.

2. Use tiny rod movements

  • 1–3 cm twitches
  • Slow lifts
  • Micro shakes

3. Pause often

Most bites happen on the drop.

4. Keep tension

Aji and yellowtail often “peck” — you need to feel everything.

🌙 Night Ajing

Ajing is at its best at night around:

  • Jetty lights
  • Harbour lights
  • Bridges
  • Marinas

Fish sit in the light edges picking off micro bait.

Use:

  • Glow plastics
  •  UV
  • 0.6–1g jigheads


     

    Ajing FAQ

    What is Ajing?

    A Japanese ultralight technique targeting Aji using micro jigs and tiny soft plastics.

    Can you do Ajing in Australia?

    Yes — it’s extremely effective on yellowtail, slimies, herring and other small pelagics.

    What jighead weight is best for Ajing?

    0.6–1.5g covers most Australian conditions.

    Do you need a special Ajing rod?

    A solid‑tip Ajing rod gives you better sensitivity and hook‑sets.

    Does Ajing work at night?

    Yes — it’s often more effective under lights

 

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