Auto Jigging Machines — What They Are and Why They Help You Catch More Fish
Auto Jigging Machines — What They Are and Why They Help You Catch More Fish
This article explains what auto jigging machines are, why anglers use them, and the key differences between older mechanical designs and the newest programmable models. In particular, it highlights the latest generation of auto jiggers—like the SUNFRAN Smart Jigger—that let you record and replay your own jigging cadence, giving you full control over how your lure is worked.
What Is an Auto Jigging Machine?
An auto jigging machine is a device that moves your rod with a controlled, rhythmic motion that mimics natural lure action. Many fish respond strongly to lift-and-drop sequences, subtle twitches, and short pauses—motions that can be difficult to repeat exactly the same way throughout a long outing.
Auto jiggers allow anglers to maintain the presentation they want while focusing on other tasks, fishing multiple lines, or simply avoiding fatigue during extended sessions.
Mechanical vs. Programmable Auto Jiggers
Not all jigging machines operate the same way. The biggest difference is between older mechanical designs and modern programmable units.
Mechanical Auto Jiggers (Fixed Cam-Wheel Motion)
Most traditional auto jiggers rely on a cam-wheel, gear, or mechanical linkage. These systems:
- Follow a single, pre-defined motion determined by the cam shape
- May offer different speeds, but the pattern itself never changes
- Repeat the same sequence endlessly
- Cannot store, modify, or customize any motion
- Cannot match your personal jigging style
The result is predictable but limited motion—useful in some situations, but not adaptable to species, lure type, or changing bite behavior.
Programmable Auto Jiggers (Next-Generation Precision)
Modern programmable jiggers, such as the SUNFRAN Smart Jigger, use electronic control instead of fixed mechanical parts. This allows:
- Real-time recording of your own jigging motion
- Saving separate presentations to A and B slots
- Replaying your personal cadence exactly as you performed it
- Adapting motion to species, conditions, and lure weight
Instead of forcing you into a preset mechanical pattern, the Smart Jigger captures your pattern—whatever you decide works best that day.
Why Anglers Use Auto Jigging Machines
Anglers use auto jiggers for simple, practical reasons that fit real-world fishing situations:
1. Running Multiple Ice-Fishing Holes or Rods
When managing several holes or multiple rods, you can only jig one by hand at a time. An auto jigger keeps another line active while you move around, check sonar, re-rig, or fight a fish.
2. Keeping Kids Engaged
Kids lose interest quickly if a rod sits still. A moving rod keeps them watching, excited, and involved—especially during slow periods.
3. Taking a Break From Manual Jigging
Even dedicated anglers need a break. An auto jigger maintains motion while your arm, wrist, or shoulder rests, without interrupting your session.
4. Increasing Your Chances and Avoiding the “Skunk”
Long stretches with an inactive rod can ruin a trip. Auto jiggers keep the lure alive and moving, helping you avoid the dreaded outcome of packing up without a single fish.
How to Record & Replay Your Own Cadence on the Smart Jigger
The Smart Jigger stores two custom presentations—A and B—which you can record and replay anytime.
To see an example of what a custom cadence can look like—including a vivid/aggressive sequence of movements, followed by a slow shaking rise, and a quicker drop—watch this short demonstration:
YouTube Short Demo:
You can record any motion you want—this is just one example.
Replaying a Saved Presentation (A or B)
To play back a stored jigging pattern:
-
Short press (under 1 second) on A or B
→ The Smart Jigger immediately begins looping the presentation saved in that slot.
Recording a New Presentation (A or B)
Each button holds one memorized pattern. Recording a new one replaces the previous saved motion.
To record your own cadence:
-
Long press A (or B) for about 1 second
This begins a new recording and clears the previous one. -
Use the TEACH movement control to jig the rod
Lift, drop, twitch, and pause exactly the way you want. The Smart Jigger captures your motion in real time. You can create any style: subtle finesse, aggressive bursts, slow rises, fast drops—whatever the fish respond to. -
Short press A (or B) again to finish
The Smart Jigger stops recording and immediately starts replaying your newly saved pattern on a loop.
Your personal presentation is now stored and can be played back anytime with a tap.
Final Thoughts
Auto jigging machines serve a simple purpose: they keep the motion you want going, even when you’re busy, managing multiple rods, or taking a short break. Mechanical cam-wheel jiggers provide motion but are limited to a single built-in pattern. Programmable jiggers—like the SUNFRAN Smart Jigger—go much further by letting you record and replay your own unique jigging style, tailored to species and conditions.
For anglers who want their lure worked exactly the way they choose, and who appreciate the ability to reproduce proven presentations, programmable auto jiggers represent the latest and most capable evolution of automated jigging technology.