FAQ

  1. What is the Smart Jigger?

    It is a device that jigs automatically and mimics your own jigging moves and it will repeat them for as long as you want. You can teach it a different presentation for different species, or even for the same species at the same place, just to give the fish a different look.

    People often swing the rod during trolling to create the extra movement to get fish to strike. But swinging repeatedly is hard to do because it’s usually heavy. The Smart Jigger does the swinging for you, and proves to be deadly and irresistible.

    5x4x8 inches in size, 6 pounds in weight, it's powered by 12V or 24V battery available on your boat, or a small portable Battery Pack you can buy from Amazon for $38. The potential is only limited by your imagination...

     

  2. How much is it?

    The base model is $299, and it's compatible with Scotty #368 sounder mount (not included). The $399 model includeds an additional stainless sliding mount, which offers many more mounting options. See "How do I mount it on my boat" for more details.

    Unless otherwise specified, our price does not include third party parts such as swivels, adapters.

     

  3. Where can I buy it?

    You can purchase it right here Sunfran.com. The site is hosted on Shopify platform. All transactions are securely handled by Shopify, we don't have visibility to your credit card.

     

  4. How do I mount it on my boat?

    The base model is compatible with Scotty #368 sounder mount (not included). The simplest is to screw the bottom of the Smart Jigger on Scotty sounder mount, and plug the sounder mount into a Scotty rod holder base as shown in the picture. One nice thing about the Sounder mount itself: it comes in two pieces, the top black plastic plate and the vertical black stem/rod, they are joined by a 1/4 in bolt and a nut. If you don't tighten the joint too much, the top plate pivot like a swivel.

    If you have the model with the sliding mount, there are numerous Mounting Options documented.

     

  5. How is it powered?

    It works with DC supply 12V to 24V, and typical current draw is 0.5amp, and 5amp or 7.5amp fuse is recommended.

    We have tested with this Battery Pack, and after 10 hours of usages with moderate load, there is still 3 green bars (out of 5) remaining in the end.

    Powertool batteries are also a good option. All you need is to purchase an adapter for about $10. Adapters can be found on Amazon for DeWalt and Milwaukee.

    We also tested with 8 AA batteries using a AA Battery Holder, and the device will run over 5 hours with light load. You could replace battery after that, of course.

     

  6. What is Cash-for-Catch?

    If you already own a Smart Jigger, send us videos of your catch, if we like it, we will pay you $50 each

    Many of the videos were captured by our customers.

     

  7. Can I use it for ice fishing?

    Yes, it's perfect for ice fishing. The device itself is very portable, and it can be powered by a small Battery Pack as well as power tool batteries you already have discussed. Check discussion above. It could be the greatest thing ever for ice fishing.

    It's great gift idea for Christmas, birthday, even Father's Day, with or without a boat!

     

  8. Does it work for salmon, crappie, mackerel, striper, walleye, pike, perch...?

    We have Videos / Reviews of it catching striper, large mouth bass, small mouth, salmon, walleye, perch, wiper, drum, kokanee. Since you can teach the machine how to jig, there are limitless possibilities. It should just work for other species if you have caught them by jigging before.

     

  9. Is it legal in my state?

    We have read regulations in many states in the US, and yet to find any State that has identified auto-jigging as illegal.

    In fact, electric jigging reels are sold by Daiwa and Shimano today. Also, there have been similar auto-jigging products to the Smart Jigger in the market for years.

    Pretty much anything to be said about auto-jigging can be said about trolling. There is essentially no difference between trolling for fish with a moving boat (machine operated by human) and jigging for fish with a Smart Jigger (machine operated by human). In both cases you are watching the rod tip and not casting, and in the end, you are reeling the fish in yourself. A boat can move fast or slow, left or right, while a jigger can move fast or slow, up or down.

    Some states disallow auto hook setting devices, which detect when a fish strike and unlock a spring to set the hook. This device does not have auto hook set as it does not detect fish strike. It moves at its own speed with or without a fish on.

    California regulation disallows "Computer Assisted Remote Fishing". This device is not remote controlled, so it does not apply. It has no infrared connection, no WiFi, no Bluetooth, and no SIM card. There is no wireless connection at all, and the only cable is the power cord.

    If you have confirmed information on legality (something in writing from authority with reference to specific section of a regulation that the device violates, not just "I called" or "I was told") for your area, please write to us at info@sunfran.com, and we will post it here.

     

  10. Why should I have a machine to help me fish, does it defeat the purpose of sport fishing? Is it just lazy?

    For the same reasons you have a downrigger or a trolling motor. It's another tool to help you catch more fish.

    In a broader sense, a boat is also a tool. There is no difference between trolling for fish with a moving boat (machine) and jigging for fish with a Smart Jigger (machine). In both cases you are watching the rod tip and not casting, and in the end, you are reeling the fish in yourself.

    Imagine an elderly and disabled person who had enjoyed fishing their whole life still wishes to see a fish strike, but no longer has the physical strength of the past.

    Imagine grandparents and parents taking the kids fishing, having them watch a couple of Smart Jiggers catching fish. It would be a lot more fun than messing with worms and the kids getting bored quickly.

    Imagine a fishing guide taking novice clients out on trips, having Smart Jiggers doing the guide's presentation will be a lot more efficient in catching fish than teaching the clients to fish for the first time. Clients can still learn to fish if they choose, the Smart Jigger just gives them another great option and better odds in catching fish.

    Fishing can be extremely slow. Having a device that can fish alongside myself while I still do my own casting and jigging was the reason we came up with this device. And, when I am tired or taking a lunch break, the machine is still working for me.