FAQ
Smart Jigger FAQ
- What is the Smart Jigger?
- How much is it?
- Where can I buy it?
- How do I mount it on my boat?
- How is it powered?
- What is Cash-for-Catch?
- Can I use it for ice fishing?
- Does it work for salmon, crappie, mackerel, striper, walleye, pike, perch...?
- Is it legal in my state?
- Why should I have a machine to help me fish, does it defeat the purpose of sport fishing? Is it just lazy?
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Can the Smart Jigger work together with the SUNFRAN Rod Holder?
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What is the Smart Jigger?
It is a patented device that jigs automatically. Besides factory pre-programmed patterns, it can record and replay your own cadence and will repeat it for as long as you want. You can record 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 mounted on your boat, a dock, a bench, a wall, or bucket lid. The potential is only limited by your imagination...
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How much is it?
Pricing information is available on our product page at SUNFRAN.com.
Unless otherwise specified, our price does not include third party parts such as swivels, adapters.
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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.
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How do I mount it?
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 pivots like a swivel.
The Smart Jigger can also be mounted on a bucket lid, pier, dock, or bench. Browse product pages to see details on various mounting options. There are numerous Mounting Options documented.
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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.
A small (10000mAh) USB phone battery charger (around $10) and a $8 Cable, can last a day for ice fishing (light load).
We have tested with this Battery Pack, and after 10 hours of usage with moderate load, there are still 3 green bars (out of 5) remaining in the end.
Powertool batteries with an adapter are also a good option. Adapters can be found on Amazon for DeWalt and Milwaukee, plus a XT60 cable
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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.
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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 power bank you use to recharge your phone as well as the power tool batteries discussed above. It could be the greatest thing ever for ice fishing.
The Smart Jigger can be mounted on a bucket for ice fishing setups. It works beautifully together with the SUNFRAN Rod Holder - use the Rod Holder for automatic strike detection and hookset, while the Smart Jigger attracts fish with constant jigging action. This combo is deadly effective for ice fishing and small game fish.
It's a great gift idea for Christmas, birthday, even Father's Day, with or without a boat!
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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.
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Is it legal in my state?
We have read regulations in many states in the US, and have yet to find any state that has identified auto-jigging as illegal. Minnesota now explicitly allows both auto jiggers and auto hookset devices.
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 strikes and unlock a spring to set the hook. This device does not have auto hook set as it does not detect fish strikes. 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.
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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.
The Smart Jigger allows you to fish multiple rods and multiple ice holes simultaneously. Instead of manually jigging one rod at a time, you can have Smart Jiggers working multiple holes while you focus on other rods, take breaks, or simply relax and watch for strikes. This dramatically increases your chances of finding active fish and catching more throughout the day. You can cover more water without the physical fatigue of constant jigging, making your fishing trips more productive and enjoyable.
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.
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Can the Smart Jigger work together with the SUNFRAN Rod Holder?
Yes! The SUNFRAN Rod Holder can be mounted directly on the Smart Jigger, creating the ultimate automated fishing system. Each device can also be used standalone:
- Smart Jigger alone: Automatically jigs to attract fish, but you still need to watch for strikes and set the hook manually
- Rod Holder alone: Holds your rod and automatically sets the hook when fish bite, but provides no jigging action
- Combined (Rod Holder mounted on Smart Jigger): The Smart Jigger continuously jigs to attract fish while the Rod Holder automatically detects strikes and sets the hook - you get both attraction AND automatic hookset!
When mounted together, the Smart Jigger does the attracting work with its programmable jigging action, while the Rod Holder ensures you don't miss a strike even when you're not actively watching. It's like having an experienced angler working 24/7.
This combination is deadly for ice fishing and small game fish. For ice fishing, the Smart Jigger can increase your bite rate by up to 10x, and the SUNFRAN Rod Holder ensures you don't miss any of those bites with automatic hookset.
The combination can be bucket-mounted for a portable, effective setup. You can also use multiple Smart Jiggers with Rod Holders to cover more holes and maximize your catch rate without the physical strain of manually jigging for hours.
SUNFRAN Rod Holder FAQ
- What is the SUNFRAN Rod Holder?
- How does it work?
- How much does it cost?
- Where can I buy it?
- How do I mount it?
- Does it need batteries or power?
- Can I adjust the sensitivity?
- What can I use it for?
- What species does it work for?
- Why do I need the SUNFRAN Rod Holder?
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Can the SUNFRAN Rod Holder work together with the Smart Jigger?
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What is the SUNFRAN Rod Holder?
The SUNFRAN Rod Holder is a revolutionary alerting and hook-setting rod holder designed for ice fishing and small game fish. Patent Pending. Key features: no messing with your fishing line, no bulky setup. It features a built-in mechanical strike alert that requires no battery or clip-on device, and an automatic hookset mechanism.
Unlike other products on the market, this rod holder is ultra-simple: No batteries needed, no attachments required, and no need to reroute your fishing line. It's a game-changer for ice fishing and panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch) in open water.
The small footprint allows it to be easily wall mounted in a RV or ice-house where space is tight. Nobody has anything quite like it.
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How does it work?
The SUNFRAN Rod Holder uses a spring-loaded mechanism that holds the rod. When a fish strikes, the pressure on the rod triggers the holder to release, causing it to swing upward and set the hook automatically. At the same time, a mechanical click alerts you of the strike.
The beauty of this design is its simplicity - no electronics, no batteries, and no complex setup. The mechanical action is reliable and effective, giving you consistent hooksets even when you're not actively watching the rod.
Unlike other systems, this doesn't require you to reroute your fishing line through triggers or sensors. The line stays in your rod guides as normal, making setup quick and easy while maintaining the natural action of your presentation.
Please read the SUNFRAN Rod Holder Users Guide for detailed operation instructions.
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How much does it cost?
Pricing information is available on our product page at SUNFRAN.com. The site is hosted on Shopify platform, and all transactions are securely handled by Shopify.
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Where can I buy it?
You can purchase the SUNFRAN Rod Holder directly from our website at SUNFRAN.com. All transactions are securely handled by Shopify, and we don't have visibility to your credit card information.
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How do I mount it?
The SUNFRAN Rod Holder can be mounted on top of a bucket lid, piece of 2x6 wood, a bench, or anything. It offers easy mounting options:
- Bucket Lid: Can be mounted on a 5-gallon bucket lid - perfect for ice fishing
- Wall Mount: Available for mounting in RVs, ice houses, fish houses, or ice castles
- Portable Setup: Easy to set up and take down for different fishing locations
The mounting system is designed to be simple and functional, allowing you to focus on fishing rather than complicated installations. Please refer to the Users Guide for specific mounting instructions.
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Does it need batteries or power?
No! One of the key features of the SUNFRAN Rod Holder is that it operates purely mechanically. There are no batteries to replace, no power cords to manage, and no electronics that can fail in cold weather or get wet. This makes it extremely reliable and perfect for ice fishing conditions.
The mechanical alarm that alerts you to strikes also requires no battery or clip-on device, making this one of the simplest and most maintenance-free rod holders available.
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Can I adjust the sensitivity?
Yes! Sensitivity adjustment is simple - just move the rod forward or backward to customize the trigger threshold for different fishing conditions, rod types, and target species.
This allows you to fine-tune it for light-biting panfish or adjust it for more aggressive strikes, helping prevent false triggers from wind or current while ensuring you don't miss legitimate bites.
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What can I use it for?
The SUNFRAN Rod Holder is versatile and can be used in multiple fishing scenarios:
- Ice Fishing: The primary use case - perfect for monitoring multiple holes without having to hold each rod
- Panfish in Open Water: Great for bluegill, crappie, and perch fishing from boats or docks
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What species does it work for?
The SUNFRAN Rod Holder is ideal for ice fishing and small game fish, particularly panfish species such as:
- Bluegill
- Crappie
- Perch
- Other panfish species
The adjustable sensitivity allows you to adapt it to different species and their bite characteristics. It's particularly effective for species that are commonly targeted through ice fishing or light tackle fishing.
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Why do I need the SUNFRAN Rod Holder?
The SUNFRAN Rod Holder lets you fish multiple holes simultaneously, take breaks without missing bites, and keep kids engaged and having fun. Ice fishing can be slow, and catching something is always better than nothing - particularly with kids on board.
With automatic strike detection and hookset, you can monitor several holes at once without standing over each rod. This means more opportunities to catch fish while you're warming up, eating lunch, helping kids, or tending to other rods. It turns slow ice fishing days into productive ones by ensuring you never miss a bite.
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Can the SUNFRAN Rod Holder work together with the Smart Jigger?
Absolutely! The SUNFRAN Rod Holder mounts directly on the Smart Jigger for the ultimate automated fishing solution. Each device also works great on its own:
- Rod Holder alone: Automatically alerts and sets the hook when fish bite, but provides no jigging action to attract fish
- Smart Jigger alone: Continuously jigs to attract and trigger strikes, but you must watch for bites and set the hook yourself
- Combined (Rod Holder on Smart Jigger): Get both automatic jigging to attract fish AND automatic hookset when they bite - complete automation!
When mounted together, the Smart Jigger creates constant attraction and movement that brings fish to your bait, while the Rod Holder ensures you never miss a strike with its automatic alert and hookset. It's the most effective hands-free fishing system available.
This combination is deadly for ice fishing and small game fish. For ice fishing, the Smart Jigger can increase your bite rate by up to 10x, and the Rod Holder ensures you don't miss any of those bites with its automatic alert and hookset.
The combined unit can be bucket-mounted for a portable, efficient setup. This combination maximizes your catch rate by both attracting fish and ensuring automatic hooksets - it's like having an experienced angler working for you 24/7 without fatigue.