Company: Major Craft · Country: Japan · US arm: Major Craft America · Category: Slow pitch and slow jigging jigs
Major Craft’s Jigpara jigs are some of the best-value Japanese jigs sold in the US, usually $9–$19 each. For slow jigging there are two families. The small Jigpara Slow (10–100 g) comes pre-rigged with assist hooks for light slow jigging and casting. The Jigpara Vertical range covers the heavier weights Florida needs, including the Vertical Long Slow in 100–500 g. Their 6-layer coating stands up to rocks and teeth.
This review covers each Jigpara slow and vertical jig, what it does, which to use off Florida, and where to buy.
Company overview
Major Craft was founded in 2001 and makes its own products in its own factories. In the US it sells through Major Craft America and retailers including TackleDirect. We also cover its rods in our Major Craft slow jigging rods review.
At a glance
| Light slow jig | Jigpara Slow, 10–100 g, hooks included |
| Heavy slow jig | Jigpara Vertical Long Slow, 100–500 g, no hooks |
| Other vertical jigs | Vertical Short, Vertical Long, Vertical Slow Pitch, Vertical Quell |
| US price range | about $8.99–$18.99 |
| Coating | 6 layers (5 on the Quell) |
| US sources | Major Craft America, TackleDirect, Grumpy’s Tackle, Tackle Express, Amazon |
Jigpara Slow (JPSLOW)
Major Craft describes the action as a “fine-pitch leaf-fall”: an asymmetrical, oval body that slashes on the lift and falls slowly like a leaf. The balance sits slightly to the rear, so it also casts well.
Images: Major Craft
Weights and lengths
| Weight | Length |
|---|---|
| 10 g | 40 mm |
| 15 g | 45 mm |
| 20 g | 50 mm |
| 30 g | 55 mm |
| 40 g | 60 mm |
| 50 g | 65 mm |
| 60 g | 70 mm |
| 80 g, 100 g | (US listings) |
Japan’s site lists 10–60 g; Major Craft America also sells 80 g and 100 g.
Hooks: pre-rigged. The 10–15 g sizes have single assist hooks front and rear; from 20 g up, a twin assist in front and a single at the rear, on Japanese-made hooks.
Colors: Major Craft America lists 11: Iwashi, Blue Pink, Zebra Glow, Glow Pink, Zebra Pink, Zebra Iwashi, Chart Gold Zebra, Pink Gold, Pink Glow, Red Gold Zebra and Sand Eel. Japan adds Ultra Glow Blue, Orange and Green Zebra (20–60 g) for 2025.
Prices
– Major Craft America: $11.99 (20–100 g)
– Jigpara Slow Micro (10 g and 15 g): about $8.99
– Jigpara Slow Livebait Color (Live Iwashi, Aji and Saba finishes, UV): about $10.99
– TackleDirect: JPSLOW-60 (Blue Pink) $9.89, in stock, with a 5.0 rating from 9 reviews
– Grumpy’s Tackle: $8.99, listing black sea bass, grouper, cobia, blackfin tuna and Spanish mackerel as targets
Florida use: At 10–100 g, the Jigpara Slow is a shallow-water jig: inshore reefs, wrecks in 40–120 ft, and casting to breaking fish. For deeper ledges, use the Vertical range below.
Jigpara Vertical Long Slow (JPV-LS)
Major Craft America calls it “a true hybrid jig with an asymmetrical body that can be used for speed jigging or slow jigging,” ideal for middle to deep water. Japan says it has a stable horizontal fall.
| Weight | Length | Japan price |
|---|---|---|
| 100 g | 156 mm | ¥880 |
| 120 g | 166 mm | ¥957 |
| 150 g | 181 mm | ¥1,045 |
| 180 g | 192 mm | ¥1,133 |
| 200 g | 200 mm | ¥1,221 |
| 250 g | 214 mm | ¥1,353 |
| 300 g | 226 mm | ¥1,518 |
| 350 g | 240 mm | ¥1,936 |
| 400 g | 250 mm | ¥2,354 |
| 500 g | 269 mm | ¥3,047 |
- Hooks: none included
- US price: from about $12.99–$14.99 at Major Craft America
- Colors (US): Iwashi, Red Gold, Zebra Glow, Silver, Keimura Silver, Keimura Mirror, Black Zebra, Glow Head, Blue Pink, Red, Pink Gold
Florida use: This is the Major Craft jig for Florida ledges and deep water. The 180–300 g sizes suit most ledges, and 350–500 g handles deep water and current. It’s inexpensive enough that losing one in the rocks doesn’t hurt.
Jigpara Vertical Slow Pitch (JPVSP)
A dedicated slow pitch vertical jig. TackleDirect lists the JPVSP-100, 120, 150 and 250 and describes a 6-layer coating that resists “rocky bottom hits and strong teeth.” A Japanese retailer describes it as easily turning sideways, for bottom fish, rockfish and sea bream, or big pelagics. Inomata in Japan sold the 150 g at ¥871. TackleDirect didn’t show a price.
Jigpara Vertical Short and Long
Vertical Short ($12.99): 80–180 g (115–155 mm), no hooks. “Regular classic action at jerking and irregular falling, including sliding back and slow horizontal falling.”
Vertical Long ($12.99): 100–300 g (160–220 mm), no hooks. “Wide slide action at jerking and irregular falling.”
These are general vertical jigs that work for both speed and slow jigging. The Short holds bottom in current; the Long gives a bigger profile.
Jigpara Vertical Quell
Major Craft’s premium vertical jig, $18.99, in 200, 250, 300 and 400 g. Major Craft America says it took three years of development, is handcrafted and tuned, and has a mountain-shaped side body, horizontal rolling action, front weighting and a 5-layer coating. Hook details aren’t stated.
Choosing a Jigpara for Florida
| Situation | Best Jigpara |
|---|---|
| Inshore reefs and wrecks, 40–120 ft, casting | Jigpara Slow 30–60 g |
| Light slow jigging, 100–150 ft | Jigpara Slow 80–100 g or Vertical Slow Pitch 100–120 g |
| Typical ledges, 150–300 ft | Vertical Long Slow 180–250 g or Vertical Slow Pitch 150–250 g |
| Current, jig needs to hold bottom | Vertical Short 150–180 g |
| Deep ledges and Gulf Stream | Vertical Long Slow 300–500 g or Vertical Quell 300–400 g |
Glow colors (Zebra Glow, Glow Head, Glow Pink) are the go-to choice below about 200 ft.
Rigging tips
- Vertical jigs come without hooks. Rig with twin assist hooks at the head; Major Craft sells ZOC and ZOC Power assist hooks.
- Match hook size to jig size and target: bigger hooks for amberjack and grouper.
- Front hook only reduces snags on rocky ledges.
- Use a solid ring and split ring rated above your leader.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low prices ($8.99–$18.99)
- Jigpara Slow comes pre-rigged with twin assist hooks
- Vertical Long Slow goes up to 500 g
- Tough 6-layer coating
- Wide color range, including glow and livebait finishes
- Easy to buy from US sellers
Cons
- Jigpara Slow tops out at 100 g, too light for deep ledges
- Vertical jigs come without hooks
- Stock and prices vary on Major Craft America’s own pages
- Not stocked at Johnny Jigs in Pompano Beach
Major Craft vs. other slow pitch jigs
| Brand | Weight range | Price guide | Hooks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Craft Jigpara | 10–500 g | $8.99–$18.99 | Slow: yes · Vertical: no |
| Daiwa Saltiga SK | 20–300 g | $10.99–$21.99 | Yes |
| Shimano Butterfly | 80–350 g | about $12–$27 | Varies |
| Deepliner | 200–500 g (to 900 g) in the US | Premium JDM | Varies |
Where to buy Major Craft jigs
- Major Craft America · majorcraft-america.com
- TackleDirect · 888-354-7335 · tackledirect.com: Jigpara Slow and Vertical Slow Pitch
- Grumpy’s Tackle · grumpystackle.com
- Tackle Express · tackleexpress.com
- Amazon: Jigpara Slow and Vertical Slow Pitch listings
Verdict
Major Craft’s Jigpara jigs are the budget way to stock a slow pitch jig box. The Jigpara Slow is a great light jig with hooks included, ideal for inshore reefs and casting. For Florida ledges, the Vertical Long Slow (to 500 g) and Vertical Slow Pitch do the real work at a fraction of the price of boutique Japanese jigs. Add your own assist hooks, pick glow colors for deep water, and you can afford to fish them hard around structure.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Value 5/5 · Range 4.5/5 · Action 4/5 · US availability 4.5/5
FAQ
What is Major Craft Jigpara Slow?
A small, asymmetrical slow jig in 10–100 g that falls like a leaf, sold pre-rigged with assist hooks, about $9–$12.
Which Major Craft jig is best for deep water?
The Jigpara Vertical Long Slow, in 100–500 g, which Major Craft describes as a hybrid for speed and slow jigging in mid to deep water.
Do Jigpara Vertical jigs come with hooks?
No. Add your own assist hooks, such as Major Craft’s ZOC.
Where can I buy Major Craft jigs in the US?
Major Craft America, TackleDirect, Grumpy’s Tackle, Tackle Express and Amazon.
Details were checked against majorcraft-america.com, majorcraft.co.jp, TackleDirect, Grumpy’s Tackle and Inomata on September 26, 2026.