The Shimano Butterfly Flat-Fall Jig 350g is purpose-built for West Coast anglers targeting big bluefin tuna, ling cod, and large pelagics. Its center-balanced design causes the jig to fall horizontally with a wide, wobbling action staying in the strike zone longer than a traditional butterfly jig and triggering reaction strikes from fish that won’t chase a fast-moving lure.

The Flat-Fall Advantage

Most jigs fall nose-down and exit the strike zone fast. The Butterfly Flat-Fall is center-balanced, so it falls horizontally in a slow, erratic wobble that mimics a dying baitfish. That horizontal fall keeps the jig in front of fish longer on every drop and that extra hang time is often the difference between a bite and a miss.

Why Standard Jigs Miss the Mark on Big Tuna

Big bluefin and ling cod aren’t always in a chasing mood. A fast-falling vertical jig blows through the zone before a reluctant fish commits. The Flat-Fall’s slow, horizontal wobble gives suspended fish time to track, react, and eat making it one of the most effective jigs in the spread when fish are marking but not biting aggressively.

Unrigged for a Reason

The Butterfly Flat-Fall 350g ships unrigged so you can match the hook setup to the class of fish you’re targeting. For big bluefin, go with a heavy assist hook like the Mustad J-Assist 2 or BKK SF Deep. For ling cod and mixed-species jigging, the Mustad J-Assist 1 or BKK SF Reef Master are proven choices. Choosing the right hook is critical don’t leave it to chance.

Recommended Assist Hooks:

• Mustad J-Assist 1
• Mustad J-Assist 2
• BKK SF Reef Master
• BKK SF Deep

The Right Pick If…

• You’re targeting big bluefin tuna on the West Coast
• Fish are marking but not committing to fast-moving jigs
• You want a jig that stays in the strike zone longer on the fall
• You’re jigging deep structure for ling cod or large rockfish
• You prefer to rig your own hooks for the specific class of fish you’re targeting

Best Fishing Techniques

• Free-spool drop drop to the bottom, crank up 30 feet, then free-spool and let the jig fall on a slack line; the horizontal wobble does the work
• Cast and fall cast the jig, free-spool as it sinks, wait for the bite, then jerk and repeat; deadly on surface-feeding bluefin
• Slow pitch jigging use short, rhythmic lifts to keep the jig in the zone and trigger strikes from suspended fish
• Deep structure jigging work the jig along the bottom for ling cod and large rockfish holding on structure

Best Conditions

• Offshore West Coast bluefin tuna grounds from San Diego to Monterey
• Deep water structure ling cod and rockfish on rocky bottom and ledges
• When fish are marking on sonar but not responding to faster presentations
• Calm to moderate conditions where a slow, deliberate fall is most effective

Best For

• Species: Bluefin Tuna, Ling Cod, Yellowfin Tuna, Large Rockfish, Yellowtail
• Techniques: Free-spool drop, cast and fall, slow pitch jigging, deep structure jigging
• Rigging: Unrigged pair with heavy assist hooks matched to your target species

Key Features

• Center-balanced design falls horizontally with a wide, erratic wobble
• Longer strike zone stays in front of fish longer than nose-down jigs
• Unrigged customize your hook setup for the specific class of fish you’re targeting
• 350g weight designed for deep water and strong current conditions
• Available in Chartreuse White, Super Glow, and Zebra Glow
• Built by Shimano for West Coast offshore conditions

Models & Specs

Tackle Express Tips

• Match your hook to the fish: For big bluefin (100+ lb class), go heavy Mustad J-Assist 2 or BKK SF Deep. For ling cod and mixed-species jigging, the Mustad J-Assist 1 or BKK SF Reef Master give you the right balance of strength and hook gap.
• Super Glow and Zebra Glow shine at depth: In deeper water or low-light conditions, the glow colors charge quickly under a light source and stay visible in the water column giving fish a visual target when natural light fades.
• Let the fall do the work: Resist the urge to jig aggressively. The Flat-Fall’s action is in the drop free-spool on a slack line and let the horizontal wobble trigger the bite. Most strikes happen on the fall, not the retrieve.

FAQ

Why does the Butterfly Flat-Fall come unrigged?
Shimano designed the Flat-Fall unrigged so anglers can match the hook setup to the specific class of fish they’re targeting. A 30 lb bluefin needs a different assist hook than a 150 lb fish. Rigging your own hooks gives you full control over hook size, strength, and position for the conditions you’re fishing.

What’s the difference between the Butterfly Flat-Fall and the standard Butterfly jig?
The standard Butterfly jig falls nose-down with a darting action. The Flat-Fall is center-balanced, so it falls horizontally with a wide, slow wobble staying in the strike zone longer and triggering strikes from fish that won’t chase a fast-moving jig. The Flat-Fall excels when fish are marking but not biting aggressively.

Which color should I choose?
Chartreuse White is a proven all-around color in clear water and bright conditions. Super Glow and Zebra Glow are best for deeper water or low-light situations where the glow finish gives fish a visible target. Carry all three and let the fish tell you what they want on the day.