Ep. 120: Connor Doyle of Reaper Slow Pitch Jigs on PCS, Slow Pitch Technique & Community

Guest: Connor Doyle (Reaper Slow Pitch Jigs)

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Episode 120, recorded live on February 24, 2026, focused on slow pitch jigging in SoCal saltwater, how the technique actually works in local conditions, and what it looks like to build a fishing brand with family behind it. Connor Doyle of Reaper Slow Pitch Jigs joined the crew to break down the drop, the fall, and why most bites happen when the jig isn’t being actively worked.

In This Episode

• How slow pitch jigging actually works — controlled lifts, slack, and letting the jig fall naturally
• Why the fall is where most bites happen in SoCal saltwater
• Connor’s first independent PCS booth after years supporting shops like Performance Tackle and Turners
• How he got invited on the show — a handshake at Tackle Meet and being present in the community
• What it looks like to run a family-supported fishing brand while balancing a full-time job
• How the SoCal fishing scene has opened up — less gatekeeping, more shared knowledge
• PCS booth setups, Tackle Meet growth, and how events are shaping the next wave of anglers

How Slow Pitch Jigging Actually Works

One of the most useful parts of this episode is Connor breaking down slow pitch jigging in a way that actually applies to SoCal conditions. The focus isn’t on working the jig aggressively — it’s on creating controlled movement and then letting the bait fall naturally.

The lift creates the action, but the fall is where the bite happens. That concept shows up across different techniques, but slow pitch makes it obvious. The jig flutters, stalls, and drops — and that’s when fish commit. If that idea sounds familiar, it’s because the same fall-based logic shows up in the bladed jig guide and other SoCal inshore presentations.

For anglers used to constant movement, this is a different way to think about presentation. You’re not forcing the bite — you’re setting up the fall and letting the bait do the work.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode is a good snapshot of where the SoCal fishing scene is right now — techniques evolving, more anglers getting involved, and small brands building real followings through consistency and community presence.

It also shows how transferable certain ideas are. The concept of letting a bait work on the fall instead of forcing movement shows up in slow pitch, bladed jigs, and other presentations. Understanding that principle opens up a lot of options on the water, especially when paired with a better read on current and structure like the SoCal structure fishing guide.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.