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The Jackson Jester Minnow 78SF: The Ultimate Aussie All-Rounder
If you’re after a high-performance lure that thrives in both northern and southern waters, has caught an impressive species list, then look no further than the Jackson Jester. Whether you need to cast deep into the snags for hard-hitting mangrove jack, or you’re slow-rolling for monster flathead over a dark sandy drop-off, or twitching for a reaction strike from a barra, this lure delivers.
What Makes the Jackson Jester Minnow a Must-Have?
With a fast-diving action, pinpoint casting accuracy, and premium strength hardware, the Jester Minnow is designed to get to the strike zone instantly then stay there. Built tough in Japan, this 78mm, 10g minnow is engineered for power, precision, and versatility—ready to handle the brutal strikes and aggressive fights that come with targeting Australia’s hardest-hitting predatory fish.
Key Features of the Jackson Jester Minnow 78SF:
- Fast-Diving Action – Reaches the strike zone instantly, increasing your time in the strike zone and getting better hook-up rates.
- Slow Floating Design – stays in the zone longer, making it ideal for suspending in front of lay-down snags holding hesitant fish.
- High-Precision Casting – the weight balance system allows for long and accurate casts, getting you deep into structure.
- Versatile Retrieval Styles – perfect for trolling, slow rolling, and twitch-and-pause retrieves. The depth is 2-3m depending on the retrieve technique.
- 6 dynamic colours are available in the revised 78SF range – a mix of bright, natural, and dark tones, suited for every water condition.
- 3X Strong Vanfook CT-78 Trebles – built for serious power, ensuring you hold onto aggressive fish.
- Reinforced Hardware & Build – a reinforced toe point and belly hook connection provide added durability against heavy fights.
“It doesn’t matter what species you’re targeting or where you’re fishing, the Jackson Jester is a ripper! From barra and jacks up north to big flathead and mulloway down south, this lure just gets eaten!”
– Brett Ferguson
Mastering the Jackson Jester: How to Fish It for Your Target Species
1. Barramundi
If you want to hook a barra living amongst the mangroves (who doesn’t want to tick that off their bucket list?) you’ll need a lure that dives deep, suspends naturally, and can handle a fight—and the Jester Minnow ticks all those boxes.
Best Barra Techniques:
Slow Roll & Pause – a steady retrieve with intermittent pauses keeps the Jester in the strike zone longer, enticing Barra to strike.Twitch & Suspend – repeat the slow roll but add short rod twitches to the pause to create an erratic action. This imitates a wounded or distressed baitfish and can often trigger a reaction bite from fish when they are not actively feeding.
Trolling Deep Snags – the deep-diving ability of this lovely lure makes it ideal for trolling river drop-offs and rock bars. The lure’s maximum depth will depend on factor like line diameter and whether you are trolling with or against the current.
Nice barra provoked into striking the lure.
Trolling a Jester over bottom structure in a big river.
Recommended Barra Setup:
- Rod: 6'6"–7' baitcaster or spin rod (6–10kg)
- Reel: 3000–4000 size spin reel or baitcaster.
- Line: 30–50lb braid
- Leader: 40–60lb fluorocarbon
Pro Tip: Barra often hit lures during the pause—keep an eye on your line for a sudden twitch.
2. Mangrove Jack: The Assassin
Jacks are territorial, fast, and brutal—they hit hard and run straight for cover. The Jester minnow’s precision casting and instant diving action make it a perfect weapon for these ambush predators.
Best Jack Techniques:
- Aggressive Twitching – Fast and erratic retrieves provoke reaction strikes.
- Reaction Bites – If a jack follows but doesn’t hit, stop the lure dead—they can’t resist an easy meal.
Recommended Jack Setup:
- Rod: 6'–7' medium-heavy spin or baitcasting rod (8–12kg)
- Reel: 3000–4000 size spinning reel or baitcaster.
- Line: 30–40lb braid.
- Leader: 40–60lb fluorocarbon.
Pro Tip: Jacks smash lures instantly— be ready to lock your drag down and stop them before they brick you in the snags! It may cost you a burned finger or thumb on the spool – but worth it!
3. Flathead & Jewfish: Southern Heavyweights
The Jester isn’t just for northern estuaries—it’s equally deadly on flathead and jewfish in southern tidal creeks, sandbanks, and river mouths.
Best Techniques for Flathead & Jewfish:
- Slow Rolling for Flathead – Drag the Jester along sandy drop-offs to mimic an injured baitfish.
- Deep Water Twitching for Jewfish – Work it over rock bars and deep channels to get noticed.
- Trolling for Mulloway – The fast-diving design makes the Jester perfect for slow trolling deep structure.
Recommended Setup for Flathead & Jewfish:
- Rod: 7'–7'6" medium spin rod (6–12kg)
- Reel: 3000–5000 size spin reel
- Line: 15–30lb braid
- Leader: 20–40lb fluorocarbon
Pro Tip: For flathead, pause the Jester along the sandbank drop-off —they strike best from below! Check the image below.
Tackle World Expert Insights: Real-World Performance of the Jackson Jester
“You can get this lure right into the snags and it still suspends beautifully. The jacks and barra just smash it.”
“I love how this lure backs into cover—it gives you an extra foot of reach, which makes a huge difference in tight spots.”
“The Jackson Jester Minnow is so versatile—it casts like a bullet, trolls deep, and has a perfect twitch-pause action.”
“It’s rare to find a lure that suits barra, jacks, and flathead equally well—but the Jester does exactly that.”
Final Thoughts: Get a Jackson Jester Minnow in Your Box Today!
With an instant deep diving action, precision casting design and elite strength, the Jackson Jester Minnow 78SF is a true all-rounder. Whether you’re twitching it under mangroves for jacks, rolling it over drop-offs for flathead, or twitching it for a trophy barra, the Jester delivers results.
- Super accurate casting
- Fast-diving action
- Ultra-strong hardware
- Used for multiple species
So head down to your local Tackle World store, grab a Jackson Jester Minnow, and get ready for some serious fishing action!
Because every day is a good day for fishing.
