Shimano Ocea Jigger MX8+ PE: Slow Jigging Braid Goes 8-Strand, With More Spring and Better Water Cut

Slow-pitch jiggers know Shimano’s dedicated braid, the Ocea Jigger MX4 PE. Ten years after it launched, its successor has arrived: the Ocea Jigger MX8+ PE. It moves from a 4-strand to an 8-strand braid, and it is not just about low stretch. Shimano has also improved how quickly the line springs back, and how cleanly it cuts through the water. It went on sale in Japan in September 2026, from ¥5,200 (before tax) for 300 m.

What changed from MX4 to MX8+

In short, the stretch stays as low as the MX4, but the spring-back and the water cut are much better.

What is the MX+ process?

How a braid feels in use (stretch, stiffness, water cut) depends a lot on the heat-stretching process after braiding. MX+ is a new process in which Shimano reworked those heat-stretching conditions from scratch. It forms a highly crystallised layer deeper into the line and smooths the surface, which Shimano says gives low stretch, the right amount of spring, and excellent water cut for jigging.

What it changes in each part of the jigging stroke

Shimano’s point is that a line that only resists stretch, like stiff wire, does not work well with the rod’s recovery and the jig’s movement. Low stretch, spring-back and water cut together are what make slow-pitch jigging feel right.

What the tester says

Shimano’s field tester says water cut was the part of the MX4 that needed improving most. The deeper the water and the worse the current, the more water cut matters, so it was his main request for the MX8+.

He describes the MX4 as “doesn’t stretch, but doesn’t spring back much”, and the MX8+ as “hard to stretch, and wants to spring back strongly”. In deep water, you can use the line’s recovery to move the jig, which makes jigging easier and hook sets more solid. He says the difference is clearest in difficult double or triple current layers, and in very deep jigging at 600 to 800 m.

Lineup and prices

Prices are before tax. The line changes colour every 10 m in a five-colour pattern, so you can read depth, and how fast and at what angle the line is going out.

Choosing size and length

Choose by depth, current, target size and what your charter boat asks for. Thinner line is less affected by current, while thicker line gives you more margin with big fish. If the boat recommends a size, follow it.

Part of the “Jerking Concept”

The MX8+ was developed under Shimano’s Infinity Connect idea of matching tackle. Its new “Jerking Concept” pairs the Ocea Jigger Infinity rods, reels with an S Compact Body, and the MX8+ PE, aiming for low-stress, repeated jerks through a new reel seat and a matched balance between rod recovery and line stretch.

Make it last

• Rinse the whole spool in fresh water after every trip
• Dry it out of direct sunlight
• Use a PE line coating spray to keep it slick and durable
• Cut off damaged line at the end often
• After long use, reverse the line on the spool

My take

For years, braid has mainly been judged on how little it stretches. What makes the MX8+ interesting is that it moves on to the next question: how does the line spring back after it does stretch? Using the line, not just the rod, to move the jig matters most in deep water and difficult current, so anglers who have done a lot of slow jigging will probably feel the difference most.

Read next

• Shimano 26 Ocea Jigger LD
• PE Line and Leader Chart
• Shimano 26 Grappler 300

MINAGIMAN

JAPAN ANGLER

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Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.