If you’re into lure fishing, chances are you’ve heard of metal jigs, often called “iron plates” by anglers. These compact, heavy-duty lures are absolute beasts when it comes to catching fish in deep water or fast currents. In this guide, we’ll break down what metal jigs are, how to use them, what kind of fish you can target, and a few pro tips to level up your fishing game.
What Is a Metal Jig (Iron Plate Lure)?
A metal jig, also known as an iron plate lure, is a piece of metal shaped to resemble a baitfish. Don’t let its simple design fool you—this thing is heavy, aerodynamic, and sinks like a bullet. That means you can cast it far and get it down deep super quickly.
Because of this, metal jigs are especially great for targeting aggressive fish species that hang out in mid to deep water.
Best Conditions and Fish for Metal Jigs
You might wonder, “Are metal jigs only for saltwater?” Mostly yes, but they work in freshwater too—especially in deeper areas.
Ideal Conditions:
Saltwater: Offshore, reef areas, boat fishing, rocky shorelines
Freshwater: Large reservoirs, deep lakes (over 5 meters)
Target Fish:
Saltwater: Mackerel, tuna, amberjack, grouper, snapper, squid
Freshwater: Bass, trout (in deep water), big catfish (sometimes)
How to Use Metal Jigs
The most common ways to fish a metal jig are called the fast jerk and slow pitch techniques. Don’t worry—they sound more complicated than they really are.
1. Fast Jerk (High Speed Retrieve)
How to do it:
Cast and let the jig sink to the bottom
Start reeling in quickly while jerking your rod tip upward
After a few jerks, pause briefly to let it fall again
Why it works: The pause triggers bites—predatory fish love hitting a “wounded” baitfish on the drop.
2. Slow Pitch (Slow Jigging)
How to do it:
Let the jig fall to the bottom
Slowly crank the reel while gently lifting and lowering the rod
Creates a fluttering, dying-baitfish motion
Best for: Cold days, lazy fish, or high-pressure conditions when fish aren’t aggressive
Best Gear to Pair with Metal Jigs
To get the most out of your metal jig, it’s important to pair it with the right gear:
Rod: Medium-heavy (MH) or heavy (H) power rod for better control and hook setting
Line: Braided PE line with a fluorocarbon leader—gives strength and abrasion resistance
Hooks: Assist hooks (single or double) for solid hook-ups, especially when fish bite on the fall
Pro Tips for Fishing with Metal Jigs
Don’t cast too hard – the jig is heavy and can cause line tangles if you whip it.
Adjust depth based on fish activity – deep jigging for bottom feeders, mid-water jigging for pelagics.
Experiment with rhythm – sometimes all it takes is changing your retrieve speed to trigger a strike.
Color matters – bright for clear water and sunny days, darker for murky water or cloudy skies.
Check your gear often – heavy jigs can wear out your knots and hooks faster than lighter lures.
Final Thoughts: Metal Jigs Are a Must-Have for Any Serious Angler
Whether you’re targeting tuna offshore or bass in a deep lake, metal jigs are an incredibly versatile and powerful tool. They’re easy to use once you get the hang of the retrieve rhythm and can lead to some of your biggest catches.
If you haven’t tried metal jigs yet, now’s the time. Grab a few in different weights and colors, and get out there—you might just hook into a monster!