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Braid 30-80 lbFG knotFluorocarbon leaderSolid ringAssist hooksMetal jig100-400g
Technical layout
Braid 30-80 lbFG knotFluorocarbon leaderSolid ringAssist hooksMetal jig100-400g
Jigs and lures · Rig diagram & setup

Vertical Metal Jig Rig Diagram & Gear List

A long, slim metal jig is dropped straight down to the fish and ripped or pitched back up, with short assist hooks hung from its head rather than a treble on its tail. It reaches fast pelagics and reef fish in deep water or current, and the head-mounted hooks cut snagging and foul-hooking.

Also known as: Speed Jig Rig (US, AU, NZ)

Where to use it
boat, kayak
Difficulty
intermediate

Gear List

  • main Line30-80 lb braid
  • leader40-100 lb fluorocarbon
  • leader Length6-15ft of leader joined to braid with an FG or PR knot
  • hook RangeOne or two 3/0 - 7/0 assist hooks on Kevlar or PE cord, hung from the jig's top eye
  • weight TypeMetal jig (knife, speed, or slow-pitch), 3.5-14oz (100-400g), which is also the lure
  • sinker Drop LengthNot applicable, the jig is the weight
  • swivelSolid ring and split ring at the jig's top eye, no swivel in the leader
  • extrasAssist hooks, solid ring, and split ring
Optional gear

Gear to build this setup

These Amazon.com searches match the guide's starting specifications. Check the size, listing, and availability in your country before ordering.

Vertical saltwater metal jigs Match jig weight to depth and current.Search on Amazon3/0 to 7/0 assist hooks Check hook size, bait fit, and local hook rules before ordering.Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to tie the Vertical Metal Jig Rig

  1. Join 6-15ft of 40-100 lb fluorocarbon to the braid with an FG or PR knot.
  2. Tie the leader to a solid ring, then attach the jig's top eye and the assist hooks with a split ring.
  3. Check the assist hooks hang no further than the middle of the jig so they do not foul the body.
  4. Drop to the bottom or to marked fish, then rip or pitch the jig back up with sharp rod lifts and turns of the reel.

When and where it works best

Deep reefs, pinnacles, and bait schools in current, from 60ft to over 600ft.

How it differs from similar rigs

The leadhead jig rig swims a soft plastic along the bottom; a metal jig is worked vertically through the water column.

Is the Vertical Metal Jig Rig good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate: easy to tie, but worth a little practice to fish well. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Boat Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Vertical Metal Jig Rig good for?

Blackfin TunaYellowtail KingfishCoral TroutYellowfin Tuna

Related Rigs

Leadhead Jig RigPirk and Muppet RigSabiki RigLight Jig Head Rig
Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Vertical Metal Jig Rig?

A 30-80 lb braid main line, a 40-100 lb fluorocarbon leader (6-15ft of leader joined to braid with an FG or PR knot), a One or two 3/0 - 7/0 assist hooks on Kevlar or PE cord, hung from the jig's top eye hook, and a Metal jig (knife, speed, or slow-pitch), 3.5-14oz (100-400g), which is also the lure. Full gear list is above.

What is a Vertical Metal Jig Rig best for?

The Vertical Metal Jig Rig works best for boat, kayak fishing, and is a recommended setup for Blackfin Tuna, Yellowtail Kingfish, Coral Trout, Yellowfin Tuna. Difficulty: intermediate.

Is the Vertical Metal Jig Rig hard to tie?

It is rated intermediate. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.