Lures · Both coasts

Casting metal

A slim, heavy metal lure that casts a long way and imitates a small baitfish. Lure fishing's all-rounder.

HOW TO FISH IT← YOUBraid PE 1.0–1.5about 15–20lbFG knotFluoro leader 15–20lb1–2mClip or split ringlets the metal swingCasting metal 20–40g60–100g on a heavier spinning rodSingle or treble hookfast, just under the surface: mackerel, garfishsink and draw: pollack, coalfish, bass
Targets
Mackerel, garfish, pollack, coalfish, bass
Where
Piers, harbour walls, rocks and beaches; May to October

What you need

Mainline
PE 1.0–1.5 braid, about 15–20lb
Leader
1–2m of 15–20lb fluorocarbon, joined with an FG knot
Clip
Small strong lure clip or split ring
Lure
20–40g on a lure rod; 60–100g on a heavier spinning rod
Hook
Single hooks snag less; trebles hook mackerel better
Colours
Silver or blue-silver in clear water; pink or gold when coloured

Build it

  1. Join the leader to the braid with an FG knot.
  2. Tie a lure clip to the leader with a uni knot or Palomar.
  3. Clip on the metal. A clip lets it swing freely and change quickly.
  4. For mackerel and garfish, cast and wind fast as soon as it lands.
  5. For pollack and coalfish, let it sink near the bottom, then lift, drop and wind in a sawtooth.
On the beach

Count the metal down: cast, then count while it sinks. When you catch, note the count and use it again. It finds the depth the fish are at.

Knots for this rig are in Knots. Line strengths, hook sizes and weights are starting points: scale them to your tackle, the ground and the tide. Diagrams are schematic and not to scale.