METALZON BM
Made-in-Japan ika-metal squid jigging baitcasting rods with glass solid tips for sensitive bite detection
The METALZON BM is Tailwalk's master-build ika-metal (squid jigging) baitcasting series, a specialist tool for the Japanese boat squid technique known as ika-metal, where weighted metal jigs (typically 40–120 g) are worked vertically to attract and hook squid at mid-water to near-bottom depths. The target species is primarily Japanese spear squid (Todarodes pacificus) from boats over deep water, a technique demanding both bite sensitivity to detect squid grabs and suppleness in the tip to avoid pulling the hooks free.
The BM (master-build) designation means made-in-Japan construction with higher component and blank tolerances than the base series. A glass solid tip is the critical construction feature, glass flex is more forgiving than carbon at the tip, reducing the feel of resistance that prompts squid to release before the angler strikes. X-wrapping suppresses blank twist during the low-tempo rod work common in ika-metal. The taper is redesigned versus earlier Metalzon blanks specifically to improve detection of subtle squid contact.
Compatible PE line max rating is 0.8, very thin braid appropriate for sensitive feedback transmission through the blank. Two baitcasting models, both 6'2": C62M/GSL (lure 1-7/16–4-1/4 oz / 40–120 g) and C62MH/GSL (lure 2-1/8–4-15/16 oz / 60–140 g). GSL suffix likely references the glass solid tip. The MH model covers heavier jig weights for deeper water or faster current. Both share the same length, glass tip, and X-wrap construction.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 2 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 2 casting
- Length
- 6'2" 1.88 m
- Power
- M–MH
- Line
- 0.8PE braid
- Lure
- 1 1/2–5 oz 42.5–141.7 g
- Released
- 2026
Rods in this series
2 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C62M/GSL | 6'2" | M | Buy from Tailwalk | |
| C62MH/GSL | 6'2" | MH | Buy from Tailwalk |
Model notes
All 2 modelsMedium power with a 40–120 g jig range covers standard ika-metal depths. The lower floor (40 g) allows lighter jigs in shallower or calm-water conditions where squid are less spooked by heavier presentations.
MH raises the jig floor to 60 g and ceiling to approximately 140 g, this model is suited to deeper water or stronger tidal flow where heavier jigs are needed to maintain vertical contact. Calm-water ika-metal.