CAPTAIN TIPS
With years of accumulated knowledge it's best to learn from the pros. Learn more about fishing the iron from our local Captains who spend the majority of their time at sea.
Captain Benny Florentino - Coastal Charters
The Importance of Casting.
“The most important thing even before getting to picking out a good surface iron is CASTING. You need to be able to make a long and more importantly an accurate cast at breaking fish like Yellowtail or Tuna. It is crucial to set time aside for learning the mechanics of handling and casting a Jig Stick. “
It’s true what Ben’s says, “If you put in a lot of money into your rod, reel, jig and you can not make an efficient cast then you are getting nothing out of what you have spent.”
With that being said, get out there and make some cast!
If you’re looking for someone to take you out to target inshore species or are just tried of fishing bluefin, then look no further, Captain Ben Florentino is the person to call! Book here.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coastal_charters/
Captain Kelly Caitan from K&M Sport Fishing - San Quintin
When, Where, and How to fish a Yo-yo Iron!
"When: When the water is moving, pay close attention to the tides and watercolor! Temperatures aren't big factors when the fish are at 150-200' depth.
Where: High spots, ledges, seamounts, pinnacles. San Quintin is famous for having 5 offshore seamounts or pinnacles: Ben's rock, Breakers reef (AKA the 240), 15 Fathom, 6 Fathom, and the 210.
Upstream of the high spots is usually the ZONE. I see lots of boats throwing jigs at the rock and never getting INTO the zone. Look for the bait 10-20 yards up the current, go around it, not through it. Set up your drift just outside the bait and be ready to drop your jigs into the meat."
HOW TO: STOP, DROP, REEL, and BEND! Sometimes it's that easy, other times they get picky and won't take it if the line is cranked up at an angle.
Here is the gear that I prefer to use when fishing heavy iron: Single-speed reels, a mid-length jig stick like a 6480H strung with 65lb braid to small 5' top shots of 40-50lb fluorocarbon. Tie on a heavy iron like a Salas 6x, 6x jr, Tady 4/0, Tady 9, etc. pick your favorite brand and make sure that the jig is swimming and NOT spinning.
Drop it straight down where you see the fish: Steady wind, not too fast (medium/high-speed pace). Keep winding through the hookup, no need to swing on it just turn the handle. Stay bent, no switching to rod belt position, it's not a marlin. Call for gaff, swing (if solid), and repeat! Let it hit the bottom and start cranking at a medium/high-speed pace. Work your jig through the zone where the fish are located and drop back down. Repeat this process until one falls for the jig!
Fishing San Quintin is definitely something that has to be done in your lift time. Book a trip with the fishiest family in Baja here!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bajafishingfamily/
Captain Sam Skinner from Guardian Charters
How to approach foaming Bluefin!
“The leading edge is crucial when fishing Bluefin splashing around on the surface. Whether it be a full blown foamer or a small spot of chipping fish. It will dictate on how you approach the school and of course where your cast will land. Once you see the first splash take the extra second to watch what way the fish was moving, the fish will start to ball up with a definite leading edge. You do not want to cast in the “center” where a few fish will continue to boil, lead your cast so your iron will be coming across the leading edge of fish. This can be used will all surface lures and with that extra second of observation you will catch more fish!”
Book your next trip offshore or to the islands with Captain Sam here.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guardiancharters/
Captain Ray Summer from the Vendetta 2 - H&M Landing
"Knowing the difference between a good swimming jig and a bad one is something you must be aware of."
Almost all surface irons will swim in a Z pattern but there may be an occasional jig that will just spin, if thats the case, tie on a new one. What makes a jig stand out from the rest is the occasional, erratic, wide kick to either side. 80% of the fish you place a lure in front of their face will follow it but it takes that one KICK to get a reaction from the fish to commit.
Bonus tip: It's best to test your new surface irons out in the ocean or bay where there is current.
Looking to fish on the Vendetta 2 with Captain Ray Summer? Book here.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vendetta_sportfishing_voodoo/
MISSION
Strictly Irons is more than just a brand—it’s a brotherhood of dedicated anglers bounded by a shared passion for fishing the iron.
From the moment this journey began, our mission has been to grow and strengthen this community through education, gatherings, fishing charters, and more. We’re committed to preserving the tradition of iron fishing while pushing the boundaries of innovation in our products.
Our mission is simple: to serve those in need, to build and uplift the fishing community, to introduce people to Christ, and to craft high-quality gear that helps you catch fish. But more than that, Strictly Irons is here to support you—not just on the water, but in every step of life’s journey.
Whether you're new to iron fishing or a seasoned angler, we're here to walk alongside you—on the water and in faith. Need support in your walk of faith? Join the Iron Brotherhood, where fellow anglers come together to sharpen each other through the Word. We’re committed to building up disciples, supporting each other through prayer, and connecting weekly via remote meetings.
VISION
Our mission is to transform fishermen into fishers of men, empowering anglers to grow in their fishing expertise and their knowledge of Christ. Through our products, events like Cast and Coffee, and strategic partnerships with local businesses and non-profits, we are building a community where "iron sharpens iron," as Proverbs 27:17 reminds us. Each rod, jig, piece of apparel, and content we create reflects a Kingdom mindset—leading with authenticity, inspiring others to Cast with Confidence, and Fish with Faith.
THE FOUNDER
Jared saaib
Sometime in November 2014, after watching countless videos of yellowtail fishing, I figured it was time to try to catch my first Yellowtail. I went on craigslist and picked up an 8’ Penn Sabre, paired it with a Sealine 40, and booked a 3/4-day trip on the Malihini to fish the islands.
After catching my first three yellowtail on a dropper loop, while standing at the stern, I looked toward the bow and heard nothing but guys yelling their hearts out of excitement as they watched yellowtail blow up on their jigs. The energy was unreal. At that moment, I knew there was something truly special about this style of fishing.
I soon learned it was called surface iron fishing—a technique that required a 9-10’ rod and a good swimming surface iron. After that trip, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The more I learned, the more I noticed that the guys who fished the iron weren’t just casual about it—they were dedicated. They strictly fished the iron. That’s when the idea hit me: Strictly Irons.
What first started as a clothing brand (2015) quickly became something much bigger when I devoted my life to Christ in August 2023. Jesus has shown me what it truly means to run a business—to serve, to express love to all people, to help others wherever He sends us, and to bring His Kingdom to earth. My personal desires have shifted toward glorifying Him in all my works, including every product we create. Everything we make and do carries a story and a purpose—to honor His name.