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/