New Surface Iron Rod for Yellowtail, Tuna, Calico

[@Gibs1833]

Rick is awesome and a wealth of knowledge. He went over a bunch of rods with me and eventually sold me on a GG90J. Can't wait to take it out.

[@WARBAITS]

That GG90J is high on my list. Might still grab it. Thanks!

[@ziadajam5433]

Grant Gibson hey grant. Do u mind if I ask how much u paid for it. I m thinking of going for it to pair it up with my new torium 20. Thx

[@Gibs1833]

@@ziadajam5433 Out the door it was $398.62. I also have it paired with a torium 20.

[@ziadajam5433]

Grant Gibson thx

[@DixieNormus420]

This video is straight up gold. It shows the different bends in rods graphite vs glass. Glass loads better thus casts further and graphite fights the fish better. That bend on the pinhead ulua cut down looks FIRE imma definitly go get myself one.... i might even pull on it first. Though i will probably go for the 10 footer before its cut down 4 up top and 2 below. I fish an old school gold trini 20 for my surface iron set up currently but i want a few more inches and a bit more glass for the rod. That torium looks nice i just directed a buddy to purchase one for his surface iron set up.

[@WARBAITS]

Thank you for the support! That GG90J was a great feeling rod also!

[@JohnKorogy]

The new ulua shares the thin wall like your old rod. Having worked at Fisherman's in the rental room, I repaired several ulua's due to clamps over tightened and eventually crushing the blank. So, be attentive to that tendency. Good luck.

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks for the info. Sounds weird but still looking for a perfect 9’fter for my style of fishing -AA

[@njones72]

Thanks for this. I've been looking to get more into fishing as a hobby. Your video was insightful while pointing me in the direction as I know jack squat about how and where to start.

[@WARBAITS]

Glad I could help!

[@ArielCuna]

You are going to love that Seeker Pinhead 93ulua

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks!

[@joshalberto4900]

Rick should do an entire video on these rods!

[@WARBAITS]

Agreed!

[@chrislong-q7h]

it was a great vid , the guys in fishermenlanding know what there talking bout

[@bobscruggs8886]

I own Seigler SM baitcaster lifetime warranty used for surf fishing here in Florida it came with a reel seat but never used it , after watching your video I will install I really never understood the use of it thanks

[@WARBAITS]

Glad to help. Good luck out there!

[@DCintheOC]

Great video.The perfect video to watch. Really wanna get into jig fishing and I am clueless on what rod to get. Just trying to educate myself as much as possible. This really helped. Thanks for doing that. Good fishing to you!

[@redryder210]

Love your “how to vids!” Especially just getting into this, thanks!

[@dukearthur2473]

A tip : watch series on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@brycedash2177]

@Duke Arthur Yup, I have been using Flixzone} for since december myself =)

[@makaigianni9184]

@Duke Arthur Definitely, have been watching on flixzone} for since november myself :)

[@woptown619]

“Rock Cod” Rick Maxa is the man ✊🏼.

[@WARBAITS]

Very knowledgeable

[@garymyers472]

Need to paddle all three. Don’t thing distance casting will be an issue. Can always put together a Tandem Island for offshore. Thanks for the heads up on the new outback.

[@WARBAITS]

You know, the REVO 16 with a sail kit might be the way to go. You can get some distance with the longer boat. Key West Fishing has a cool set up: kzbin.info/door/kGY6yxE8kogYHKXisMhA2w

[@stevehogan8829]

Such a happy story.

[@AlexRamirez-vz1vj]

Can you do a video on how to use the surface iron? I have a couple of those but only used them once or twice... All other times i used live bait but i want to put the irons to good use...

[@WARBAITS]

I'll work on this. Thanks!

[@marcoramirez120]

its really easy cast out twoards cow patty and reel quick and rinse and repeat you will catch something good with a nice surface iron i have an all teal i like to use and a dorado colored one

[@gillzonreelz6549]

These videos help I've been looking for some videos on seeker 6480 apparently people have but don't speak about it much. Keep making great videos

[@WARBAITS]

Thank you for the support. I found another 6480, I'll be using that for my YoYo

[@firstnamelastname5330]

I prefer a full graphite rod for irons, I believe the faster action and less load up helps actually fling the jig further. Glass rods when they unload the rod has less lifting power then a graphite the graphite unloads with much more power and speed.

[@firstnamelastname5330]

I use a 9ft phenix black diamond little bit of a broom stick slightly faster acation then I prefer but it's gravy not to many 10fts out cast me

[@WARBAITS]

Agree on the graphite rod blank

[@victormanuelflores3773]

I love your new rode

[@SupraStringing11b]

I’ve always liked the action on the pinhead ulua. The only thing that kept me away was the all metal guides on the factory wrap. That custom one looks money. Excellent choice.

[@adamforman9264]

Hey man my calstar 9 foot with the cork hardle, it get thrashed were the real is mounted an I put a piece of plastic have round an used heathandle tubing to hold it in place an than I mounted my real cause over time you retorqe the screws an it started to dig into the cork, like I got a permanent mount location pressed into the cork an yeah its getting bad when it dries out an cracks...good luck,...😎✌

[@WARBAITS]

I’ll check it

[@MontaukFilms7]

The man. Love my Ulua. Cheers Afran. Love the vids.

[@WARBAITS]

Loving it also

[@johnhsedgwick]

One thing to mention is where to place the reel on a deckhand style rod. I like my elbow to be a couple of inches above the butt of the rod when casting.

[@WARBAITS]

yes, have to find the sweet spot

[@michaelburk9173]

Great video. Enjoyed the classic scene of pulling on bunch of rods in the tackle store. So many options these days. I have can original ulua 93h. Great rod, buts so stiff n fast. Casts much differently than the calstar 690j I used before. I've checked out the pin head uluas and thought they were a good middle ground between the 93h and 690j. Congrats, you got yourself a winner.

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks for the info on the rods. I felt it like the PH93 was in the middle as well. I'll give it a go, if I decide it's not right I'll go with the GG90J, the rod felt great. Thanks again!

[@joebass517]

Cool video Bud!! I'm picking up the same stick👍🎣🎣🐟🐟

[@WARBAITS]

Awesome!

[@stevepd1]

Very useful video. Thanks.

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks!

[@TackleAdvisors]

Awesome video Afran! That dude sure knew his stuff! Awesome to see that! I wish calstar had a presence here. Like it does out by you. We get some Seeker and Crowder. I don't think I've ever seen a rail rod/ clamp only calstar in a shop ever over here

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks Nick! I think you'd like a rod like this for beach striper. Custom wrapped. Whip the plug!

[@DBCustoms-em5sx]

Look in to Cork Puppy's to prevent the blank crushing problem

[@swn69]

Thanks for the intel, dude. I have a Daiwa Saltist 30 paired with a Phenix Black Diamond that I use to throw iron, but I need to get better at it. Most of the time I need to throw jigs... I'm ashamed to say... I use a spinning reel. It's just what I am more comfortable with and it's easy to pinpoint my casts.

[@WARBAITS]

A lot of good anglers use the spinning reel for the iron. I had the Daiwa Saltist 30 as well, its a work horse. I like the handle.

[@socalfishincrew5410]

I know that you use torium’s have yours ever moved the spool if you move the handle while in freespool?

[@WARBAITS]

No problems with the Torium. We have 3 in the line up.

[@garymyers472]

I appreciate your heads up on the new Hobie outback. Need to go paddle one. Advantage over the PA 14 is transportability. My last yak ( stolen) was a Cabo. No problems. Question is how good a choice for paddling long distances compared to Revolution 16. Love your vids.

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks again!

[@williamburdge2531]

Awesome! Thanks for making this video. Rick is the man!

[@WARBAITS]

Very knowledgeable

[@CarlosRamirez-f150]

Thanks

[@mitchhendrickson4936]

@WARBAITS what makes the Torium a great caster?

[@makingmagicfishing541]

That rod looks nice I gotta get one. I want to see some fish with it now

[@WARBAITS]

Coming soon! Thanks!

[@makingmagicfishing541]

@@WARBAITS I'll be tuned inn!

[@claper2225]

Do you ever experience slippage on the thorium like with bigger grade bluefin?

[@WARBAITS]

No. I have the reels serviced every 2 years. All drags max out at some point. Apply as much pressure as possible, without having a break

[@claper2225]

@@WARBAITS thank you

[@polarbearpelipad3491]

hi buddy thank you for your vids , have a question how can i go fishing with you?

[@mroblesmr25]

What do you think about the 16 hg? I'm not sure what to go with..

[@WARBAITS]

Good reel. I also use the Tranx 500 which is equivalent to the 16HG. The 20HG has more line capacity, which can make for a longer cast

[@justreelingthemin4154]

Great choice, brotha. I’ve got that same rod for surface iron and love it. You will too 🤙🏽

[@WARBAITS]

Awesome to hear!

[@noride11]

I've got a pinhead D8 with my old Newell. Love how it loads up!

[@WARBAITS]

Really like the rod

[@MrBigFishJoe]

So you think you would like the GG (Graphite) cuz once you hook a fish, you get the lifting power over the glass?

[@WARBAITS]

A surface iron rod can be based on personal style of rod action. I do like a stiffer surface iron rod opposed to a more parabolic rod. I'm still trying to figure out the Seeker PH93, it's a bit more parabolic an I expected. It does cast the iron with ease. I might get something else though, not sure yet. I really love the Calstar GG6480, that's why I might get a GG90

[@MrBigFishJoe]

@@WARBAITS As always appreciate the info.

[@MrBigFishJoe]

I picked up a GG 690 hoping it falls right in the sweet spot for me. Now need to buy a reel most likely the torium 20.

[@2derekjeter2]

great video , i noticed that your other rod had regular stainless steel guides any issues with the braided line?

[@WARBAITS]

That rod / guides did not see any affect from the raided line. But I prefer the graphite guides better. Thanks!

[@henrksasse7208]

Hi. I have a question. Those reels that are used for casting surface iron or live bait. Do they have some sort of casting brakes? I’m used to baitcasters and they have centrifugal/magnetic brake.

[@WARBAITS]

I haven't opened the reel to see if there are brakes on the spool. The cast control comes from applying pressure with the thumb on the (line) spool during the cast. The thump controls the speed of the spool spin. It also helps to have tight line on the spool and somewhat new line. I'm using 65lb braided line which comes of the spool nicely. Good luck!

[@alvinyu7529]

Hello, will a daiwa lexa 22lb max drag reel can handle the strength of yellow tail and tuna? I have it on a shimano trevala medium heavy 6’6” casting rod. Hope you answer my question. Thanks

[@WARBAITS]

Possibly... It can be done

[@DannySocalFishing]

I do have a question. What size is your boat? I'm looking for a saltwater bay boat right now. Thank you

[@fishingbanditsilva8257]

So I just started on my second year fishing and I'm the surface irons just bought this Torium 20HG 65 chartreuse 65 braid and think imma choose between super seeker 9foote or the one you got. Imma figure out how to cast this reel first conventional reel. Gotta go practice on Veterans pier

[@WARBAITS]

That sounds perfect. I like this rod. I'm thinking I might go back and buy that Calstar GG90. I'm not 100% comfortable with the Seeker yet. I need to fish it more.

[@ww477]

Can you post a video which shows the yellowtail caught with your new setup. I can't wait to see rod action of PH Ulua.

[@WARBAITS]

working on it!

[@ww477]

@@WARBAITS Thank you so much !

[@KhaiNguyen-ow1ll]

Hey bro do you use straight braid to the iron or a top shot?

[@WARBAITS]

Tie a 3ft leader of fluorocarbon

[@CominInHeavy]

Tib clamps are the best! Use them on all my rods that don't have reels seats and even on some that do (for added security)! Nice new jig stick setup!

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks! I use them for my TNX500 but glad to have it on the jig stick now

[@seansd6195]

I just learned so much more about buying a new rod now. Thanks

[@WARBAITS]

Same here. It was between the ulua and Gg90j

[@marcoramirez120]

i just bought that exact same seeker with the mermaid thays so cool

[@WARBAITS]

I'm starting to use it more and starting to like it more. Which reel did you get for the rod?

[@marcoramirez120]

@@WARBAITS right now im using an okuma cold water and a penn jig master

[@peterslonsky]

Yeah Baby! The pinhead ulua is my favorite! I gotz 2 of them! They feel sooooo good! Nice choice Afran!

[@WARBAITS]

It's like a giant crank bait rod haha

[@andrewmorke]

You won't get this kind of awesome advice when buying from a big box or online.

[@aharristruth]

Have always liked the pinheads and have been looking at the jig stick. Looking forward to hearing how you like it.

[@WARBAITS]

100%!

[@RodneyMarquezFishingChannel]

freaking solid video!

[@WARBAITS]

Thank you Dude!

[@br18od]

What is your thought about using a Cork Puppy Reel Clamp ?

[@WARBAITS]

I haven't used the product but I've heard good things

[@br18od]

@@WARBAITS How are you liking the new rod? I am looking for a new rod for my Torium 20hg ?

[@nrokurow]

Those uluas are great! I have an SSR 10ft that i dig

[@ralphier3909]

The mighty Ulua!.....good shit brutha 🤙🏼🏆

[@WARBAITS]

I'm in the club!

[@ralphier3909]

@@WARBAITS love seeker rods....I have 2 Ulua's ,2 F90's , a F100 ,and a 908 bass rod.....the baby Ulua's are great also😀🎣🤙🏼

[@work4it384]

Guys is the calamari 90j a good rod for me to start off with !?

[@work4it384]

Calstar* hahahha

[@WARBAITS]

@@work4it384 Great rod. One of the best iron rods.

[@work4it384]

Thankyou ! I bought a used one today for 250$ custom wrapped from fisherman’s landing.

[@matthewgarbacz998]

How much did the pinhead cost you? I’m looking to pick one up at fisherman’s landing sometime soon

[@WARBAITS]

Hi Matt, I can't fully remember the cost, but it might be a bit more because it was a custom. Give them a call. If they don't have the Pinhead, look at the GG90J. That thing was also a perfect rod and almost went home with me.

[@bluesbubba7429]

Do you know what clamp they would recommend for an Okuma Cortez CZ-10 reel?

[@WARBAITS]

I don't know. You can call your local tackle shop or search the tibruron website. I recently found a reel clamp for a Penn

[@zacharykatsouleas9956]

Have you pulled on any United composites yet? They are definitely a unique rod from what I hear.

[@WARBAITS]

I have not yet. I'll visit SquidCo, I think they have some blanks

[@davidmalone4017]

Great video-thanks much

[@troutmasterz3453]

What kind of knot are you using to tie your iron to your leader?

[@WARBAITS]

I am using a RP Knot: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXKzgJKih5l7f6c

[@raulalmaraz218]

Afran, love your channel I have a question, bought a kencor 8-6 20/40 what's your opinion on this rod?

[@kenjihojyo717]

hey Afran, thank you for producing such an awesome video, how do you think the pinhead will perform casting wise using bigger jigs like the 14a or the 7x?

[@WARBAITS]

Yes, I felt comfortable throwing the bigger surface irons. On the cast, it’s more of a soft lob. Thing flings them

[@CarlosRamirez-f150]

Where did you buy the zipp ties if you can let me know

[@WARBAITS]

Home Depot

[@fishingninja2890]

What do you recommend for surface iron on the kayak?

[@WARBAITS]

On the kayak I use a 8' rod. The 9' is too long for me on the kayak. I have a Calstar GG6480 with a Tranx 500. I use this for kayak, calico and yellow near the kelp line

[@MrBigFishJoe]

Hey Afran what is the brand and length of your bay boat?

[@WARBAITS]

It's a Key West BR196. About 20' long. 115hp Yamaha 2 stroke. It's an old boat but gets the job done

[@MrBigFishJoe]

@@WARBAITS Sweet, I really like the bay boat's design and Key West looks like a good brand. How's the ride in the chop? I assume you are choosing calmer days. Hows the 2 stroke working for you... I'm a little hesitant to get into an older motor, although it would fit the budget much better. What year? Thank you for the info, and my son and I have boxes of your warbaits jigheads - love em.

[@dlok9563]

Get em afran get em!!!!!

[@dlok9563]

And some more fresh water please it’s post spawn so they are hungry... 👊🏻👍🏻🤷🏻‍♂️✌🏻

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks for the comment on fresh water. I’ve been enjoying it

[@charliehandley1057]

Some great info in this video, definitely going to use some of this info for this yellowtail season!!

[@WARBAITS]

Good luck out there!

[@allthingsfishing365]

sweet informative vid afran, that rod is sick!

[@WARBAITS]

thanks!

[@deathcar]

I agree with Ricky on the gg90j, that rod locks up nicely when pulling on fish, but it doesn't load up and chuck a jig like a glass rod, more of a line drive caster.

[@WARBAITS]

Agree. It felt really nice. I have the GG6480, love it. Might be back for the GG90J as well! Thanks Gary

[@deathcar]

You can never have too many jig sticks! @@WARBAITS

[@WARBAITS]

I know I need more ....

[@Opaleye]

Great gear :) You must be excited to try it out!

[@ziadajam5433]

Hey Afron, I was planning on saving up for an Avet Jx to use as a surface Iron/Livebait reel all in one, however now that I reviewed the Torium 20, I'm thinking of purchasing that instead. what would u recommend. Do u thing the torium is ideal for surface Irons, live bait, and possibly even vertical jigging. Thank you and congrats on ur new rod

[@WARBAITS]

In my experience, Torium is easier to use over the JX etc. I’ve owned several Avets, and found that they were better for live bait or bait applications in general. The two speeds are really nice. I mostly use Shimano for my bait applications and jig applications currently

[@ziadajam5433]

WARBAITS FISHING sounds gd I think I’m going to go for the torium. Thx for ur opinion. Appreciate it, and Srry for misspelling ur name. TIGHT LINES

[@clambait7630]

You think the gg90j is a good choice?

[@WARBAITS]

100% It was the rod I went to the shop to buy, but bought the Seeker 93H impulsively. I'm learning to like the 93H, but not sure if I do. I know I like the GG90J

[@clambait7630]

WARBAITS FISHING ah ok makes sense, was wondering why in the video you went away from it. Just picked mine up today, stoked to use it 🤙🏻

[@-fishingvideos-liorben-hai2447]

Great video

[@WARBAITS]

Thank you

[@garrysutton3229]

Where are the reel seats for these rods, I didn’t see any how do you attach your reel

[@WARBAITS]

These rods are call deck hand style, cork wrapped. No reel seat. You use the aftermarket clamp. The rods are 8-9' long. People put the reels in different places depending on their comfortability. Some people may want a longer handle section. Some may want a shorter.

[@bigchapo5394]

I have a Torium 30 and the clamp that comes with it doesn't fit my rod what size clamp is that plz and thank you?

[@WARBAITS]

I was told to get the Large Tib clamp. It fits on a few of my rods

[@bigchapo5394]

@@WARBAITS thank you

[@johnnyboy5010]

Did they have any more

[@WARBAITS]

Yes, give them a shout or head down there

[@WetBanditBaits]

Rick's the man one of the most knowledgeable fisherman out there these days also a great dude to shoot the shit with Nice Rod selection !!!

[@WARBAITS]

100%!

[@Jsnake-es8nj]

What size zip tie for the hook keeper

[@WARBAITS]

Some sort of electrical zip tie

[@garymyers472]

How does the Zulu’s Pinhead 9’3” action and length fish out of a PA 14?

[@WARBAITS]

The 9'3" fishes fine out of the kayak. I try not to have any rods behind me when I cast. BUT, I do not like a 9 foot rod in the kayak. It's too much rod in front of the body, not enough leverage. I fish an 8 foot surface iron rod out of the kayak. Calstar GG 6480, Phenix 809XHJ or Calstar Grafighter 800H.

[@garymyers472]

The extra fast a ton 8’ 20-50 puts the fulcrum too for forward for good leverage for the yak. This coming from a guy who cut his kayak teeth kayak fishing out of a tipper pro (( excuse me scupper pro. Will be getting either a Revolution 16 or PA 14 for inshore/ offshore San Diego Baja Sur. Ideas? Revolution speed and distance PA 14 stability. Any other considerations?

[@WARBAITS]

@@garymyers472 I fished the ScupperPro for the first 5 years I kayak fished. I used to fish a Shimano Teramar 8' H for the surface iron. 8ft is the max I like to fish on a kayak. Some guys fish a 7'9". I like the PA12 or 14, it's the ultimate kayak fishing platform. I suggest taking a demo at Fast Lane Kayaks if you can. They have a try before you buy program. Le t me know!

[@WARBAITS]

Also, give the new 2019 OUTBACK a try. It's a good fishing platform

[@garymyers472]

That would be a bit of a paddle to the 9 mile. Off Cabo easy range of marlin Nd tuna. Gordo a little far.

[@nathannichols1838]

Rick is such a solid dude! Those seekers are epic, especially the super seekers and Ulua's. I just started fishing a CUI 100 and the thing is mental! Trini DC 20 or a penn fathom 25n it casts amazing and loads up so well.

[@WestCoastTuna]

Very cool! Lots of good info here!

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks!

[@patrickduncanjr.6847]

Is there a.surface rods In the $180-240 for source iron

[@WARBAITS]

Turners might have their California series available.

[@jamescowan6389]

How is this rod for you after a year? Great video!

[@WARBAITS]

I like it. It took some time to get used to the action but it cast very well. I plan on doing a follow up video. Need to hook some bigger fish for the vid.

[@johnhawk6867]

Fishermans landing 😊❤️🎣🎣

[@notfounder285]

What kind of line do you spool the torium with? Straight braid short flour top shot or braid with mono top

[@WARBAITS]

I’m using 65lb braid and a short leader of 40lb Fluoro

[@cristianquintero8790]

Thanks

[@Hucklongfin]

Hey! The couple of casts at the end of the video are with the old rod with the red wraps!

[@WARBAITS]

That rod has caught a lot. New Era now!

[@tommypatoc3634]

Good stuff bro!👍👊...subscribed!!

[@WARBAITS]

Thanks for the support!

[@RobertSolo714]

What's up Afran?!! How's your rod working out?

[@rodrigo711k]

Bad ass rod & reel man.. great pic..🤙🏼

[@MrBigFishJoe]

Any opinion of the GG 690J?

[@WARBAITS]

Love it. Look at the GG90J, wish I would have bought it

[@rjc89sir]

Love the vids. Keep up the good work. Quick question. What 8ft rod would you recommend for surface iron? I prefer something with a reel seat, but I’m open to deckhand style as well.

[@williamhartsell6390]

Rce800 monster

[@andrewgutierrez7836]

what kind of jig is that

[@WARBAITS]

KCIKER 35 LIGHT Mint

[@patrickduncanjr.6847]

Can I use a torium 30 for a surface iron reel?

[@WARBAITS]

100%! That's a great reel for surface iron

[@mabang760]

Hey afrin the wife and I were thinking of heading down to San Diego for some kayak fishing were is a good area to Launch the kayak from that is mellow and easy to park and get them out there

[@WARBAITS]

Mission Bay, Dana Landings or Ski Beach Area. Thanks!

[@fedsggwp]

It 8ft ok for surface irons

[@WARBAITS]

8ft is perfect. My favorite 8’ jig stick is Calstar GG6480H

[@fedsggwp]

@@WARBAITS thanks

[@rawson74]

Did you look at United Composites? They have some great models too .

[@WARBAITS]

Their stuff is really nice

[@garycraig7016]

I only throw a UC wahoo 9, monster 9, and del mar 10 for surface iron. Killer rods. I use the Del Mar the least.

[@garybryant1701]

So did you go with the all graphite, all glass, or combo glass and graphite? What's retail on that rod?

[@WARBAITS]

Seeker PH 93H S-Glass. All glass rod. but the Calstar GG90J felt REALY good.

[@backcountrysassn7216]

I need one of those clamps so i can put my Lexa on my deckhand rod

[@WARBAITS]

Exactly, I use the same clamp for my Tranx

[@Ayeeitschrisxp]

Where can i find this clamp

[@backcountrysassn7216]

@@Ayeeitschrisxp Look it up on amazon. Just search Lexa 400 rod clamps. They are like $50. Right now I'm using two hose clamps to hold mine on. Works great but does damage the cork grip a lot more then this clamp.