27 January 2025
Among the stunning landscapes of Hawaii, Charles and Grace Cintron are building more than just rods; they’re creating a movement. The GT Fight Club is synonymous with high-performance rods tailored for the adrenaline-packed pursuit of giant trevally (GT) fishing.
A Shared Love for the Outdoors
Charles Cintron grew up immersed in Hawaii’s beach culture, where fishing and diving were part of everyday life. However, catching a GT remained elusive until later in his life. After moving to Louisiana with the Air Force, Charles discovered a love for bass fishing – the thrill of watching a fish strike a lure sparked a passion that would redefine his fishing journey.
Grace, on the other hand, grew up in Benton, Louisiana, enjoying freshwater fishing outings with her stepdad and brother at Cypress Black Bayou Lake.
Their careers in their eventual home of Hawaii took them in different directions – Charles working as an airline pilot, and Grace in IT. Their love of the outdoors, however, has continued to be a galvanizing force that eventually gave them an opportunity to develop the GT fishing business together.
The Beginning of GT Fight Club
When Charles returned to Hawaii from Louisiana, he was determined to catch his first GT. Traditional methods like casting live or cut bait often proved slow and uneventful. Then, a chance encounter with an old schoolmate introduced him to casting lures for GTs. Hooked by the action-packed method, Charles realized that Hawaii lacked the high-performance gear needed for serious GT fishing.
On a layover in Tokyo while working as a pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, Charles discovered an array of GT-specific gear in a local tackle shop. Inspired, he began importing lures from Japan. Yet, the absence of rods capable of matching the power and performance of these lures led him to CTS. After some trial and error, Charles visited CTS in New Zealand and found the perfect solution: robust blanks with a signature box weave that could withstand the rigors of GT fishing off Hawaii’s rugged shores.
Evolving the Collection
GT Fight Club’s first creation, the GT Fight Series, was a high-end rod that set a new standard. However, the cost proved prohibitive for some anglers. In collaboration with CTS, GTFC developed a more accessible option by removing the box weave, dramatically reducing cost while maintaining performance. This shift also allowed for greater customization, giving anglers the freedom to choose unique colors and designs – with names like the Storm Trouper and Silver Hawk, the rods are real standouts.
Grace’s Journey into Rod Building
In 2019, Grace left her IT career, seeking a new challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity: while managing online learning for their children, Grace enrolled in an online rod-building course. Intrigued by the craft, she pursued it further, specializing in decorative wraps. Grace’s work has garnered attention and custom requests, allowing her to showcase her creativity and skill.
Expanding Horizons
GT Fight Club’s reach extends beyond Hawaii, with customers in Guam, Australia, and New Zealand. While most sales remain domestic, Grace often crafts one-off rods for clients that want their rod to match their reel. Grace manages all marketing, social media and buyer platforms – connecting with anglers worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Innovation remains at the heart of GT Fight Club. The Cintrons are working on the RSG-3, a new rod that provides a step down in power for anglers, while maintaining the performance GT Fight Club is known for. Collaborations with industry leaders like Fuji signal exciting developments on the horizon.
The Spirit of GT Fight Club
The GT Fight Club has not only elevated the fishing experience in Hawaii but also inspired anglers worldwide. Check out their amazing work at: https://gtfightclub.com/
Social:
https://www.facebook.com/GtFightClub
https://www.instagram.com/gtfightclub
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/@gtfightclubllc5447
Photos: Grace Cintron
