Striped Bass: Gear, The Nuts & Bolts

Fly fishing for striped bass requires a few basic items to get started. A simple set up anda few flies is all that is needed in many situations. Mid-priced rods from six to eightweights will handle most stripers but nine to ten weights are useful in open water andwhen larger fish are expected. A simple reel with a strong drag that will hold at least onehundred-fifty yards of backing and a floating line is all that is necessary. A bag of splitshot, a wallet with a few sink tips, and/or an extra spool with a sinking line can be usedwhen the fish are holding deeper. Straight mono leaders of twenty pound and up arestrong and abrasion resistant. The large spools of mono used by gear fishermen workwell and are much cheaper than “fly fishing tippet”. Fly selections should have a varietyof sizes and colors to imitate the local prey. Shrimp and small bait fish flies in naturaland bright colors cover the smaller side. Eels, squid and large bait fish flies should alsobe in your fly box. A good hook file will keep a sharp point on your flies which is importantin penetrating the striper’s tough mouth. A small set of pliers for cutting leaders andprying out hooks is also handy to have. A small flashlight or headlamp is needed whenfishing at night for getting around and changing flies. Waders with studded boots and agood belt are useful when wading and add a rain jacket when conditions take a turn forthe worse. These few items and of course the right spot gets you in the game of catchingstriped bass on the fly.