Help with equipment

[Coach22r]

I have been fly fishing for trout and salmon for over ten years now. Two years ago I went Atlantic Salmon fishing and did very well up in Novia Scotia. I went stripper fishing with a surfcast rod this summer and hooked a schoolie and boy was it fun. It reminded me of fishing for Atlantic salmon, as far as the fish and size of fish, and I really want to get into Stripper fishing next year with a fly rod. I have a four and six weight that I fish for trout. I have a a 9 weight with floating line that I got for a present a long time ago. If I was to ask for equipment for my birthday this year what would you guys recommend. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Steve H.]

Coach, a 9-weight is a great rod to get started with for stripers. I know that there are many striper anglers who fish primarily with a 9-weight. I fish with an 8-weight, but on windy days or with bigger flies I often wish I had a 9. Just make sure you're reel has a decent drag and is saltwater resistent.

Since I catch about 97% of my stripers sub-suface, the thing I'd suggest as your birthday present is a high-quality sink-tip line. Sink-tip lines are much easier to fish than full sinking lines. I fish with a 350-grain sink-tip made by Teeny (TS350) which you can find at most fly shops. I'm sure the other guys on this board have their favorites to recommend as well.

One other thing....consider spending $40 or so on a quality stripping basket. Especially when first starting out, if you can get used to using one early, down the road you'll be glad you did.

[Rick]

I have heard LL bean sells a nice basket for around $20.

[Solid]

LL Bean cost is $19.00!! Works great!

[Coach22r]

Thanks for you help.