suggested striper set up

[Bringsfire]

Okay so I know opinions will vary widely, but it's time I put together a new striper rig. I've been under-gunned using a 7 weight, but have been getting away with it (for the most part) until I got into a "real" fish last season. I did somehow manage to land her (almost entirely due to superb boat driving by my Dad and lots of clear open water to work in) but the fight went on way, way too long and she was not releasable. This fish deserved to be released and I've decided not to go again until I replace my outfit. So my questions are:

Are most folks using an 8 weight and finding that enough, or are there folks using 9 weights?

Suggested outfit for say $600.00 or less (including reel)?

[ted1]

I know what you mean, I landed my first 12 #er on my 6wt last year. Not quite enough rod. I have an 8 wt now, but can't give any advice, haven't landed anything over 2 lbs. on it. :(

[MSWNCity]

I think the TFO products, both rods and reels, are worth a look. Very good performance and reasonable prices. I'll bet you could get a nice set up within your budget.

MSWNCity

[Scott V]

TFO Baby Bluewater rod or a TFO Pro, and do not forget the Redington CPS and then get yourself a Sealevel Tempest reel. That will keep you under $600 easily. I used a Sealevel Tempest reel and TFO Baby Bluewater rod in La Paz last year and never felt undergunned.

PM me if you have any further questions.

[David Lee]

TFO Baby Bluewater rod or a TFO Pro, and do not forget the Redington CPS and then get yourself a Sealevel Tempest reel. That will keep you under $600 easily. I used a Sealevel Tempest reel and TFO Baby Bluewater rod in La Paz last year and never felt undergunned.

PM me if you have any further questions.

Catch lots of Stripers in La Paz , Scott ??

Hehehehehehehehe ....

D.~

[Tony Buzolich]

Kerry,

There are lots of good rods and reels out there that will handle stripers but consider too the size of the fly you'll be throwing and wind. I throw mostly 9w. rods with large flies. Add to this heavy shooting heads. These two things combine to a lot of load and a 9 weight just has a bit more spine which helps get fly out there.

Now, lets throw one more situation into the pot, What do you do when you actually hook into a good fish? By "good" I'm implying BIG. You've already answered the question yourself by saying you had to play a fish TOO long to be revived. Believe me there are lots of stripers out there in the teens and twenty's and bigger. A 9 weight will give you the ability to cast that fly farther and get that fish in quicker.

One of my favorite rods and reels for stripers is the Redington CPX ($329.00) and the Redington CDL reel #9/10 ($219.00). Add a line and backing and you're right at that $600. price.

[Darian]

Another vote for Tony's suggestion. I have one more thought. You can still buy some new Sage, xi2's (last years model) for a very good discount. Check your local shop for inventory. The Redington CDL, 9/10 reel has line capacity, a good drag and a good price. :D :D

[Scott V]

Catch lots of Stripers in La Paz , Scott ??

Hehehehehehehehe ....

D.~

I tried, but I just couldn't get them to bite. Atleast I am not like Ed who uses one at Cameron Park.

[WinterrunRon]

My personal favorite rods are Sage's TCR 809 & 909. 250grains for the 8, 350for the 9. Powerful enough to hull a sink tip line and fairly large fly and still enjoy the fight. The saltwater version (Sage, xi2's) is also a previous years model with more power in the butt section. You don't need more, but I wouldn't fish with anything less than the TCR 8wt or similar rod. Pair with a Ross CLA4 and your set. It can be found used for $600 or less. The newer versions of these rods are out of your price parameter by themselves. So shop for the previous years' models. Good luck and congrats on landing a beaut!

[Jgoding]

I use mainly my 8wt but replaced my St. Croix Legend Elite 6wt with a 9wt salt water version. It's a heavier rod that feels more suitable for fighting bigger fish than my 8wt, but the 8wt is much easier to throw. I started working out again though so I'm ready for my next outting with my brother and Charlie because my arm was blown out after 15 minutes last time.

[Bringsfire]

Thanks all, I really appreciate the feed back! I am once again impressed by the quality and knowledge of the folks that participate in this forum. Now to explain to my wife why I need yet another rod and reel :)

[Mrs.Finsallaround]

Now to explain to my wife why I need yet another rod and reel :)

Teach her how to fly-fish :unibrow:

Worked for my hubby.... LMAO :lol:

Although, that presents the additional problem of having to get double the gear!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Most are fishing Stripers from a boat so a 9' rod is the most popular. maybe longer for wading.

2, 3 or 4 piece all work for local fishing.

It seems that #6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 line weights are the most popular right now.

Lots of good rod and reel combos in that $600 range.

The Scott A3, Sage Launch, TFO TiCrX, Echo and Redington CPX are all around $300.

Redington CDL, Sage 2000, Orvis Battenkill LA Big Game, Waterworks Guru and Galvan Rush are all wonderful fly reels at great prices.

For top water most are using a Rio Outbound Short Coldwater floating line.

For slow sinking most are using a Rio Outbound Short Coldwater clear slow sinking line.

For the fast get down there are lots of choices: Lots of integrated "Teeny type" sink-tips with 24 to 30 foot very fast sinking heads.

Some use 27 to 30 feet of Lead-core or T-14 attached to a running line.