Bill Kiene semi-retired
11-08-2006, 12:10 PM
I don't consider myself one of the 'Striper Commandos' but I have fished and talked with many of them. When I do get around these Striper chasers I quiz them about many parts of fly fishing for Stripers.
My info here is from fishing and talking with Striper anglers like Kevin Doran, Dan Blanton, Andy Guibord, Shane Harden and Jim Christensen.
As far as fly rods go most will be using a 9' #8 rod with some serious power especially in the tip. Some use a #7 weight with smaller flies at times and some use a #9 for throwing some larger, heavier streamers. Out of a boat it seems like the 9' length is the top choice. This could be a 2, 3 or 4 piece models. With more ferrules on 4 piece rods you need to check them to be sure they are still tight after a lot of blind casting for Stripers.
The fly reel for Stripers is not a really big deal but you want a solid one with a good smooth drag. For using the fast sinking lines you don't need a really big reel either because it is very small diameter and doesn't take up much room. We think 100 yards of 30# Micron or Dacron is good for Stripers in most cases.
One of the most popular lines right now is the SA/Mastery 'Custom Tip Express' which is SA's version of T14 for the sinking section integrated smoothly to their intermediate running line for only $39.95. They come with about 33' of very fast sinking section so most are recommending cutting 5 feet off which should net a bout a 28 foot sinking section which is just right for an 8 weight rod.
Any 300 grain Teeny type integrated sinktip will work too. They cast a little smoother and are better for first timers. Maybe a 250 on a 7 weight rod and 350 on a 9 weight rod.
LC13 lead core, Rio T14 and the Custom Tip Express all cut through the wind better and sink faster though. I think 28' is a good average length for LC!# or T14 heads.
If you are throwing larger wind resistant top water sliders, poppers or gurgles for Stripers you can use the same 8 weight rod with a WF10F 'Saltwater' or 'Clouser' line. This will take a larger reel to hold the larger, fatter floating line.
As far as leaders go in the Delta many use 6 to 8 feet of straight 15 to 20 pound test level mono. Maxima Ultragreen is very popular but many others will work.
For flies many seem to like a Chartreuse and White Flash Tail Clouser. Nice ones are tied on #2/0 Gami jig hooks with large heavier eyes. All black FT is another choice. Then there are lots of custom combinations as well.
Next season Umpqua will have some of Dan Blanton's FT Whistlers and FT Clousers tied on jig hooks.
My info here is from fishing and talking with Striper anglers like Kevin Doran, Dan Blanton, Andy Guibord, Shane Harden and Jim Christensen.
As far as fly rods go most will be using a 9' #8 rod with some serious power especially in the tip. Some use a #7 weight with smaller flies at times and some use a #9 for throwing some larger, heavier streamers. Out of a boat it seems like the 9' length is the top choice. This could be a 2, 3 or 4 piece models. With more ferrules on 4 piece rods you need to check them to be sure they are still tight after a lot of blind casting for Stripers.
The fly reel for Stripers is not a really big deal but you want a solid one with a good smooth drag. For using the fast sinking lines you don't need a really big reel either because it is very small diameter and doesn't take up much room. We think 100 yards of 30# Micron or Dacron is good for Stripers in most cases.
One of the most popular lines right now is the SA/Mastery 'Custom Tip Express' which is SA's version of T14 for the sinking section integrated smoothly to their intermediate running line for only $39.95. They come with about 33' of very fast sinking section so most are recommending cutting 5 feet off which should net a bout a 28 foot sinking section which is just right for an 8 weight rod.
Any 300 grain Teeny type integrated sinktip will work too. They cast a little smoother and are better for first timers. Maybe a 250 on a 7 weight rod and 350 on a 9 weight rod.
LC13 lead core, Rio T14 and the Custom Tip Express all cut through the wind better and sink faster though. I think 28' is a good average length for LC!# or T14 heads.
If you are throwing larger wind resistant top water sliders, poppers or gurgles for Stripers you can use the same 8 weight rod with a WF10F 'Saltwater' or 'Clouser' line. This will take a larger reel to hold the larger, fatter floating line.
As far as leaders go in the Delta many use 6 to 8 feet of straight 15 to 20 pound test level mono. Maxima Ultragreen is very popular but many others will work.
For flies many seem to like a Chartreuse and White Flash Tail Clouser. Nice ones are tied on #2/0 Gami jig hooks with large heavier eyes. All black FT is another choice. Then there are lots of custom combinations as well.
Next season Umpqua will have some of Dan Blanton's FT Whistlers and FT Clousers tied on jig hooks.