Bay Striper equipment recommedations

[Trouter925]

I've never fished for stripers in the bay or delta. I live so close I figure I really should get my game together. I'm wondering about kit.

I have 9' 8 weight TFO pro II rod.
Echo Ion reel.
Wulff Ambush line with various versileaders

Is the rod okay for bay stripers? Should I look into a different line?

Thanks

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I would get a Rio Outbound Short WF8I/S type 6 integrated line for most of it.

They cast easier than a 28' T14 head or 28' Leadcore head with running line.

[Tony Buzolich]

That sounds like a perfect outfit to get started with. I'm unfamiliar with Wulff Ambush lines but if you have one that sinks fast you're set to go.

All you need now is a leader and some flies. I'd use 2' of 40# for the butt section looped to 2'-4' of 20# to the fly. The leader doesn't need to be long as the water is not clear, and stripers are not leader shy anyway.

Clousers in chartreuse over white, or just plain white will do the job fine. Start with 3/0 and be sure to tie it with a loop knot for better movement and hook-set.

If you really want to shorten the learning curve, come to Dan Blanton's Striperfest Nov.4 at the Sugar Barge Resort on Bethel Island and talk with as many of the striper fanatics as you can. It really will help.

Hope to see you there, Tony

[Mr T]

Good info to start with- put in some time and it will pay off.

[Darian]

You haven't mentioned whether you have a boat or access to one but using an adequate boat would help. If you haven't a boat, fishing from shore is limited in the Delta due to restricted access (too much private property, etc.). Boats are available to rent from Sugar Barge Resort on Bethel Island.

I'm familiar with fly fishing from shore in the Benicia area but it's combat fishing. Maybe others will be able to fill in the blanks....

[Trouter925]

Good point - I don't have a boat. Was just thinking of shore access, maybe Crissy Field, or North Bay. I remember seeing fish rolling near Bothin Marsh Preserve years ago. Any other foot access? maybe Tomales or Bodega bay?

[Spicytuna1]

I'd use 2' of 40# for the butt section looped to 2'-4' of 20# to the fly. The leader doesn't need to be long as the water is not clear, and stripers are not leader shy anyway.

That is same set up I use to my Topwater Rigs but I use a swivel instead of loop to loop and it helps reduce line twist.

[amoeba]

Good point - I don't have a boat. Was just thinking of shore access, maybe Crissy Field, or North Bay. I remember seeing fish rolling near Bothin Marsh Preserve years ago. Any other foot access? maybe Tomales or Bodega bay?

You can fish the ocean beaches for stripers, Stinson, and so forth, depending on season, tide, and wind.

[gcbuchwald]

go with RIO outbound short type 6 line in a 9WT if you're fishing on the shore OR if your rod is extra fast action. If its a slower action then go with 8wt line.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

That TFO Pro II 9' #8 line fly rod is not very fast so I would stay with the 8 weight Rio Outbound Short WF8I/6 very fast sinking line which is already 1 or 2 line size heavier.