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How to Fly-Fish for Striped Bass
by Robert Strayton
"Time and tide wait for no man," and it is absolutely
true when fishing for Striped Bass, regardless of tackle
choice. Time of day and stage of the tide are critical
factors in determining a successful striper strategy.
Moving water, structure and the predominant bait should
all be considered when targeting stripers, but there is
already plenty of information on how to fish for
Stripers generally, what you want to know is how to
catch them on the fly. The good news is that fly-fishing
for stripers can often be more productive than other
methods.
Tackle
Generally, a 9-foot, 9-weight fly rod is a good
all-around fly rod for stripers and nearly most other
inshore species (bluefish, bonito, false albacore,
bonefish). A good quality, appropriately sized fly reel
that holds at least 250 yards of 20lb backing, spooled
with either an intermediate or fast-sinking line is
fine. Stripers aren't leader shy, or toothy, so there
really isn't a need for a shock tippet, a 15 - 20# test
tippet is sufficient. I also highly recommend using a
striping basket to manage your fly-line when striper
fishing. It will allow you to cast further and
alleviates having the fly line wrapping around your feet
in the surf.
Flies
Fly selection, like any other fishing technique, should
mimic the predominant prey in the area. There are many
choices when it comes to fly selection, the good news is
that Stripers are not usually too picky. A good fly to
begin your search is a chartreuse and white "Lefty's
Deceiver." Depending on location and time of year other
flies may work better, but I tie my own "Lefty's" and it
is my "go to" fly. Generally, any pattern that mimics
small baitfish or sand eels is productive.
Location, Location, Location
Like all striper fishing, location is critical when
fly-fishing for stripers. Typically you can't cast as
far with a fly rod as you can with other tackle, so
being able to reach the locations where fish hold is a
consideration. If you want to tangle with big fish, you
need to pick "big fish" locations. Rocky outcroppings,
deep holes, ocean beaches, generally will hold bigger
fish, depending on time of year, water temperature,
depth and water flow, but these each present different
challenges to the fly caster. There are big fish in
other locations, but to consistently target larger fish
you need to go where the big girls hang out.
Let's catch fish!
Generally, you should cast up-current and allow the fly
to sink and drift back to where you think the fish are
holding. The
faster the current, the deeper the water and the
sink-rate of the fly line will all determine how far
up-current to cast and how long to wait before beginning
the retrieve. It is a good idea to count out the seconds
and see whether 3 seconds or 30 seems to bring the most
strikes.
Most fly casters use a two-handed retrieve. They stick
the rod-handle under their arm then retrieve the line
using both hands into their stripping basket. A somewhat
steady, pulsing retrieve of about 6 to 12 inches tends
to work well, but don't be afraid to mix up the speed or
cadence of your retrieve. Just remember you're trying to
mimic the irregular, darting motion of the baitfish
you're fly is imitating.
When using the two-handed retrieve, most fly-fishers
will use the "strip-strike" method to set the hook. When
you feel the tug of the fish, sharply yank the line to
set the hook, then clear your line, either on the run,
or by cranking it back onto the reel and fight the fish
using the leverage of the rod and the drag on your reel.
And remember, no "high-sticking."
 Keep the rod tip up, but not past 10 o'clock. Raising
the rod to 12 o'clock or beyond is asking to break that
expensive rod. A fly rod's fish-fighting strength is in
the lower sections, so let the rod bend deeply and let
the flexible tip protect your tippet by acting as a
shock absorber. A great method of fighting big fish on
the fly is to turn the rod sideways to your body away
from the direction of pull. You are then exerting
maximum pressure on the fish, while protecting your
investment. When the fish changes direction, flip the
rod over to the other side, while maintaining constant
pressure on the fish, forcing it to pull against both
the drag and the rod. This technique will allow you to
subdue surprisingly large fish, very quickly.
When you get the fish in close, depending on its size,
you can back up onto the beach and slide the fish up
onto the sand, then simply unhook the fish and let it go
to make more stripers and fight another day. If the fish
is smaller, you can just guide it in to you, grab the
fish by its lower jaw and release it. The good news with
fly-fishing for stripers, is even without using circle
hooks, they are almost always hooked in the jaw, making
it an ideal catch-and-release fishery. Just remember, if
the fish is truly whipped, revive it by pushing it back
and forth through the water to pump water, and oxygen,
over its gills. When the fish is sufficiently revived,
it will lunge from your hands.
Fly-fishing for Striped Bass is perhaps the most
"intimate" form of fishing for these magnificent
animals. The flow of the current around your legs, the
line in your fingers, the subtle tap-tap of the strike
allows the fly-fisher to commune with the fish, and has
proven to me to be far more productive than "slingin'
meat." I may not always catch the biggest fish on the
beach, but I generally catch a lot more fish than the
people using other techniques.
If, for you, like me, fishing isn't totally about
catching big fish, but rather an opportunity to go out
and enjoy time with family and friends, and to soak up
nature's beauty, then fly-fishing for stripers may
become your favorite way to fish for these powerhouses.
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