Striped Bass Clamming
The conventional rod and reel combo we recommend for bait fishing with clams features a Shimano Torium 20 reel on a Tallus conventional rod (model TLC-70MHA). This is a very versatile conventional outfit and is perfect for nearly all northeast chunking applications.
We recommend loading the reel with 30lb Berkley Big Game which is attached to a 5ft length of 50lb BerkleyBig Game Fluorocarbon leader using a #10 Mustad Rolling Swivel. The rig is completed with an 8/0 Mustad 92553BL Ultrapoint Beak Bait style hook. This is an incredibly sharp hook and is the most effective hook when using large clam baits.
We recommend soaking the clams in Mustad Activate Bait Enhancer which can make a big difference when the tide slows and the fish became very finicky.
