The conventional rod and reel combo we recommend for targeting striped bass on clams features a 7′ fast to extra-fast rod and a reel a fast retrieve that is capable of handling 30lb braid. This is a very versatile conventional outfit and is perfect for nearly all clamming applications. Though a levelwind is convenient, it acts to reduce the sink-rate of the rig (undesirable). Star drag reels are preferred because of the ease with which they can be put in and out of gear.
We recommend loading the reel with 30lb braid. Braided line is preferred over mono because the thin line diameter allows for the fastest sinking action and a more vertical presentation (critical). The lack of stretch ensures that the angler feels even the slightest pickup.
When sinker bouncing, the braided line is attached to 3ft length of 50lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb 3-way swivel. A 4-5ft length of 30lb mono with is also attached to the 3-way swivel and to the desired sinker. Only use a sinker just large enough to hold the bottom. This will ensure the best possible presentation.
When flat-lining (anchored and floating clams back behind the boat in a current, a 75lb barrel swivel is used to connect the braided line to the fluorocarbon leader. If the current is very strong, a small egg sinker can be tied into the line above the swivel.
We recommend only using 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks. We filmed nearly all of our shows using either J-hooks or Octopus hooks. We have since switched to using only circle hooks!
A fish flipper Release Tool should be used to ensure that all the fish were returned quickly and safely to the water. This tool allows the angler to release any lip hooked fish with ever touching it. It eliminates the chance that the angler will be hooked and minimizes wear and tear on the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recommended setup is a 7-foot fast to extra-fast conventional rod paired with a reel that has a fast retrieve and can handle 30lb braid. A star drag reel is preferred for ease of putting it in and out of gear, and while levelwind reels are convenient, they reduce the sink rate which is not ideal for clamming.
Braided line is preferred because it has a thinner diameter allowing the rig to sink faster and present a more vertical line, which is crucial. Additionally, braided line has no stretch, enabling the angler to feel even the slightest pickup from the fish.
For sinker bouncing, attach the 30lb braid to a 3-foot length of 50lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb 3-way swivel. Then attach a 4-5 foot length of 30lb mono to the 3-way swivel and to the sinker. Use only the smallest sinker necessary to hold the bottom to maintain the best bait presentation.
When flat-lining, use a 75lb barrel swivel to connect the braided line to the fluorocarbon leader. If the current is strong, tie a small egg sinker above the swivel to help manage the line in the current while floating clams behind the boat.
It is recommended to use only 5/0 to 7/0 circle hooks for striped bass clamming. Though earlier videos used J-hooks or Octopus hooks, circle hooks are now preferred for better catch and release practices.
A fish flipper release tool allows anglers to safely release lip-hooked fish without touching them, which reduces the chance of angler injury and minimizes harm to the fish, ensuring quick and safe release back into the water.