For striped bass rip fishing we recommend a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 30lb fused line. The optimal rod is 6’6″ to 7′ feet long with a fast to extra-fast action and capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce. This is a very versatile spinning outfit and is perfect for dropping the artificial squids to stripers that are holding back in the rips.
Recommended Line, Leader, and Terminal Tackle
We recommend loading the reel with 30lb fused line as opposed to braided line or mono. Fused and braided lines allow for much greater casting distance than mono. This is because is the much smaller line diameter of fused and braided lines. In addition, the fused and braided lines have virtually no stretch which allows the angler to precisely work the squid, feel the softest hits, and easily set the hook. Fused line is preferred to braided line because it has better abrasion resistance and is less likely to form a wind knot.
The line should be attached to a 3-4ft length of 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb barrel swivel. A 50lb leader is certainly preferred when they are bluefish around. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris and provides an easy connection point between the line and the leader. The angler needs to be careful not to reel the swivel into the rod as it can damage the guides. Some anglers use an albright or uni-knot instead of a swivel. This knot can be tricky to tie properly with braided and fused lines.
The rig we recommend consists of either a 4-6″ hollow shell squid with a small egg sinker inserted inside and a 3/0 treble trailer hook or a 3″ Berkley Gulp Squid which is available in many colors, has excellent scent and is very tough to pull of the hook. The Gulp squid requires no refrigeration to stay fresh. It should be rigged 4ft behind an egg sinker that is placed above the swivel and rigged with a single 7/0 beak baitholder hook in the mantle.
Fish Flipping/Release Tool
We always use a fish flipper or release tool. The 3-4ft leader is just long enough for the angler to get a couple of wraps on their arm to control the fish while it is still in the water. The release tool is used to quickly remove the hooks without exposing the angler to them. It also minimizes any harm or stress to the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
For striped bass rip fishing, a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 30lb fused line is recommended. The ideal rod length is between 6'6" and 7' with a fast to extra-fast action, capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce. This setup is versatile and effective for using artificial squid in the rips.
Fused line is preferred because it offers a smaller diameter than monofilament, allowing greater casting distance. Compared to braided line, fused line has better abrasion resistance and is less prone to forming wind knots. Both fused and braided lines have minimal stretch, which helps in feeling subtle strikes and setting hooks precisely.
Attach a 3-4ft length of 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader to the main line using a 75lb barrel swivel. Use a 50lb leader if bluefish are present. The rig typically involves a hollow shell squid or a Berkley Gulp squid rigged behind an egg sinker and hooks sized between 3/0 treble to 7/0 beak baitholder, depending on the bait. The swivel helps reduce debris pickup and provides a solid connection point.
The Berkley Gulp squid is durable, comes in many colors, and features a strong scent that attracts striped bass effectively. It does not require refrigeration to stay fresh, making it convenient for fishing trips. This artificial bait can be rigged 4 feet behind an egg sinker with a single 7/0 beak baitholder hook for best results.
A fish flipper or release tool is recommended to safely control and release striped bass with minimal harm. The 3-4ft fluorocarbon leader allows wrapping around the arm for better control while the fish is still in the water. The tool helps remove hooks quickly without exposing the angler to hook injuries and reduces stress on the fish during release.
Anglers should avoid reeling the swivel into the rod guides since it can damage them. While some use albright or uni-knots instead of swivels, these knots can be difficult to tie properly with braided or fused lines. Proper use of the swivel helps prevent debris pickup and provides a secure connection between line and leader.