We recommend loading the reel with 20-30lb 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 carefully work even the most difficult lures, 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. When casting distance is critical or when throwing lighter swimming lures we recommend using 20lb line.
The line should be attached to a 3ft length of 30-5olb fluorocarbon leader use a 100lb barrel swivel. 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.
A wide variety of lures can be effective for striper bass. Bigger lures are typically preferred because some of the best action occurs when the wind is onshore and drives the bait into the surf. Poppers are typically heaver than swimmers and provide extra casting distance and a better target in choppy water. However, sliders can be worked very slowly and their subtle action can often draw strikes when poppers fail. Pencil poppers have the best characteristics of both types (casting distance and subtle irresistible action), but take some practice before they can be used effectively. Surf tins (metal jigs) always provide the best casting distance and are great for blitzing fish and fish that are just outside of the casting distance achieved with poppers and swimmers. Bucktails also provide good casting distance and can be deadly when worked carefully through rips and across sand bars.
Popping plugs – Poppers are the best lures when the fish are visibly feeding on the surface, but are also effective when they are not visible. Big poppers as large as 9inch and 4oz are common. Effective colors vary, but typically anything with a white or silver bottom is going to be effective.
Swimming (sub-surface) lures – These can be very effective when waves are small, winds are light, and a more enticing presentation is required. Swimming plugs up to 7inches are common. Most of these swimmers are fairly light when compared to the poppers are can be a handicap in windy conditions or when extra casting distance is needed to effectively target the fish.
Surf tins – A wide variety of surf tins are available. The best surf tins are designed to “match the hatch” and imitate the bait that is present such as sand eels, herring, bunker, and baby bunker. Weights vary widely and a good rule is too use a weight that is just large enough to achieve the desired casting distance.
Bucktails – Bucktails are universally effective especially when fished with a strip of pork rind or a variety of soft bait-tails. These can be worked in any condition at a variety of speeds. Many “surf rats” claim if they could just have one lure, it would be a bucktail. The standard surf colors are white, yellow, and green (chartreuse).
Contact us if you have questions about our recommendations