Striper Bass Downrigger Trolling
The conventional rod and reel combo we recommend for striped bass downrigger trolling features a conventional star drag reel with a levelwind on a 7′ medium-fast to fast rod. The levelwind is optional, but is a big advantage when making fine depth adjustments while the rod is in the rod holder. This is a very versatile conventional outfit and is perfect for nearly all downrigger fishing applications.
We recommend loading the reel with 30-50lb mono which is attached to a 5ft length of 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader using a 100lb barrel swivel. The rig is completed with either custom Santini Tube lure or a 3-4oz bucktail tipped with an imitation sandworm soft bait. Both presentations are effective for taking big stripers in nearly any depth.
Striped Bass Tackle Checklist – Downrigger Trolling
- 7′ rod rated for 30-50lb mono
- Conventional reel with levelwind rated for 30-50lb mono
- 30-50lb mono
- 50-80lb fluorocarbon leader
- Santini tube lure
- 3oz to 4oz bucktail
- 100lb barrel swivel
Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!
Tackle Recommendations
 | Penn Fathom Levelwind Star drag conventional reel with level wind - models rated for 15-60lb mono and 20-100lb braid - 4.3:1 gear ratio - 3 ball bearings - HT100 drag washers Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct from Amazon |  |  |
 | Shimano Tekota Star drag conventional reel with levelwind rated for 12-40lb mono and 30-80lb braid - 3 ball bearings - 4.2:1 gear ratio Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct at Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Big Game Mono Trilene monofilament line - shock and abrasion resistant - clear, green, and solar collector colors - available in 8 to 130lb test and 1/4, 1, 3 and 5lb spools - exceptional knot strength Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct from Amazon | | |
 | HookUp SynTail Bucktail SynTail Series w/premium Mustad hooks and synthetic skirt for durability - available in 1/2oz to 6oz in a wide variety of colors Buy these direct from Hookup Lures |  |
 | Berkley Gulp Sandworm Gulp Alive! Soft bait - 6" - GAPSW6 - available on bloody, camo and natural - looks and feels like natural sandworms - rig and fish like live bait. Learn more and buy direct from Berkley Learn more and buy direct from Amazon |  | |
 | Berkley Gulp 6" Grub Softbait - 6" - GSG6 - available in 6 different colors - tough and durable - fish at depths up to 300 feet - wide swimming tail for greater action and visibility Learn more and buy direct from Berkley Learn more and buy direct on Amazon | | |
 | Mustad Rolling Swivel 77900 - Black Rolling Swivel w/round eye - available sizes/rating: 4/144lb, 6/118lb, 8/104lb, 9/77lb, 10/70lb, 12/49lb, and 14/42lb |
 | Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 4-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - additional abrassion resistance, lower diameter, invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 8-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Prospec Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear, blue, pink, brown colors - 20-200lb test and 25/33/75/100yd coils Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
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