Fly Fishing for Stripers

[jmd41]

Hello Everyone, I hope you can help me.

I purchased a Saltwater Fly Fishing outfit at the fishing show a few weeks ago.
I bought an Okuma Intergrity I 10/11 and a Pflueger IM-8 PT90-10. The reel is all set with backing, line, and leader. The guy even thru in a few flies and a carrying case. Problem is I have no idea how, where, and when to use it.  I'm dying to try it out but am looking for help as to where to begin?  I have been practicing casting, and I think I have the hang of it.  Now I would love to know where to go to try it, what type of flies should I use etc..

Any help would be much appreciated!!

[ped579]

Hi jmd,

What area are you looking to fish?  I am located in Ocean County so my territory is around IBSP and a litle north to the Manasquan inlet.

First a couple of questions.  What size line did they put on for you?  If it is a weight forward type in the 9+ weight you should be good to go. Plus make sure your rod can handle that weight line.

As far as what to use, I always tell anyone to match the hatch.  By this I mean try to mimic what ever bait fish is running at that time.

Here is a link we started a while back as I like to tie my own.

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=3855.0

Good luck,

Happy Catching

Paul

[jmd41]

Thanks Paul,
It's a floating line.  The gentleman who sold the outfit to me Say's this is perfect for strippers / blues. How would I tell if it's a weight forward line?

I usually fish Point Pleasent .. either the beach or the wall.

Jim

[ped579]

Hi Jim,

It would be hard to tell but if you look at the first 20 feet of the line it should have a taper to it.  Say if you look at two turkey basters put together at the wide ends, it starts out small at the spout end and works its way back to a heavier section for about 20' and them back to a skinnier section for the rest of the length of the line.

You want the weight forward so you can shoot the line out quick.  As far as a floating line I would say that this guy does not fish for stripers too much.  Stripers for the most part keep low unless it is at night.

You want to get the fly down low to where they hang out.

Stripers are for the most part lazy and opportunistic.  If there is a bait ball and blues are in the area they will let the blues chomp off the tails and then feed on the heads as they fall to the bottom.

All my fly stuff is pretty heavy.  I have a 9' rod with a 9WT-F line (weight forward) and I like to use an 8' tippet in the 15 or 20 Lb class.

All my flies and teasers are on 1/0 hooks.

I hope this helps. 

Maybe one day we could meet up and hit IBSP I have a beach buggie permit for the season there.

Happy Catching

Paul

[jmd41]

I would love to connect sometime. I've seen you on this board so much I feel like I know you already.

I live in Old Bridge so I was thinking of heading to Cliffwood beach or something and trying my luck there. I've heard there catching some bass in Raritan Bay. I just got back from Orvis (I work in the city) and bought a Deceiver Red and white and just white and some sinking leader. I might give that a try.

[ped579]

That sounds good as the deceiver flies are great if you have spearing or any fish that is small long and slim.

I went to High School in Old Bridge.  Graduated back in the mid 60's when it was Madison Twp. HS.

I use to live on Creighton Circle in Sayerwoods South off Throckmorton Lane.

Boy that was a long time ago.

Paul

[fishinfool]

I'm sure you meant STRIPERS 

[jmd41]

OOPS  bngh

[fishinfool]

OOPS  bngh

  

[ped579]

All fixed...

But funny...

Paul

[mboy]

10mn North of where

That sounds good as the deceiver flies are great if you have spearing or any fish that is small long and slim.

I went to High School in Old Bridge.  Graduated back in the mid 60's when it was Madison Twp. HS.

I use to live on Creighton Circle in Sayerwoods South off Throckmorton Lane.

Boy that was a long time ago.

Paul

15mn North of where I grew up (and where parents still live).

[IrishAyes]

I went to High School in Old Bridge.  Graduated back in the mid 60's when it was Madison Twp. HS.

Boy that was a long time ago.

Paul

Damn Paul, when you went to school back then, they didn't even have History?   

(I can't talk too much, I graduated in 68) 

[ped579]

I have relatives in Parlin, on Campbell Dr.  Our whole family except one has moved down south of the Raritan River now...

[blynch]

Hello Everyone, I hope you can help me.

I purchased a Saltwater Fly Fishing outfit at the fishing show a few weeks ago.
I bought an Okuma Intergrity I 10/11 and a Pflueger IM-8 PT90-10. The reel is all set with backing, line, and leader. The guy even thru in a few flies and a carrying case. Problem is I have no idea how, where, and when to use it.  I'm dying to try it out but am looking for help as to where to begin?  I have been practicing casting, and I think I have the hang of it.  Now I would love to know where to go to try it, what type of flies should I use etc..

Any help would be much appreciated!!

Buy one of the many great striped bass books on the market, by authors like Milt Rosko or the Shore Catch guys.  These will tell you all you need to know about fly fishing for bass.

[jmd41]

Thanks everyone.  One last question...Can I go out there now?  I was at Clifwood Beach the other day a got a short on clam, will the bass go after flies this time of year?

[ped579]

Hi Jim,

Remember books are great but the best way to learn is by doing. 

As far as the bass on flies this time of year it is an iffy situation.  If you present the fly properly and maybe have a scent on the fly it might work.  I am trying a new spray by Gulp this year.  I haven't had to much luck yet with it but it is early.

Let me know how you do as I haven't had the fly rod out yet this year.  I have been practicing with mt new conventional outfit.  I will be out in the morning drowning a few clams.

Happy Catching

Paul

[shadyvito]

I have an 8 weight and a 10 weight.  I like the 10 a little better.  I have a floating line, intermediate line, and a fast sinking line. You want to be able to cover all the water.  Make sure you have a stripping basket!  The first time I went out I didn't and it was a nightmare! Also, I'm getting pretty good at casting but when the waves are crashing against you and the current is pulling your feet out from under you, it's a whole different ball game. 
Hey ped, I too would like to hook up sometime.  I still suck at fishing the surf and would love to learn.

[ped579]

Anytime guys, the season has just begun.  I usually go out a few times a week, once I slow down with my daughter and get her situated in college and get her classes all set up for the fall I will be able to breath a lot easier.

She just got her new car tonight so that was another thing out of the way.  She is now the third generation to be dealing with Downs Ford here in Toms River.  Nice people to deal with.

As far as the basket I use to use one but it kept getting in the way.  I guess if is what you get use to using.  If my life depended on it I could not find mine.  Its some where in the garage.

Happy Catching

Paul

[shadyvito]

I'm off on Mondays, you say when.
I've ordered parts from Downs Ford but I always wanted to check it out.  I love Mustangs and they know Mustangs.

[ped579]

They have new owners and I think the attention to detail is even better.  The salesman I have dealt with in the past no longer works there due to sickness so this time around I dealt with a fellow, Chris Hart that I think is the most sincere sales person I have meet.

They have one sweet mustang inside in a dark green metal flake.  Nice piece of machinery.

But back to the topic.  Mondays sound good to me.  I will let you knew.   I will be out back on IBSP on Friday with the fly rod and will wright up a report by Friday night.

Once things start to pop I will be out there more often.  I will post to let you guys know and if you want to tag along by all means do so.  My usual meeting place is Grumpys in SSP.

Happy catching

Paul