Striper Clam Rig ????

[tomc76]

For my leader, I usually just use a 3-4 ft. of 30# mono, with a fishfinder rig and a 5/0 or 6/0 baitholder hook. I’m looking for feedback regarding using a fluorocarbon leader, specifically what test, and length. Also should I be using a circle hook. Been hearing many different things, just looking for a solid opinion one way or another. Also does it matter what color the hook is? Thanks in advance…. 

[robsrodnreel]

i use 30# leader w/ fish finder but i shorten the leader from 2 to 3 feet and use circle hooks.  also in my bag ill have hook sizes from 4/0 to 7/0's.   

[Luna Sea 5]

that sounds about correct.  With a fishfinder rig, you can keep a shorter leader because if you want to extend the distance of the leader, just let out a few more feet of line after you take the slack out.  This can only be done with a fishfinder rig.

[Capt. Ed]

Hi,

I use flouocarbo leaders of about 36". I shorten them as the current increases.

I am a big fan of circle hooks (REAL circle hooks - inline) for stripers) as I practice catch and release only on my boats. They are not hard to use. You can use a larger hook than a 5/0 or 6/0 with circle hooks. Actually, a use 10/0 when the large stripers are around.

Thanks,

Capt. Ed

[GregB]

I usually use 50 lb fluorocarbon leaders on fishfinders. Although never proven to me, I have always heard striper's can get line shy. So, I experiment and try different leaders if the bite isn't happening, I may downsize leaders. Also, always look for nicks in the flouro and change out if they get nicked. The heavy leader is great for structure fishing but nicks show up under water and you loose the "invisibility". That said I have seen very big bass caught on regular mono leaders so who knows? I just like increasing my chances.

[tomc76]

Thanks for the reponses, I might give the circle a shot, also gonna give a flouro leader a shot also.

[Fishin Dude]

Floro is the way to go! <'((((><

[Capt Craig]

I think circle hooks are the way to go. Its easier to get them on the hook and once on  they tend to stay buttoned. Plus if you get into smaller fish your not going to gut hook  and kill them. In the early part of the spring I'll use 5/0's and lighter tackle. As we get into May I jump up to 8/0's and heavier tackle,with bigger fish around and the chance of getting into a nice Drum fish on the Delaware Bay. I use a Fish finder rig w/30 or  40lb test. When we get into May  I'll go up to 50lb with the chance of getting big Drum. I am not so sure how leader shy Bass are but I will put out a 5 rod spread some with floro some mono. I need to say that I have caught as many Bass on mono as Floro over the years. Who knows? 

[Luna Sea 5]

i have a bad habit with the circle hooks, I am not patient enough.  What I do is use the J hooks, If I find myself gut hooking some fish, then I switch to the circle.  I want to make sure I get a few in the boat before I start experimenting.