It’s April and I’m getting all my gear ready to keep in the car for those days when I can get a few hours on the Southern Maine beaches.  I’ve been fishing for striped bass a few years and love it

We all have our different set ups but here is what I have ready (bearing in mind, I’m still learning):  

Waders (though not necessary for beach casting)

Rod(s): 

• LL Beans 9ft/8 weight 2 piece
• Greys Platinum XD Saltwater 9 ft/8 weight 2 piece

I know others prefer a 9/9 but the above is what I’m currently using til I get more experienced.

Reel and Line:  saltwater reel should be able to hold enough backing to allow a striper to run – around 150/200 yards of 30 pound line. A spare spool with intermediate line can be quite handy. I was fortunate to the The Tackle Shop in Portland set up my reel/spool for me last year.

• Fly Line – There are 3 types of line – Floating, Intermediate and Sinking Line. I currently have sinking line on my set up for casting from the shore (maybe a floating or intermediate weight line from a boat). For info you might use an intermediate line for wading and shore fishing and a floating line for fishing top water. I have spare spools that has intermediate line.
• Leader – 30 pound test monofilament/fluorocarbon then maybe,  a 2/3ft length of 20 pound test monofilament material. The tippet – 2 ft section of 15 pound monofilament/fluorocarbon.  Or a bought tapered leader is my best friend.

Flies: I have a very simple fly box with crab patters, sand eels, Clousers (see pic)  Most tied by my brother Mark.  My fly box is a waterproof Airflo box

Finally,  you may, or may not, want a stripping basket to keep your line from being washed about in the waves.  I don’t have one as yet but it’s on my shopping list.

Where to go: There are many places to go striper fishing – look out for estuaries and flats. I’m based in Portland, Maine so for me – Scarborough, Biddeford and down to Ogunquit is about as far as I go. I’ve seen people on rock edges at Two Lights – I prefer the safe zone of the beaches (right now).

As I say, I still consider myself a beginner so experiment and if you have recommendations, leave them in the comments below