NEW ENGLAND STRIPERS

STRIPERS NEW ENGLAND

IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, YOU CAN FIND STRIPED BASS, “STRIPERS,” HOLDING IN NEW ENGLAND WATERS. I COULDN’T AGREE MORE - THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE NEW ENGLAND IN THE SUMMERTIME.

Words and photos by Jenny Tates

Stripers are originally native to the East Coast. Between its beautiful rocky coastline and its abundance of food resources, Stripers thrive in this environment. The summer and fall migration is something I look forward to every year as these fish move up and down the coastline in search of warmer waters. The ideal water temp for Stripers is somewhere between 55 - 68 degrees. Their feeding habits are based largely upon tidal patterns.

Very rarely will you find them feeding during slack tide. They love moving water, sunrise, and sunset which makes fly fishing for this species so beautiful. There’s nothing like catching a stunning sunrise and a blitz of crashing Striped Bass all at the same time. Most of these fish found in a blitz are somewhere between 5-8 lbs, known as “schoolies” (though this nickname can be pretty misleading). Even a schoolie will give you a few solid runs with their speed and strength before tiring out. Stripers are an extremely durable fish and one of the coolest species to target on the fly.

Whether fly fishing from the shore or a boat, there are many different ways to target Striped Bass on the fly. My personal favourite is the surface feed. When on the hunt for Stripers, I’m constantly scanning the horizon for birds that are “working,” meaning diving in numbers for bait fish. This is a perfect indication that Stripers are feeding below. Laying out your fly line on a perfectly timed boil is a sure way to get adrenaline going and the heart rate pumping. When it comes to surface feeds, Stripers are not particularly picky with fly selection. They’ll eat just about anything that’s presented properly, though I do have a few favourite fly patterns of my own: the classic chartreuse clouser, purple & black peanut bunker, and lastly a white hallow fly. Tried-and-true patterns for success from my experience.

“I believe the journey is just as important as the fish we find. “

Having the right set up when targeting Striped Bass on the fly is key for success. Depending on the circumstance, a 9ft length for a #8, #9, or #10WT will do the trick. Because these fish vary greatly in size from 5lbs to over 20lbs, each size rod is applicable for different scenarios. If you’re going for trophy Stripers, size up to a #10WT. These rods are built for heavier line and larger flies.

Line selection is also dependent on a case by case scenario. For instance, if you’re fishing 20-30ft deep, sinking line is the best option. I generally use sinking line to get down faster in search of the bigger boys and girls cruising in deeper waters. If you’re sight fishing in 1-2ft of water, use floating line all day. In general, Stripers are not leader shy so a 9ft leader works just fine. Though I caution you if you are sight fishing on the flats, add a length of tippet to your leader.

Efficiency of the double hall is extremely important to learn when it comes to fly fishing on the open ocean. Between the ocean swell, winds, and fast moving fish, the double hall is essential. This technique of casting helps anglers punch through wind, turn over a heavier fly, and ultimately reach fish at a far distance with accuracy. In terms of the retrieve, Stripers have a tendency to like a fast six inch strip. I also swear by “the pause” technique. Next time your stripping in the fly, throw in a pause before speeding back up. Your line will get tight on the hesitation. A common mistake is the inevitable trout set. The proper way to set the hook on a Striper is with a strip set. A strip set is done by tugging the line towards you when you feel the fish take.

Fly fishing for Striped Bass has been a long time passion of mine. As a kid I can remember watching surface feeds while out on the water with my father and being in complete awe. His passion for fly fishing

was contagious. It was a combination of spending time with my dad, beautiful Mother Ocean, and the excitement when we caught something that hooked me. To this day, watching Striped Bass hit the surface in abundance are some of my favourite times on the water. This early passion for fishing was the foundation for starting a women’s fly fishing company, FlyandFlow, in an effort to connect and encourage more women to get on the water and tap into fly fishing. I host specific fly fishing trips for women to various remote destinations around the world for all levels of female anglers. Nothing makes me happier than seeing these ladies’ lines get tight and sharing in the joy.

I believe the journey is just as important as the fish we find.

Tight lines,

Jenny