For the passionate striped bass angler, the joys of the hunt by no means fades. From the joy of the primary topwater strike in spring to these closing surf-side casts as the autumn run wanes, there’s all the time gear to improve, sort out to prepare, and new strategies to strive. Try some must-have items for the striper angler in your life—or begin making your present checklist if that angler is you!
(Word: On The Water is reader-supported. If you purchase via hyperlinks on our website, we might earn an affiliate fee.)
This super-soft relaxed-fit polo options the basic OTW striper brand and is constituted of breathable, sustainably-sourced beechwood. Its cooling, moisture-wicking qualities, in tandem with UPF 50+ solar safety, hold you comfy and presentable on the water or off. $81
Designed to place the brakes on massive stripers, bluefish and albies, this aluminum spinning reel includes a highly effective carbon fiber drag system in a light-weight, corrosion resistant bundle. It boasts an IPX6 waterproof ranking to withstand harm from salt water and sand with its sealed drag, rotor, and physique. Beginning at $150;
This midweight jacket and bib combo is breathable, waterproof, and stain resistant for cool temperatures and foul-weather fishing. It has comfortable neoprene wrist cuffs to seal out moisture and fleece-lined, zip-close handwarmer pockets for aid from heavy wind and rain. Jacket, $200 / Bibs, $200
Stroll-the-dog or twitch and pause to idiot stripers with this 4 ¾-inch topwater plug. It’s armed with beefed-up VMC Perma Metal hooks and has an inner rattle, and the cupped lip generates a loud popping sound because it’s retrieved. $18.50;
This sharp-looking belt includes a brass buckle and real leather-based tab that’s engraved with our basic striper brand for a clear, formal look wherever you go—as a result of stripers are all the time on the thoughts. $50
Constructing on the strong basis of the Battle sequence, the Battle IV incorporates PENN’s Hydro Armor know-how which, mixed with its full steel physique and sideplate, provides safety towards saltwater intrusion and corrosion. Beginning at $130.
With the widest hole of any tournament-approved circle hook, this non-offset hook is an effective match for anglers soaking massive baits like bunker or mackerel chunks to catch stripers. It has a thinner gauge for swift penetration and a Needle Level hook with a micro-barb to maintain massive stripers pinned whereas doing minimal harm to the fish. Beginning at $6.50
The proper layer from fall via winter, this midweight flannel includes a leather-based striper patch on the left chest pocket. $59
Weighing 1 ounce and measuring 7 ½ inches lengthy, these versatile delicate plastics are designed to forged lengthy distances towards surface-feeding fish however carry out equally nicely when jigging. Whether or not rigged on a wide-gap swimbait hook or a normal jighead, their tantalizing motion mimics quite a lot of striper forage from sand eels to squid. $13.50
Constructed to subdue highly effective saltwater species like striped bass and enhance line management, this fly rod options Fuji tangle-free Ok-frame stripper guides and a {custom} aluminum reel seat with a preventing butt for these lengthy, grueling, big-fish battles. Beginning at $595
With a big arbour and an enclosed multi-pad disc drag system, the Averon combines efficiency, energy and sturdiness into a light-weight bundle, which earned Hardy the award for Greatest Fly Reel at ICAST 2024. Beginning at $395
Made with water resistant cloth and YKK Aquaguard zippers, this 12-liter sling bag offers loads of cupboard space and comes with a fold-out compression-molded workstation for seamless on-the-fly sort out changes. $200
Layer up with this light-weight, active-fit pullover for these brisk mornings spent chasing stripers or albies. It options Columbia’s Omni-Protect know-how for stain-resistant, moisture-repellent heat, and the drawcord-adjustable hood and elastic cuffs seal out the weather. $120
By combining their extraordinarily sturdy ElaZtech building with a lifelike profile and pure baitfish patterns, Z-Man developed this wedge-tail swimbait designed to look and swim like an actual mullet–a favourite fall snack of striped bass. The lure’s strengthened line-through harness permits it to slip up the road upon setting the hook, so that you lose fewer fish to thrashing headshakes. $10
Made out of delicate recycled yarn, this waffle knit cuff beanie will showcase your love for striped bass and hold you heat on and off the water this winter season. $30
(Proven in Fantail PRO body.) Whether or not offshore in full solar, stalking stripers at daybreak, or fishing below overcast skies, Costa’s 580G Gold Mirror lenses are constructed for versatility. A rose-base glass lens with encapsulated gold mirror creates a crisp and vibrant view irrespective of the situations. Beginning at $257
Three unbiased air chambers make this inflatable skiff simple to air up and pack down into the automotive trunk in a jiff. It’s filled with options like non-slip EVA foam deck padding, built-in 40-inch fish rulers, cover brackets for elective solar/rain protection, and is totally appropriate with Scotty fishing equipment. Beginning at $2200
This 5-inch popper packs a large punch. It casts with ease to achieve distant floor feeds and audibly chugs alongside the floor with a gentle cadence or pop-and-pause retreive, whereas sustaining the erratic subsurface motion of the unique Mikros stickbait by Strategic Angler with a sooner retrieve. $25
Daiwa designed this rod sequence with enter from Northeast builders to face up to heavy use and abuse within the surf. The brand new V-Joint know-how permits the connecting clean segments to flex with the rod below heavy load with out sacrificing energy, offering the facility and sensitivity of a one-piece rod with the straightforward storage and transport of a two-piecer. Beginning at $400
Weighing round 2.5-ounces, this slow-sinking needlefish is the fitting alternative for casting into robust onshore winds on the seashore or reaching distant rock piles the place stripers are holding. For the well being of the fish and angler security, every one is armed with a single stomach treble hook and has a custom-tied flag on the tail loop. $30
These sturdy waders are highlighted by a 30K+ submerged waterproof ranking, molded knee pads present further consolation on rocky shores, and twin density neoprene stockingfeet hold you heat in chilly water. $500
The brand new Ultegra XR is for the surfcaster who calls for a reel with energy and long-distance casting capacity that may additionally face up to the salty components. Shimano’s X-Shield know-how offers water resistance whereas InfinityDrive will increase winding energy and the RigidCast spool reduces line friction because it leaves the spool. $370
Whether or not you carry it over the shoulder or slide it onto your surf fishing belt, this transportable pouch carries a 26- or 36-ounce YETI Rambler bottle for hands-free hydration on the rocks or the seashore. $40
The brand new and improved SaltX is totally sealed and boasts 50 kilos of most drag capability in a light-weight, CNC machined aluminum physique with titanium elements and stainless-steel gears which can be constructed to face up to the tough, saltwater components. Beginning at $429
Simply clear fish slime, blood, dried salt, and scales out of your fingers with this moisturizing, lemon-scented, exfoliating hand scrub that’s good to maintain on the boat or within the john. Accessible in 6- and 16-fluid ounce bottles. Beginning at $14.95
Whether or not you stuff it with rigged eels or your favourite 10-inch, soft-plastic eel imitators, this can be a must-have on the surf belt. It’s practically 3 inches huge and includes a locking lid and 5 giant drain holes within the base for fast drainage when rock hopping. $34