The striped bass is indeed a unique and marvelous creature. Although there are no set concrete methods to catch one, here are a few tips which will improve your chances. The information below was compiled from the included booklist and my own personal experiences.

Stripers have excellent eyesight. Snap swivels, big spreader rigs and weights will be seen by an older, bigger striper. It's not impossible to catch one using such commercially available rigs but your chances for success are less. From a bridge I use split shot when the current is strong, but for the most part I use the weight of the bait only. I use an octopus hook with a three foot, 30lb. test monofilament leader. I will use a snap swivel for convenience, but if I suspect that big fish may be present I will remove it and tie the hook directly to the end of my line. When fishing from a beach I will use floats that I've added reflector tape and eyes to and try to keep it close to the bottom. The high/low rig is also a good rig to use. There are valid arguments for both methods but your personal preferences are all that matters. In the heirarchy of stripers the small are at the top of the water column, the larger fish at the bottom. Again the rule is: the more stuff you have on your line the more likely they'll see it.

This type of gear is a personal matter. Fishing rods and reels are subject to greater things than ratios and ball bearings. Your budget plays a big part. With four kids I don't have a lot to spend on ultra gear. If you can afford it, GOD bless you, If not, do the best you can. Here are some things to keep in mind. For surfcasting you need at least an 8 foot rod for ease and effeciency. It helps to have a tall rod. It helps when fishing in rough water. My daughter's 32" was caught with a 6 foot freshwater rod with 12lb. test, go figure. Make sure your rod has some backbone. The striper is not the greatest fighter but it is strong and heavy.

You'll need a sand spike to set it in although I like to hold the rod more often than not. You can make them from PVC very easily and they're not usually too expensive anyway. When you need five its cheaper to make them. To makew your life easier take a drill and drill a quarter inch hole about a half inch down from the top of your sandspike. Take a small bungee cord and pass one end through the hole. Crimp the hook closed so it will not come off. When you carry your rod to the beach attach the other end of the bungee cord to your reel. This will hold it on your rod and give you one less item to juggle.

There are an infinite number of hook types you can use. I use moderately sized octopus and baitholder hooks of the 4 to 6 size range. It is extremely important to keep the hooks as sharp as possible. It is also a good idea to make up your hook rigs before you go out. I'll sit and watch TV and make up a dozen or so rigs( this is even better done during the off season). Since I fish mostly at night, it can be a real burden to tie a rig while the action is getting hot. You can save a lot of money making them yourself. The two common snell knots are easy. I buy 20lb or 30lb monofilament(cheap stuff) for my leaders. The hooks are cheaper if you but them bulk. Mustad, Eagle Claw, and the new Japanese brands are reliable.