All Points Fly Shop + Outfitter - News

Here in the Northeast, we anticipate the 'fall run' well in advance. The opportunity to catch large bass looking for a quick meal before their long trip south is ever-present. There are a number of factors which make fall fishing for stripers different than the rest of the season. Here are three helpful tips for keeping your line tight this fall!

1. Beat The Wind - Switch Your Line

The arrival of autumn brings with it increasing wind. You can see it in the trees and feel it off the water, especially in the mornings. Plus, it's also hurricane season. So with all this brings  increased wind speeds and higher surf which can make casting more difficult. Try switching to an intermediate line if you've been using a floating, or a sinking tip line if you've been casting an intermediate. This can help many anglers get the amount of line out they want in rougher weather. The added advantage to this is two fold:

• As lines go from floating to sinking they get thinner - specifically the head. This helps cut through the wind.
• Intermediate and sinking lines are traditionally heavier than their floating counterpart. This helps load the rod easier, does so at shorter distances, and gets through the breeze with less effort.

2. Bring A Lot Of Patterns

The fall run can be incredible mostly due to the amount and diversity of bait that is around. This also makes the fall run unpredictable. Adult menhaden, herring, baby bunker, mackerel, silversides, sand eels, etc. - they can all be present at any given time! It's a wise idea to bring along various patterns that can imitate that unexpected bait you see popping out of the water. Also think small. Bass can be focusing on the smaller bait that is flushing out of the estuaries, so don't be afraid to switch from that 12 inch flat-wing to a smaller peanut bunker pattern. Big fish can be just as likely to hit small flies as larger ones in the fall. 

3. Think Inshore + Come Prepared 

Knowledge is power. Knowing what to expect during the unexpected might seem like an oxymoron, but if you have an idea of what might happen you'll be quicker and more efficient in your fishing when the situation presents itself. The cooling water temps are signaling the baby bait to work their way out of the estuaries, and is also pushing the adult bait close to shore to start their migration south. So stay close, no need to blast around waayy offshore or find the longest jetty in the area. The beaches, rocks/ledges, and estuaries will be where most of the action is. If you are on boat, stick close and work the inner channels and flats. The wading angler can have just as much success as the mobile boater. 

I hope those three tips help. Enjoy the last of the striper season! 

Words + Photos by: Josh Thelin

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There are a lot of knick-knacks in fly fishing. Some things you need, others you don't. Specifically with striper fishing here in New England - here are a few absolute essential items that could make up a sort of "if stranded on a (New England) deserted island" kit for striped bass. You got your rod, reel, line, and favorite fly...now...

1. (Bugstopper) Sungaiter/Sungloves - Sungaiters/buffs and gloves have become increasingly popular these days and for good reason. They provide not only protection from the sun (in the highest sun-hit areas), but keep stripping fingers less torn up, keep you warm in a cold breeze, and keep insects away. Specifically these Simms Bugstopper Sungaiters + Gloves mix the best of both worlds. Sun protection with added bug shielding. These are the best friend of striper anglers especially fishing the marsh + rivers a lot! (Think mosquitos, green heads...)                                                                                                                                                                                               
2. 20 or 25lb Fluorocarbon - Some people argue lighter, others heavier. But 20 or 25lb fluoro can function as good striped bass leader/tippet material for fishing patterns from clousers/deceivers to deep water crabs. It provides plenty of strength for big fish, abrasion resistance for barnacles/rocks/teeth/etc, and is stiff enough to turn over essentially any striper fly. Some 20lb fluorocarbon, connected with good knots, can really be all you need for a season of Maine stripers.                                                        
3. 20 or 25lb Monofilament (Tapered) Leaders - When fishing top-water or shallow water, I like to use monofiliament (see our guide on monofilament vs fluorocarbon). So a pack of 20lb mono leaders is always in my bag or jacket. It's enough to turn over those big wind resistant poppers and bring in a heavy bass off the surface.                                                                          
4. Wading Boots - A good pair of wading boots can be vastly under appreciated. I see a lot of anglers with very worn out boots that barely give any ankle support and little to no grip on rocks. I have used the Simms Vapor Salt boots not only fishing here in Maine, but also flats fishing in Belize on hard coral flats. They provide great durability + protection, ankle support, and Vibram soles plus the ability to add in metal cleats. The lacing hardware is non corrosive too so they are ideal for long term saltwater use where most, even high end Simms boots, will eventually start to rust.                             
5. Stripping Basket - "You don't need a stripping basket, but after your first time out you will really want one." That's my response when someone is here at the shop asking about the necessity of a stripping basket. After one outing with your line tangling on rocks, in marsh grass, or swept away by waves you will certainly see the convenience of them. Trying to cast flies into New England wind along the ocean is hard enough, give yourself a little advantage...                                                                                        
6. Pliers - A pair of good pliers is on the hip, pack, or in the pocket of every hardcore saltwater fisherman. Finding a pair that are durable, provide good jaws, are corrosion proof/resistant, and have sharp cutters can be tough. I've been using these Dr. Slick Typhoon Pliers for a couple years with good success. They come with replacement jaws and cutters too.                                                                                                          
7. Waterproof Fly Box - Saltwater damages everything, and needless to say, when your hooks get rusty, well...                                                                                                        

 There you go! If I were to leave the house and not have one of these items, I might feel "lost." There isn't a lot you can bet on when fly fishing for stripers, but you can bet these are "bare essentials!"

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