Fly fishing for striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is an exciting and rewarding pursuit, especially along the Atlantic Coast, in estuaries, and around rocky shorelines where these powerful fish hunt. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:

1. Understanding Striped Bass Behavior

Habitat: Stripers are found in both saltwater and freshwater (landlocked populations exist). They favor:
Tidal rivers and estuaries (spring/fall).
Rocky shorelines, jetties, and surf zones (summer).
Deep holes or current seams in rivers.

Feeding Habits: They eat baitfish (menhaden, herring, sand eels), crabs, shrimp, and squid. Focus on low-light periods (dawn/dusk) or overcast days.

2. Fly Fishing Gear for Stripers

Rods & Reels

Rod: 8–10 wt (9 wt is ideal for most scenarios).
Surf/Open Water: 9–10 wt for casting large flies into wind.
Estuaries/Rivers: 8–9 wt for accuracy.

Reel: Saltwater-proof, strong drag (e.g., Lamson Liquid, Nautilus NV).
Line:
Floating line (for topwater or shallow water).
Intermediate/Sinking line (for deeper strikes; Type III–VI sink rate).

Leaders & Tippet

Leader: 7–9 ft, 12–20 lb fluorocarbon or mono.
Tippet: 12–20 lb (adjust for clear water or pressured fish).

3. Best Flies for Striped Bass

Match local baitfish or crustaceans. Key patterns:

Baitfish Imitations:
Clouser Minnow (white/blue, chartreuse/white).
Deceiver (all-white or olive/white).
Game Changer (articulated for movement).

Topwater:
Gurglers or Poppers (exciting surface strikes at dawn/dusk).

Crustaceans:
Crab patterns (tan/brown) for estuaries.
Shrimp flies in muddy bottoms.

4. Techniques for Success

Retrieve Styles:
Strip-and-pause (mimicking wounded baitfish).
Fast strips to trigger aggression.

Locating Fish:
Look for birds diving (indicates baitfish schools).
Fish current edges or drop-offs where stripers ambush prey.

Tidal Fishing:
Incoming tides bring bait into estuaries; outgoing tides concentrate fish near structure.

5. Key Locations & Seasons

Northeast U.S. (Cape Cod, Long Island, Maine): May–November (peak in June/Sept).
Chesapeake Bay: Spring/fall migrations.
California Delta: Year-round (check regulations).
Surf Fishing: Focus on dawn/dusk with sinking lines.

6. Conservation & Regulations

Check local rules: Many areas have slot limits (e.g., 28–35" keepers).
Practice catch-and-release: Use barbless hooks, minimize handling, and revive fish in current.

Pro Tip
Stripers often follow flies without striking. If you miss a hit, keep stripping—they’ll often come back for a second try!
Would you like recommendations for specific regions or fly-tying tips? Tight lines! 🎣