With summer in full swing here on Cape Cod, the striped bass fishing is continuing to heat up and bigger fish are still showing up in new places. Coming into the heat of the summer means changing fishing conditions and techniques, and fishing with the correct tackle and presentations could mean all the difference in finding giant striped bass on a fly rod.
July and August are months on the Cape that present anglers with incredible opportunities to catch adult bass that are feeding on some very large prey species, such as menhaden (pogies) and squid. Anglers in search of these bass with a fly rod have been evolving their techniques to properly target and land big bass in open water.
Even when fish may be showing on the surface, fishing in 30+ feet with at least a 350 grain sinking line such as RIO’s 400 grain striped bass fly line often produces more and bigger fish, as being able to span the water column can be essential. Casting these heavy sinking lines with large squid or bunker flies pushes most 9 weights to their limits. 10 weight rods should be considered the minimum for this fishing, and even 12 weight rods are not uncalled for in these conditions.
Typical inshore striped bass fly tackle consists of 8 or 9 weight rods suitable for throwing standard deceivers, clousers, and crab flies. However, fishing from a boat in deep water while casting oversized flies for adult bass does not necessarily require much stealth or delicacy. Serious fly anglers have recognized the benefits of beefing up their tackle to meet the demands of these bigger conditions. With fly rod technology as good as it is now a days, there are some great sticks that won’t break budgets that are big enough to handle this intense fishery, while also being lightweight and not unbearable to cast over time. Fly rods are already light enough, so stepping up to bigger 10-12 weights for offshore bass gives insurance on the whole process going successfully. There are a few rods to highlight that meet the demands of casting large flies with sinking lines to land monster bass feeding on these big prey species.
The Redington “Predator” 10 and 12 weight rods are lightweight and pack a mean punch. It casts a sinking line like a slingshot and has a strong backbone to lift big fish from deep water. This rod’s fast action and strong butt section has proven to be a proper offshore bass rod.
The Temple Fork Outfitters “BVK” fly rod in their heavy 10 and 12 weight models allow for the ability to shoot giant baitfish flies out deep and dredge up these fish hanging under baitballs. With a very smooth casting action and incredible lifting power in the middle of the rod, the BVK saltwater rods gives anglers the right chance to catch more and bigger fish in deep water.
With all of these giant fish gorging on big bait off the Cape this summer, don’t miss out or be undergunned because of the lack of power in your tackle. Reconsider offshore striped bass fishing and start using big rods for big flies for big fish!