Things You'll Need:
- 9 weight or bigger fly rod and floating line
- Waders
- Striper flies (eel patterns, streamers or squid)
- Tape measure and release tool
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Step 1
Find a section of flat, tidal water. A few suggestions are Monomoy Island in Massachusetts, Cape Hatteras in North Carolina and Montauk, Long Island in New York.
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Step 2
Approach the striped bass slowly, wading the flats carefully with your fly rod in hand. If the water is clear enough you should be able to see your fish using polarized glasses.
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Step 3
When you see the striped bass (they will appear as a shadow on the flats) cast a few feet from the fish.
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Step 4
Let your eel fly sink to the bottom in the sand of the flats. Then jerk the fly from the sand. This should trigger a magnificent strike.
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Step 5
Let the striper take the fly for a second or two, then set the hook; one solid tug should hook your fish.
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Step 6
Keep your rod tip up and tension on the line until you have worn down your fish and it is safe to land. Congratulations, you have just caught your first striped bass on the flats.
