Stripping Basket?

[Bluegill Budd]

I fish a lot of spots that are grown up with weeds and my line is constantly getting tangled in them. So I am looking for suggestions for a stripping basket. There are NO fly shops within two hours of me so I can not run down and try out different models. A search shows up the ones that look like a baby bath tub - and plans how to make a stripping basket out of something similar. I also found a folding net one but have no experience with any type of basket.

I found this one: http://www.flyfishbasket.com/ with a model at about $30.

Soliciting opinions good and bad.

Clint

[whatfly]

Among the folks I know who use one, the favorite by far, believe it or not, is the one from Orvis (http://www.orvis.com/p/durable-stripping-basket/1433) and while it is expensive, it will last forever. I bought a collapsible one like the one you listed, and did not like it much at all. I think a rigid basket works better. There are some other ones out there but you could always make one yourself. A quick google search will turn up tons of solutions. All you really need is Rubbermaid dishpan and a belt at a minimum, although there are some interesting other solutions folks have found. Good luck.

[jimsnarocks]

A kids woven bicycle basket fitted to a belt would work good and last a couple of seasons. Or, an old wicker creel with lid removed.
I've been frustrated by fast moving water and brush in creeks I fish. Jim

[Kaboom1]

Look here......

http://www.stripersonline.com/surfta...final-product/

Brad

[gmac209]

Or here

http://globalflyfisher.com/fish-bett...ikea-line-tray


Geoff

[dudley]

I use the large wire nuts for my "cones"
A squirt of GOOP inside to deter rust and attached with stainless wood screws.
I would recommend staying away from the mesh baskets as your line tends to puddle in the middle.

[Bluegill Budd]

I have looked at quite a few "make your own" projects and really can not see my self carrying a dish pan through the woods. I am going to order the William Joseph and build a bottom with "spikes" to keep the line from tangling. I have an idea on making the spikes from some stiff foam so it will fold in the basket while traipsing through the under-brush on the way to the creek.

[James Smith]

I have used a Payette stripping basket (very similar to the Willam Joseph model) for over 20 years and love it. I purchased it for the exact same reason you mentioned because where I fished, my flyline would always end up tangled in sticks and weeds. While you can add foam cones to the model you're considering, I never really found the need to. There were occasions when the line tangled in the basket, but not all that often. I found that using a striping basket added 10-15 feet to my casts because I wasn't having to untangle sticks and grass from my line or worse yet, find that I was stepping on the line while false casting. I think that you'll be very happy with your purchase.

Jim Smith

[deathb4disco]

I like the Flexi Stripper. Been using it for years.

[melk]

Does anyone use a stripping basket in a yak? I was looking at the various types and a dim light went on. I always get my line tangled in al the other stuff on the bottom!
Mike