I am thinking about making my own stripping basket for use while wading and fishing streamers for trout. I was wondering if anybody has made their own. If so, are there any things that you’ve learned through trial and error that you may want to share? How aabout any ideas on the topic in general?
I know there’s a lot on this subject on the web, so you can probably google the topic. Also, there might be
a demonstration on building a basket on youtube.
I’ve used many stripping baskets. If I’m making short casts on a small stream I generally go with a collapseable, William Joseph basket, as I don’t think
having cones in my basket is critical.
If, however, I’m making longer casts, I’ve found the Orvis basket to be by far the best. To me, tangles in my line is the biggest hassle in fishing, therefore,
I never had the urge to build my own basket. I don’t see how I could do better than the Orvis. It’s worth the money I spent for it.
Randy
This one is always in by pack since it is collapsable: http://www.flyfishbasket.com/basket.htm
In the boat I want an Orvis one too. Here is some good info on building your own: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aypqmwLQbZU
http://www.lyndenhuggins.com/flyfishing/howto/strippingbasket/strippingbasket.htm
http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/stripping-baskets/
Lots of stuff on the web
I’ve seen folks use laundry baskets for this. Economical enough I guess, but man, it sure is comical to see someone astream with a laundry basket strapped to his waist.
I made mine with a Rubbermaid dish pan http://www.housewaresandbeyond.com/p12749-Rubbermaid-2951-Dishpan-Blue-Mist.html Cut slots to run a web belt through (you can use bungee cord, too although that doesn’t hold it on your hips as well); fingers/cones optional but I find it helps to keep tangles down (as does a little water in the bottom of the basket; that’s why I don’t drill drain holes) - I tried mono, heavy duty weed trimmer line, but found the best thing to use is zip-tie strips. Total cost was about $8.00; wouldn’t think of fishing from a boat or beach/jetty without one.
Regards,
Scott
I’m in the same camp as ScottP.
I’ve got them with and without holes. Mine use 125 lb. shock tippet for loops and they all have split, nylon web wading belts ( with fused end ) and quick release buckles. They’re attached to the pan with sets of small brass nuts, bolts and washers.
They really fit well into the bottom of a travel bag or a garment bag for airline travel too.
Best, Dave
Homemade stripping basket, Trout & Streamer.
I also like to collapsable nylon mesh bags for fishing in fresh water. It’s one thing to walk around with a laundy basket or dish pan strapped to your side when you’re fishing in the ocean and another thing entirely when you’re picking your way through brush. Either one will catch brush and branches, but the collapsable basket is much easier to get out ot the way. I’ve been using a stripping basket for fresh water fishing, especially around ponds and lakes for bass and bream, for about ten years and I can’t imagine being without one. As far as how you’d make one, I’m sure it could be figured out, but for my money the $35 to $40 is money well spent for a good quality product that will last you for years. Just one man’s opinion.
Jim Smith
Jim Smith
I use a homemade number, too. Dishpan type thing from KMart with weedwacker line in the bottom, held on with a nylon belt. I took a heat gun to one side and molded it to be concave so it rides nicely on my waist. I only use it for saltwater and in the cockpit of my kayak. I’ve never had a fish laugh yet.
I’ve made 6 or 8 over the years, both solid and perforated, with both weed wacker loops and zip tie fingers, but I’ve settled on this design.
The ‘cones’ are wire nuts, the largest I could find at the home store, and they’re held with stainless flat head wood screws with washers and a little Goop to keep the springs from rusting.
I never cared for the loops and finger as you couldn’t store or carry anything in the basket without them collapsing
I should add that if you fish at night, white is by far the best color as it makes a good background for tying on flies
Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the input.
I use this one too…for saltwater. http://www.flyfishbasket.com/basket.htm
For trout I never use one. I gather the coils in my non-casting hand every other strip. If you interlace the coils in your fingers they come off almost perfectly. By interlace I mean the first coil goes between the thumb and forefinger, the second between the forefinger and middle, etc. until you get to the fifth coil which is back between thumb and forefinger.
DO NOT DO THIS IN SALTWATER. Any of the larger species you will be pursuing can amputate your fingers if they are caught in the coils.
Anyone know where to buy cones like this? http://www.aswf.info/images/stripping_basket.pdf The premolded cones are what I am looking for. Thanks.
After my intial question here I also did an internet search. It turned up a lot of the same old stuff, but somewhere amongst that search i found a company that makes something like what you pictured. I also read where one guy used epoxy to attach the smallest oil funnels he could find to the bottom of his basket. I wish I could help more but I’m at work and don’t have the time to try and retrace my steps to find a link for you. Depending on what happens at home and work in the next couple of days, I’ll see if I can get some quiet time to try and find them for you.
They used to carry them at Arts 'n Flies but they are temporarily out of stock:
http://www.artsnflies.com/pages/basket1.shtml
Regards,
Scott
here’s what I use…bad pic, and there are about twice as many zip-ties in it now & a few more holes drilled in the side and bottom…but, it works great.
There is a thread in the salt water Forum on this.
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/showthread.php?30866-Stripping-Basked/page3
(This link isn’t working for some reason…more bugs?..page 3 on the salt forum anyway…good luck)
I use the Basket ,web belt and a Mitten Drying rack (for placing over heat registers)
DuFf
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/data/500/medium/2632fish1.JPG
Thanks for the link Scott, I’ve decided to buy an Orvis one with the $25 off coupon that is available right now it brings it down to $35 and I don’t have to buy the basket, the cones, silicone, pay shipping and then build the thing.