IF, a stripping “basket/devise/gizmo” is worn too high my hand hits it but waves don’t. Too low and waves hit it but my hand doesn’t. Some place in between and waves hit it and so does my hand. When I do use one, I hang it low enough so my hand does not hit it, but do not wade deep enough for most waves to hit it; I run back on shore when I see a big wave on the way. :idea:
Here is how the lower-left coast crowd is coping:
and…
The lower photo shows the LL Bean Basket ($19.95) with the addition of a Pool Noodle Hand Bumper and Emegency float.
Both anglers 
have Sea Run Cuthroat to hand 
I have a few collapsible stripping baskets and in the scheme of things I find them more trouble than they are worth. I tend to try and perservere with my rigid LL Bean jobbie which has been around the world with me. Just make sure that it is well packed in the suitcase.
Another I have been trying recently is the flexi-stripper
The spikes can be clipped in and out quite easily.
What kind of fly did the skate take? All of the above comments are very interesting. I had no idea there was such a variety of stripping baskets. I learn something new everyday here.
ive got the william joseph
only @ $30, works ok for me
FYI-I snagged both of those SoCal SurfZone pics from a recent post by Richard Cullip on Gary Bulla’s BBS…Post still there
Therefore-no clue on the fly. Yet I’ll guess probably something Orange.
Has anyone tried the stripping baskets which feathercraft sells?
I have a question for all of you hard basket advocates. In some of the readings I have done on stripping baskets, some have said that the basket must have drain holes in order for the line to remain in the basket should a wave occur. I have also read where there are items available to keep the line separate or in coils to make casting easier. Are these NOT used in the fabric baskets? I love the idea of a wash tub type of basket with cones that can be customized with a rod holder and other things but for us “girls” who very often lack the height to support these baskets and tubs, I have wondered if the soft type that could be adjusted somewhat might not be a better way to go. Last month while attempting to surfish in Florida, the waves were so bad that I was almost got knocked over more than once so I just gave up and lost an entire day to not being able to fish. I did have fun trying but it was frustating at not being able to get the line out past where the waves were breaking even though I can cast at 40ft +. I know these questions probably sound really dumb but I am a newbie to flyfishing the salt.
Yes Gerri,you want drain holes in the hard basket because a wave can knock you over if the basket fills with water.This is especially important when fishing from jettys.Most hard baskets have cones built in then to keep the line coils separated but soft baskets lack these.This is one of their biggest drawbacks.The soft baskets are also a bad choice for the surf as wave hitting them will tangle the line.I understand your frustration with the waves but its a learning experience.Try standing sideways to the waves and casting at an angle to the waves instead of straight toward them.I find casting this way gives my fly more drift time and less casting hassles.
Gerri,
For me it depends where I am fishing. If I am in the surf a stripping basket full of water is not only uncomfortable it can be dangerous; also if you are using a floater it become pretty much useless. In these situations I use one with drainage.
When fishing calmer waters I generally use a stripping basket without the drainage holes as I can wade a little bit deeper and not worry about water filling the basket from below. The rigid basket also protects the line from the wind.
I use the flexi-stripper then there is little wind and I am not wading more than thigh high. It is nice and light and holds the line pretty well in these conditions.
FYI- Here is some homespun “How-To” info on converting the Hardsided LL Bean Stripper into a wave warrior
[url=http://www.calflyfisher.com/msgboard/viewtopic.php?t=81:ec273]Basket Mods-Click Here[/url:ec273]
Excellent modifications. I like those ideas alot.
jed
jkilroy
I have both hard and soft been baskets. I like both but find I use the hard one more this year for some reason. I have been considering going back to the soft to see if it makes things easier in one particular rip I like to fish where the hard bucket can drag you under with one bad step.
I’l report back.
e
I have started hitting the salt hard lately and started leaving my baskets behind. I used to love using them because I could cast a lot farther and not worry about my line picking up all the poop that floated by. Now I have all my rods uplined and find that a basket is just a hinderance while trying to mend in the surf on a beach or the cliffs. I have caught more fish by drifting and mending properly than by casting farther. I find that a properly loaded rod will shoot the line out with or without a basket. I was always picking out knots after every other cast with a soft or hard basket with or with out cones.
The last basket that I used and liked did not have holes on the bottom but lots of big holes all over the sides 3/8 inch from the base. I liked being able to keep 3/8 inch of water in the basket to keep the line wet and slick so it would shoot better buty still had plenty of drainage for crashing waves.
One trend that I have noticed:
- The east Coast Surf Fishers tend to go with no holes in the baskets to help them keep the lines wet and casting smoothly.
&
- The West Coast (Southern Primarily) fight more waves and shorebreak: therefore they need perforated baskets to quickly drain the water which comes-in over the top.
I fish SoCal and during a typical surf session I will take a couple waves in the chest and get a face splash or two. If the waves are big, I wade shallower and still get hit, If the Swell is down and the peaks lower-I tend to wade deeper and get surprised by a few. The holes are a must down here. No issues with getting the line wetted.
Micro:
Have you been hanging our with Kenney Abrams? Overlining - no stripping basket, etc.
How’s school going? You done yet? I hear that the beaches in Matunuck have been pretty hot as of late. Jealous that I’m not closer to home. Have had very little Rhody fishing time this year.
e
I have owned both the Beans baskets, collapsable and rigid. Do yourself a favor and stay away from the collapsable one. The thing is nothing but a tool for infinite tangles.
I now use the rigid basket and love it. In fact I have two, one with holes and one without.
FYI the water that collects in the basket actually aids in the shooting of line.
This post has made me pretty confused. I’m thinking a hard-side stripping basket. Thanks for all the input.
JK,
The reason you are confused is that different people like different types of baskets. If we all liked one kind then nobody would produce the other kind.
They all have advantages and disadvantages. Try one and when you’ve had enough, try another. Sooner or later you’ll have it figured out.
I started with a soft one and am now ready to try a hard shelled one.
jed
I know I need something. Casting off a jetty is about impossible without one.