I changed out my leader thinking that may be my main issue. We normally use a 60lb mono leader since we target larger salt water fish. I changed up and put 17 floro on. I am hoping that makes a difference. anyone have any advice on free lining for stripers?
I’ve had luck using 12lb leader max. lighter the better. Gives you more action in your bait. Take your time getting them in.
20# max on the leader…stripers are not line shy but 60# will def inhibit the bait from swimming freely.
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
thanks for the info. I am hoping the 17lb floro does the trick, if not i have some smaller line, but I like the floro just for the invisibility of it. we were all on top of them today and could not get them to bite. earlier though they bit, we just could not get them to boat. I dont remember them being so easy to lose.
2012 DLV 198 Carolina Skiff
Humingbird 998 Side scan and GPS
GPS trolling motor
My Cherokee indian name is asuvsgi nahna adadudi or Fishes on Credit
For freelines we prefer 12-14 lbs leader with size 2 circle hooks.
Caught one 25 today on 10lb main line and 12lb leader. 
Kevin Lybrand
we got 2 in the boat yesterday afternoon. We missed alot too. I think the were kinda playing with the bait instead of hammering down on them. The 17lb line is too much for the free lines to look right.
Goo luck!
Always waiting for the big knock down!!!
17 lb. leader must have looked OK to the fish we caught when we won the Sportsman’s Warehouse tournament in March. My big fish hit a free-line herring on a rod with 17 lb. fluoro leader.
Rick K
thanks for all the advice. I also noted today using a little weight helps a lot. So far my rig I am heading out with tomorrow is power pro line, which I cant go without, love it too much. about a 6 foot leader which is 17lb Vanish Floro which I think is pretty flexible and a small half ounce weight at the top of the leader to help get the line down where the fish are. Number 2/0 hook.
We lost more than a couple I would say 4 maybe 5 fish because they seemed to be playing with our bait and not serious enough to commit to eating the whole thing, and the hook came out when they started to run. how can I avoid this? I was thinking of trying a tail hook or some other way to hook them. Anyone care to help on that part?
2012 DLV 198 Carolina Skiff
Humingbird 998 Side scan and GPS
GPS trolling motor
My Cherokee indian name is asuvsgi nahna adadudi or Fishes on Credit
If they’re playing with the bait and not screaming off with it, you’re in gar. Stripers usually don’t play with their food:)
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
I agree with Fogman.
Rick K
Thats Right Fogman!
Kevin Lybrand
thanks for that advice. did not know about the gar.
2012 DLV 198 Carolina Skiff
Humingbird 998 Side scan and GPS
GPS trolling motor
My Cherokee indian name is asuvsgi nahna adadudi or Fishes on Credit
Gene, see you use vanish floro, I tried it in 15# and it seems to break to easely at the initial strike ,I went with Seagar 10# and haven’t had a problem. Have caught several over 20 with no break offs
I agree with Boatpoor. I’ve had bad experience with Vanish, especially breaking at the know. I primarily use P-Line Halo, but Seguar has worked fine also.
Breaking at the knot!
Rick K
Seagar is the best. I use 12, 15, and 20 pound depending on the application. In my experience Vanish will make your fish do just that.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Been using vanish for the last 2yrs or so… I haven’t had the same problems as y’all…been using the same spool of 14#…I am finally down pretty low on it…never had a break on it unless I was hung up and intentionally broke it.
I will say this. When it counts I.e. tourneys and pulling big gizzards and trout I spend the extra $ and buy 20# seagaur. 11$ for 25yrds but I think its the best out there…
“Sea~N~Stripes”
21’ Hewes Craft Custom
115 Evinrude
quote:
Originally posted by FogmanSeagar is the best. I use 12, 15, and 20 pound depending on the application. In my experience Vanish will make your fish do just that.
Xpress HB-22
175 Yammy Jammer
Check the boards on almost any striper club and you will see a lot of similar feelings about Vanish.
Rick K
I had similar problems with Vanish when I first switched to fluor. I’ve learned the San Diego knot and haven’t had any problems since I started using it. Caught a catfish over 25 lbs. out of Fogman’s boat with it. That was a hard strike and hookset for sure. I do check the line closely after each fish. If you get a nick in the Vanish, from fish teeth, rocks or whatever, you had better cut and re-tie or it will break very easily.