FLY RECOMMENDATIONS | CAPT. DAVE STEEVES' FAVORITE STRIPER FLIES

In springtime around the New England coast on the big moon, juvenile herring make their journey back to the ocean. During this time, I can’t resist targeting striped bass around estuaries and river mouths with my favorite herring pattern and sinking line. RIO’s Student Loan was designed as a general-purpose big baitfish and comes in a lifelike herring color. It sheds water quickly making it easy to cast and it’s deadly when larger baits are the food source inshore and during early season.

As the water starts to warm, Stripers can be found cruising the shallows and beaches in search of food. Sand eels are one of the most prevalent food sources for striped bass in New England. RIO’s Pipe Eel in Olive is my go-to for targeting these linesiders in all habitats. This pattern has a slim profile and natural color making it one of the best flies to fish in the river, ocean surf, flats or rips all season.

Stripers love shrimp too, and it should not be ignored.  Ever experience refusal after refusal while sight fishing on the flats? Try RIO’s Webster Tactical Shrimp and watch how it changes their mood. This fly was designed for targeting spooky striped bass in skinny water. I love how it utilizes tungsten beads to keel the fly, allowing me to strip it slowly across the bottom. I prefer using a clear intermediate sinking line to be extra stealthy. 

Special Signature Tyer Pattern

In the fall, Stripers begin their migration south for the winter. They feast and nourish all day for the long journey back. Peanut bunkers are prevalent and can be found in large schools. It’s not uncommon to find huge feeding frenzies along the beach or near offshore smashing into these wide bodied morsels. The King Kinky Bunker is the perfect choice when trying to mimic their profile and size. Stripers get fixated on them and this fly will be sure to get them to react by its unique swimming motion. I like using sinking lines with various retrieves in heavy current and structure. 

Special Signature Tyer Pattern

Striped bass still like to roam the flats in the summer, but as the water temps rise, they become more nocturnal with their feeding habits. Selecting fewer general-purpose flies and choosing more exact patterns would be my recommendation. Fishing crab patterns are the way to go. Casting accuracy, presentation and patience are critical to entice these picky fish to eat.  RIO's Webster Tactical Crab is one of my favorites for this purpose.  It can be presented to most weary fish and it’s responsible for catching some of the biggest bass in New England during peak summer. I like using a fast-sinking line and shorter leader, making sure the fly is sitting on the bottom before the fish sees it.

Special Signature Tyer Pattern