Book: Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass

Striped Bass, Photo/Tom Richardson

In the recently released Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass, author John L. Field—much like his finned subject—covers a lot of water. And while some of the book does indeed contain useful tips and techniques for targeting large striped bass, it mostly serves as a primer on pursuing any size striper on fly gear, wherever the species can be found, from Nova Scotia to California, and even in Texas and South Carolina.

A wonderful read for all fishermen.

Field hits the familiar bases, such as what gear to use (rods, reels, lines, leader, tools, waders, etc.), as well as the tying recipes for 50 proven big-fish fly patterns to match local forage species, from lobster to mackerel, squid to sand eels. Excellent color photos of these flies serve as valuable reference. Also included are step-by-step instructions for tying several important knots critical to saltwater fly fishing.

An award-winning distance caster, Field also offers helpful fly-casting instruction (always tricky to pull off in print), as well as important chapters on the biology, behavior, and migration patterns of stripers.

Another chapter describes the myriad places stripers can be found, including estuaries, flats, rips, inlets, ledges, and beaches. Ariel photos and diagrams help the reader visualize where fish will hold in these different scenarios. Naturally, fishing these spots requires different approaches, so Field delves into various tips and techniques for fishing both on foot and from a boat.

Rounding out the book is a tour of the striper coast, both East and West, as well as two freshwater systems that host the species. This section is accompanied by detailed chart sections and maps, along with tips from notable guides and charter captains from each region.

Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass can be ordered through Amazon for $38 (hardcover).