Need advise on few accessories on Stripper gear

[GregW]

Originally Posted by fish raptor

bought new Stella 10000 and p/u century soon. little new to sport but plan on fishing the ditch and tributaries and surf. Did tons of research and have lots of recommended lures and rigs for bait fishing. Plan on strippers, blues and some flat fish (and anything else that will take the bait) Asked and got $$ gift certificated to big tackle shops so would like to ask other that rod/reel/lures what would the experts list at say the top 5 other items needed. Items I am considering are:

Boga Grip - they have 15, 30 & 60lb models - is this a good item to have or just a luxury. Have read that gills on strippers and do damage and we know about the Blues. I can afford it just don't know wether I am wasting my money.

night vision head flashlight: I would imagine that I will end up fishing at night/morning and this would be a necessity. Any make/models I should consider. I do not like to by JUNK, looking for real quality. I read that a red light toggle switch is important. Is it and if so why.

Fish hook removal tool: Long needle nose is all I have now ??

Have hand me down waders: not sure if they leak ? Hip waders ?

No boat so far but would imagine that having even a smaller boat would open the gauntlet tremendously. Is my assessment accurate ?

Please elaborate on items you bring that feel are a "must have"

Really looking forward to hearing everyones advise.

Thank you in advance, hope to meet some new friends at the Cape this year and get to know everyone by first name.

Kind Regards,

Bernie

I wouldn't buy everything up front. I'd buy the necessities and figure out what you like.
Where will you be fishing? Your location says NY, but you mentioned the canal... I assume the majority of your fishing would be closer to home?

Boga grips are nice to have, but a $10 plastic gripper will do the same minus the weighing.

Headlamps- Red is important because it keeps your night vision and white light travels extremely far at night. I have two a cheap energizer and a U.K. The energizer is cheap but is far from junk. I'ts been through years of abuse when I was in the military and only recently got replaced. If I am going to get wet, I use the U.k.
- get pliers with cutters - especially if using braid
-get a wading belt and use it ALWAYS
I'd also suggest a good plug bag.

Try out friends gear and see what works for you before dropping the big bucks on the high quality stuff- that would be some of my advice.

[Rappin Mikey]

Friends don't let friends fish bait. (unless they are eels). Start off with some swimming plugs like SPs or mambos. I would grab some poppers too uncase you see em on top some day. They work well in the Spring in rivers and the CCC on good moon tides in the morning. I tend to throw the ones at the strippers though. Plugs are expensive these days.