When you are wading places like the surf or along the beach, there is no getting around your line tangling around weeds or getting covered in sand, unless you use a stripping basket, as they are built for this specific application.
Stripping baskets make all the difference when you are fly fishing in situations where your running line is likely to get caught up in your feet or other debris. They hold your fly line from falling to the ground, protect it from damage, and ensure you can make that long-distance cast when the opportunity presents itself.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best All-RounderAventik Eupheng Fly Fishing Stripping Basket |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best For FreshwaterTemple Fork Outfitters Linekurv Stripping Basket |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best For PortabilityPackable Stripping Basket |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best For Shallow WadingAhrex Flexistripper |
| Check Today's Price |
Finding the right stripping basket for you isn’t so easy though as there are three basic kinds to select from and not all stripping baskets are made equal either.
In this article, we take a look at the best stripping baskets on the market across all the different kinds so you can purchase the right one for your fly fishing needs.
Our Best Stripping Baskets
Aventik Eupheng Fly Fishing Stripping Basket
Best All-Rounder
Specs
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Dimensions: 15.75 x 11.81 x 11.81 inches
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to strip line into
- Stops fly line tangles
- Ensures smooth casting
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- You can shoot line with ease
- Will increase your casting distance
- Drainage holes let water out
- You can wade deeply, even in crashing waves
- Durable for fresh and saltwater use
- Great price for the quality
Cons
- A bit bulky when packed
First up in our selection of the best stripping baskets around is the Aventik Eupheng Fly Fishing Stripping Basket. This is an excellent all-around stripping basket that can be used in pretty much all environments.
Built from durable polypropylene plastic, you can take this stripping basket anywhere from the surf to the river and even on a boat. It features drainage holes so if water comes into the basket it drains out quickly, so the surf is easily manageable.
The basket features round line holders and spikes too, so you can chop and change as required. They do a great job of holding your line, stopping it from getting tangled, and you can shoot long-distance casts with ease when you need to.
The basket also comes with a waist belt that is fully adjustable making wearing the basket super comfortable and easy. Overall this is a great stripping basket and it is affordable too, the only negative is that it is pretty bulky so it will take up a lot of space in your bag if you travel the world with it.
Temple Fork Outfitters Linekurv Stripping Basket
Best For Freshwater
Specs
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 17.91 x 15.98 x 7.2 inches
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
Pros
- Durable build with a solid design
- High sides stop water from entering
- It will ensure your fly line doesn’t get tangled
- Legs are smooth to hold your running line
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- Makes casting your fly line much easier
- Comfortable adjustable wading belt
- Easy to strip line into
- Light to carry
- Includes a rod holder for re-rigging
Cons
- Bulky and not so portable
- No holes so will continually fill with water
- Best not used in rough environments
The Temple Fork Outfitters Linekurv Stripping Basket is another excellent bit of gear that will help you manage your fly line while wading so you can make the most of your opportunities to catch fish instead of getting tangled.
Built from tough polypropylene, this bucket-style basket is built tough and can handle being rocked around in all environments from fresh to saltwater. It features a comfy belt that stays put once it is on and eight rounded spikes that come with a smooth finish and hold your line well.
The basket is a great size which makes stripping into it very easy. It stops your line from getting tangled while you fish and when you cast, your line will flow off the spikes perfectly letting you deliver your fly to where it needs to be.
It is a lightweight basket making it easy to carry, has high sides to stop water from entering, and it even comes with a rod holder. This means you can lay your rod across it and re-rig or add a new fly, and cast out without your line flying everywhere.
There are some cons to these stripping baskets though, mainly being the lack of holes to let water out, but you can drill these in yourself. Also, it is big and bulky so traveling with it isn’t so easy.
Packable Stripping Basket
Best For Portability
Specs
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 inches
- Material: Mesh & Polyester
Pros
- Folding stripping basket for portability
- Lightweight and folds away into its case
- Can be packed in a backpack with ease
- The mesh bottom lets water drain out instantly
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- Includes a pocket for gear
- Easy to strip line into
- Comfy waist belt
- You can cast with ease
- Casting a long line is easy
- Durable and great quality product
Cons
- Line tangles can happen as there are no spikes
- Line free to blow and move around in harsh conditions
This Packable Stripping Basket is a little different from the other stipping baskets featured in this article as it is highly portable.
The basket is made with a mesh bottom, polyester sides, and stainless frame which folds down into a neat carry bag. This makes this a super portable option that you can throw into your hold luggage and take fly fishing anywhere.
It features a large basket that is easy to fill your line into and by having a mesh bottom, all the water that comes in goes out quickly, and it cleans your line too.
It holds your line well and makes casting from, a boat, the surf, or a rocky shoreline as easy as possible. Suffice it to say this is a great piece of fishing gear.
The basket even features a velcro pocket along the waist to hold any extra fishing gear you want quick access to like a fly box or tippet. The belt is super comfy, holds the basket in the right place all the time, and is so light it is lovely to walk around with on.
The only negative to these stripping baskets is that your line can tangle a bit due to the lack of spikes on the mesh, and if you are fishing in super rough conditions, your line could get blown around in the basket through the bottom which could cause some tangling issues too.
Ahrex Flexistripper
Best For Shallow Wading
Specs
- Weight: 1 lb
- Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 8 inches
- Material: Polypropylene plastic
Pros
- Easy to pack into a bag
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to use
- Holds your line well
- It will not hold water
- Stops line tangling
- Great to cast with
- Great for jetty rocks and striped bass
- Open stripping basket design is more portable
Cons
- The line can fall off in the surf
The Ahrex Flexistripper basket features a different style from the baskets you have seen above. This basket has no sides and is kind of a platform with spikes instead of being a bucket or a true basket.
Built from durable plastic with numerous spikes, these baskets sit nicely on your stripping side and naturally collect your fly line as you go. By having no sides, it doesn’t hold water, it is super light, very portable, and highly effective.
So long as you are wading in shallow water, your fly line will stay put on these baskets and be ready to cast for when you spot a fish. It stops it from tangling, holds it well, and keeps it off the floor too.
I wouldn’t recommend using this basket if you fish in the surf as a heavy wave that comes in above the basket will probably wash your line off the spikes and you will constantly have to re-set before you begin to fish again.
But, the thing I love most about this basket is that is it super simple, comfortable, light, and a pleasure to fish with.
FAQs
How to choose a stripping basket?
1. Choose the size and shape of the basket that best suits your needs. The size of the basket should be proportional to the size of your target fish, as larger baskets are better for larger fish.
2. Consider the type of material that the basket is made out of. Look for a basket that is made out of a material that is durable and will withstand the elements.
3. Consider the features that the basket has. Look for features such as a mesh bottom, adjustable straps, and a handle for easy carrying.
4. Look at the price. Stripping baskets can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, so decide what is most important to you in terms of features and cost.
What is the best stripping basket in the market today?
The best stripping basket available in the market today is the Spro Power Swivel Stripping Basket. This basket features adjustable straps and a mesh bottom, allowing you to easily switch between different target species. The basket is made out of durable polyester and features a comfortable handle for easy carrying.
Is a stripping basket really necessary?
Yes, a stripping basket is necessary if you want to effectively target certain species of fish. Using a stripping basket allows you to fish with both hands, giving you more control over the lure and the presentation. It also gives you extra storage space for tackle and other items, making it easier to organize and transport.
What Type Of Stripping Basket Should I Buy?
There are three basic kinds of baskets, as I mentioned earlier, and picking the right one is all about matching the right basket to the right situation. You have a bucket-style basket, foldable basket, or an open basket.
Bucket baskets are great for rough conditions as they have high sides that keep your line inside the bucket and stop water from coming in. A foldable basket is great for traveling with, while an open basket is great for shallow but calm flats.
Winding Up
Thank you for reading my article. I hope you enjoyed it and have found the right stripping basket for you.
It is all about finding one that suits the place you fish in, so if it is in the surf, a bucket with high sides and drainage holes is key, wading on rocks, anything that keeps the line off the ground is what you need.
Please share the articles around with your fishing buddies and why not check out some of our other articles? We cover everything from how to catch certain species to the best gear for every occasion.
