DIY Stripping Basket Fly fishing Tip # 156.

My stripping basket blew out of the yak on the way home from fishing last week so I need to make another one. I looked back into my list of fly fishing tips to make sure I do it right tomorrow. I'm going to highlight some of my original ideas that I know for certain work.



Cut all of the mono pieces first and cut them about 1" longer than you want the finished product to be. Sharpen one end of your mono pieces by cutting them off at an angle with sharp cutters. Melt the bottom end of the mono pieces and flatten the end against a hard surface.



Punch the holes in with an ice pick from the outside in. [b]Do one then insert the pointed mono from the outside in. [b]Punched holes grasp the mono tightly. You will probably need pliers to pull the mono from the inside. Pull until the flattened end bottoms out on the bottom of the basket. Continue this process, punching one hole then inserting the mono. [/b]


Assure that all mono ends are tight against the bottom of the basket then hot glue them inside and out.



Finally, trim the sharpened ends of the mono, cutting the mono to the desired length at the same time. Vary the length of the mono pieces by about an inch.



Remember, the first strip does not go in the basket but hangs down. This was the hardest thing I had to learn when I started using a basket.

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Capt. Ken

Don't waste time between punching the holes and inserting the mono. The plastic will try to get back to its original configuration really quick so speed is important. Actually, gluing may not even be necessary. I promise you that, if you punch all of the holes before starting inserting the mono, you will have to work a lot harder.

Yes, this is harder than drilling the holes but your mono will never fall out or even move.

I'll add photos of the process and the final product if anybody is interested.

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Capt. Ken

Pics please.

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If It Pulls Pull Back
Member S.S.C.

Will do the pics tomorrow. Went fishing this morning then spent time with the grandkids.

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Capt. Ken

Ok, here goes.

I don't know what brand the tray was but it is a super el-cheapo and really junk. I should have bought Rubbermaid. I paid $2.50 at Dollar General for it.

I cut most of 3 sides off the tray. I cut 8 5" lenghts of 300# mono. Notice the 4 holes in the back of the tray. I cut between each pair of holes for the strap. The holes are basically for stress relief. If I had cut 2 slots without them, the box would have cracked.


I flared one end of the mono pieces by pushing them against a hot piece of iron, (Heated with propane torch)


I pointed the other end by clipping the end diagonally with small, sharp dykes.


Strap installed. Back of basket.


Completed stripping basket.


Take the same concept and make a lap stripping tray out of a tote lid. Sorry for the poor quality photo. White lid and clear mono not good for photography.

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Capt. Ken

cool idea thanks Capt.

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If It Pulls Pull Back
Member S.S.C.

I take it that the mono helps keep the fly line put and keeps it from tangling and looping on itself? Good idea, I've seen it done with cable ties also, but he mono is quicker and cheaper.