Making Your Own Stripping Basket
By Doug Martin
If you’re planning on fishing the surf you really do need a stripping basket. I’ve seen some hot shots who can hold their line in big loops (some even in their teeth) and still get off a decent cast but for mere mortals like the rest of us a basket is a must. Before making one you should consider buying one. Orvis makes a good one for around $45. (Orvis Stripping Basket) I would stay away from the floppy mesh nylon ones. For me it was more fun to make my own and it cost me a whole $3.95. You'll see every design imaginable out there. I like mine because it was cheep and I can also use it to store my stuff in. It took me about 1/2 hour to make. Check out the pictures below...
To make your own…
1) Select a Basket – If you cant find something lying around the garage, Pic-n-Save, Wal-Mart or some other bargain retailer is your best bet. Get something that’s made from fairly heavy plastic. I’ve seen two basic types used… those made from “cage” type baskets and those made from what I would call dish washing or storage tubs.
2) Select a “belt” – I used an old wading belt that’s perfect for the job. Some folks use a heavy-duty bungee cord. Whatever you use, It should be easy to remove in case you get into trouble!
3)
Modify, Cut and Drill – The “basket” I chose to use (Rubermaid
"Snap-Topper" 11.4L) had a
lip all the way around it that didn’t fit well against my gut so I trimmed it
down. A coping saw or a small hacksaw will work well. I used a
sharp utility knife to dress up the edges. BE CAREFUL! Take it slow… you
don’t want to cut off too much or loose any fingers tips (been there done
that).
For the belt I drilled two 5/16” holes in the outside corners of the basket
about a belt width apart and about an inch away from the top edge. I then
connected the holes with my saw. Drilling these holes will keep the plastic from
tearing out and allow you to thread the belt through more easily.
4)
Create DRAINAGE! – Using your drill and a good size bit (up to
1") drill at least a couple dozen holes in the bottom of the basket leaving
at least a 1" space between. When drilling these holes, set your drill to a
slow setting to avoid tearing and burring the plastic. When in use, your basket should not hold any water and must
drain quickly or it wont work well and could even drag you down if caught in a wave
or current!
At this point your basket is useable. The following step is optional but could
really improve the performance of your basket and lengthen your casting
distance.
5) Wal-Mart sell these plastic golf ball markers (see pics below) that can be glued to the bottom, between the holes, that work great! Or you can also Create hair like protrusions inside your basket that will help keep your line loops from tangling – You can get creative here… I have heard of people using the plastic fibers from a broom or really heavy mono. I used some weed whacker line on my last basket and it worked great. Cut the material into about 20 - 3” strips. Cut them on an angle so that you make a sharp point on the end of each... Select a drill bit that is about half the size of the shaft of the strip material you’ve chosen and drill a hole for each, spacing them out about 2” apart between your drainage holes. Force the strips through the bottom of the basket leaving about ¼” showing through the bottom. (They should be pretty snug) Because different materials react differently to heat, you may need to experiment at this point. With the weed whacker line I used I simply heated up a butter knife and applied it to the ¼” stub, melting it down flat to the bottom surface of the basket and I was done. Another option would have been to use a lighter and melt the end of each strip so that a ball forms on the end and let them cool. Because I made the hole for the strips on the small side, mine hold fine but you could apply a very small amount of hot glue to the inside of the basket if you think you need it. Use a lighter to slightly melt the angled tips.
You are ready to go! At 3” you may
find the strands a little long. Just cut them down a few at a time until its
right. Again when fishing with a basket please BE CAREFUL! Avoid deep wading and
watch for waves. Swing it around behind you when walking to and from the water
and especially when climbing on uneven surfaces. Good Luck and Tight (untangled)
Lines to you! Doug
