The strip strike, or strip set, is the preferred method of setting the hook in saltwater fly fishing and can also be used when streamer fishing for trout and pike. When a trout takes a fly it usually closes its mouth, turns its head and heads back to its lie. When the angler strikes by lifting the rod straight up the fly pulls back and catches the trout in mouth, many times in the corner. When a bonefish or permit is feeding they are cruising along the bottom rooting out crabs and shrimp, when they eat they continue going in a forward direction with their mouth open, they don’t turn like a trout.
Using a strip strike will help you hook up more often in salt water situations.
Often they are headed towards you. If the angler does a "Trout" set he pulls the fly up and out of the mouth and also up and out of the water. When an angler does a strip strike, he makes a long strip with his line hand. This moves the hook enough to catch somewhere in the fishes mouth, then the angler moves the rod tip parallel to the water, setting the hook. When the fish feels the hook that is when they will close their mouth and turn to run. This has a better chance of hooking the fish and also, if the hook doesn’t catch the fly remains in the water and often the fish will eat it again. This style of setting the hook also works when streamer fishing as the fish is often coming towards you and is not turning back after attacking the streamer.
