Fishing for Stripers off Long Island, with Sam Sifton

[Interview starts at 37:13]

This week I interview Sam Sifton, former Cooking Editor, now Assistant Managing Editor of The New York Times, and an avid fly-rod striped bass angler.  It's quite a rambling discussion, from striper fishing on Long Island to the current state of striper populations to the writing of Peter Matthiessen.  Along the way, of course we get some fish cooking advice but only for bluefish.  Learn why Sam and I don't eat striped bass (and it's more than just about catch-and-release for the sake of the population).

 

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions:

Do you have any tips for fishing a very large river?

How long do hooks stay sharp, and can I re-sharpen chemically sharpened hooks?

Why don't you develop biodegradable hooks?

Why am I having problems catching spring trout in Alaska?

I was recently fishing a delayed harvest section and caught some smaller, beautifully colored trout.  Do you think they were wild?

Why am I developing pains in my wrist when casting my 8-weight?

Should I concentrate on getting really good at catching just one species, or should I try for all the species that are available in my area?

In a boundary layer between dirty and clean water, where will I find the trout?

In your TV show, you recommended a full sinking or depth charge line for bass in deep water.  Can I use a sinking poly leader on my floating line as well?

I am having trouble tying off the hackle at the base of the post on my parachute flies like the Klinkhammer.  Can you suggest some tips?

Can I get a fly rod that will be good for both steelhead and musky?