3D Printed Stripping Basket- The Conclusion

After getting some time on the water to test out, the 3-D printed stripping basket, I am ready to give an honest review of what I made. Before we get to that, let me explain to you how I drew my conclusion. I tested the basket out one time on the water by myself. On a second occasion, I tested it out and allowed my friend Justin to try it as well. Between his feedback and my own observations, I feel like I have arrived at an opinion that is worth sharing with others. 

There are both pros and cons to using this stripping basket. One of the benefits is that it does indeed or fly line and keeps it from tangling around pretty much everything. The cones do help to gather the line and angling fly line is kept to a minimum. I would really like this stripping basket and would use it more often if it weren’t for the cons, however. 

The biggest negative is that if you sent it around your waist, it’s just in an awkward position. I prefer to strip fly line at about waste level. The problem is that the basket is at waist level as well and needs to sit lower on your body. The basket either needs to be attached lower or the angler has to strip in an awkward position. Ideally, the stripping basket would be attached at about mid thigh. I actually tried this out and it worked really well but again was awkward and cumbersome.

Does this tool do the job that it was intended for? The answer is yes, ultimately. However, aside from just looking silly where the dog gone thing, it is just awkward. There’s just no natural way to wear the thing. I don’t mean to sound like a grumpy, old man, but I think I will stick to the methods that I have used to gather fly line in the past. I have used 5 gallon buckets, laundry, baskets, and the water itself to manage line. There is one more system that I am considering testing out though. 

I recently ran across something called a stripping mat (see last picture at the bottom of this post). It looks like it might have the ability to organize fly line on a boat and on land. Just like with the stripping basket, I do not want to spend my money on something that I might not find useful. I am going to try and make one before the end of the summer and if and when I do, I will keep you updated. Until then, I am including a picture of what I’m thinking and if you have any feedback or experience with one, I would love to hear from you. Until then tight lines and good luck on the water.