what is the correct height for anglers 5-10 to 6 foot or so.
I’m considering getting a CM - or making one based upon a few DIY.
CM makes an adjustable - looks very nice, but, over $300
Also, what is the correct width…I see two sizes…one is like 13 inc or 15?
TIA
DC
Can’t go wrong with the CM adjustable 14”-
Dino a stripping basket is useful but mostly under conditions that require the basket, for line management this is 100%more useful, SFC - Small Fly Line Mat - Seafoam – 239 Flies
now if you really want a CM stripping basket, I would recommend the 15” version.
I did a full write up here on a diy version, All in for $100 or so. I use mine every trip, it’s extremely useful especially when fishing solo, or moving spots. It’s not 100% at preventing knots/tangles, but it’s definitely effective at keeping the line contained, especially on those windy days.
yes, I remember your write up…very well done…I"m considering this…but, for the extra $100 or so, a standard CM would be nice as it allows me to keep the rod inside and just run and go a bit.
I"m 5’11"…what height is recommended…the adjustable is an extra $100 or so and hard to justify…as most of my friends are all in the 5’9-6’ range.
DC
I’ve got a PP Move on the bow and I have a really nice large casting platform…so, I"m thinking basket…Loogie, what’s your thoughts on the height…CM has varying heights..
DC
I’m 6’ and my bucket is 28” tall for reference, and it’s perfect for me.
A stripping basket should be short enough so that you don’t rap your knuckles on it as you throw line in it without looking, but not so short that it is easy to miss or the wind blows the line away before it falls in. Measure from your fingertips down to the deck. That will be about right. Around 28”.
Larger diameter is better for casting, but takes up more space. I would recommend the largest one.
thank you, that’s what I was looking for…
DC
sort of like the pants inseam 
good example…thank you
Just to confuse you even more, I’m 6ft and use a 24” strip and feed bucket. I personally like a lower height bucket, more natural to strip into. It’s not really a height thing more so a personal preference.
My buddy has the adjustable CM 14”, I personally feel it’s to large, but different strokes and all that
The adjustable height basket is worth its weight in gold.
Allows to adjust for anglers height and arm lengths. And whether you are standing on a deck or up on a platform. Just spend the money and don’t look back.
Look at it this way. How much does a typical day on the water cost you? For me its about $75 with truck and boat gas etc. $300 is not chump change for sure but in the big scheme of things if it greatly improves your day on the water to me its a no brainer.
I think you have enough suggestions o height, I will add this as an experienced fly fisher. The basket is nice and sexy but it takes room in your boat. You can use it to store gear when on the move etc.
as far as usefulness, the basket is niche for windy or wavy situations where control of your line is primordial and you need to launch that line in adverse conditions. It shines in those conditions, guess what you have to be good at casting and line management to get the most of the basket. An inexperienced sport will use that basket like a pig staring at a wristwatch.
In the Everglades, working mangroves or sight casting reds, I believe your best line management is the mat. I say this just based on my experience other folks might have different thoughts. I fly fish 100% of the time and I spend/spent a lot of time on skiffs, I use the basket sparingly and mostly in May and June. The rest of the time I have a mat.
One last thing it’s great place for stickers!
so now you are gona cost me $200 (LOL)…
point taken…gotta figure this out a bit…
DC
To piggyback off loogie a bit, I think it comes down to fishing style, and use. For me, my bucket goes with me every trip. Reason why. I fish solo damn near 100% of the time, so that usually means polling from the rear platform. I can set the bucket up there with me, and the rod is ready to go when I need it to be. Without the bucket my line would be wrapped around trim tabs, tiller handles, prop, ect.. Even when polling from the bow, I’ll set it on my casting platform and use it the same way. The other thing is, running spot to spot. I just leave the rod in the bucket. Once I get to the next spot It’s ready to go again. Another reason it works for my style of fishing, is I fish open areas, flats, shoals ect.. along with a fair amount of blind casting, all of which have me making long shots, so I typically have 80-90’ of line in the bucket. That much line doesn’t tend to lay on the deck very easily, especially when the wind is blowing, which it typically does. For instance. Last week I was throwing to black drum 60’ away in 20mph wind, from the rear platform. Try doing that without a bucket..lol..
The cons are. It’s kinda heavy..10ish lbs. it’s big, it doesn’t stow, folks that don’t know wonder why you carry a big bucket with you.
Aww the choices..
Clearly a case of to each his own. I HATE mats. I find them just about useless. The line only goes on them in a decent manner when theres no wind.
As to a bucket and a less than experienced angler I have a totally opposite opinion. I have a lot of friends from the west come visit that are in many cases totally new to the salt game. I find the bucket to be a terrific tool for them. For sure when they are fishing their stripping doens’t end up in the bucket. So what! To me what I find so helpful is that when they have that first shot (which is by far the most important one) the line is in a manageable situation and ready to go. That’s the key IMO.
The downside of the bucket as others have stated is that it doesn’t stow. I just don’t find that to be an issue at all. As to the weight. Well you want it heavy so it doesn’t tip over. If you are worried about the extra 10# well …..,most of us could stand to lose 10# anyway or leave that 5th tackle bag at home….lol
I am in a similar boat as you, trying to decide if I want to spend money on a bucket or not. I have been using an old trashcan liner I had in the garage to see how I like it before spending the money on one. I fish alone a lot, and the bucket allows me to fish from my polling platform fairly easily, and that’s where it shines. When it comes to fishing from the bow, it’s more of a hassle for me to make sure I’m striping into it and getting an occasional tangle. Stripping onto the deck is easier, and I would rather use a mat.
For as much solo fishing as I do, I think it’s worth buying one. I’m just trying to decide if an adjustable-height one is worth it for me. If you exclusively fish from your bow, I would recommend a mat.
I have one made by shell bottom supply that I got from Haddrells. It’s made from some type of plastic mesh instead of solid material. I’ve used it all summer and never had any issues with wind. I think that particular bucket is slightly lighter than the carbon marine versions. It’s also around $100 cheaper I think
My local aluminum shop made a hook on my lean bars that I hung it from, and could fly fish from the platforms. I found that leaning into the bar and stripping into it was like leaning into the brace on a drift boat. Very stable, and with no distraction from casting, or keeping eyes on the fish.
The adjustable CM bucket is nice for collapsing down for travel, but needs to be pinned while using so you can pick it up and not have it pull apart. All light buckets get blown off the bow unless you put weight in them.
The “cheapest” stripping bucket is a collapsible leaf basket, but also needs weight in it. Or you stand with one leg inside it. Stows inside the bow compartment when not in use. Bad about rusting with age.
“Clearly a case of to each his own. I HATE mats. I find them just about useless. The line only goes on them in a decent manner when theres no wind.”
Well mat works well in many conditions including windy, you just have to place the mat downwind on the deck, and you have to be aware of your striping and where you are laying your line. No different than adjusting your striping for the line to drop in your basket. A good mat is an invaluable tool in the wind, if you know how to use it, it takes some thought and practice. Mine is round and doesn’t move once it’s down, and easy to shift around the deck to make it useful. Off course not for everyone, but their is some agility involved in using a mat effectively.
