How to Fish for Striped Bass with a Casting Egg
Technique Guide
How to Fish with a Casting Egg
A casting egg bobber float lets you present lightweight bait, lures, and flies while still casting long distances with spinning gear. One of the most versatile setups for striped bass fishing from shore, surf, and boat in Atlantic Canada. Part of our Atlantic Canada Fishing Guide and Canada Fishing Hub.
Why the Casting Egg Works
The casting egg solves a common problem: lightweight presentations — small flies, soft plastics, and light bait — are nearly impossible to cast with spinning gear. The casting egg adds casting weight while acting as a surface float, letting you present these lighter options at distance. It also creates surface disturbance that can attract striped bass from below.
Adds weight so you can cast lightweight bait, lures, and flies far beyond what spinning gear could normally reach.
The float moving across the surface mimics baitfish activity, drawing striped bass toward the presentation below.
Cast, drift, or slow troll with the same rig. Works with bait, lures, and flies — one setup covers multiple techniques.
Watch it in action
Setup in 3 Steps
Rig the Casting Egg
Slide the casting egg onto your main line, then tie to a small swivel. Attach an 18–36 inch fluorocarbon leader to the other end of the swivel. The egg can be partially filled with water to increase casting weight. Recommended: 7–10 ft spinning rod, 3000–4000 reel, 15–30 lb braid.
Attach Your Presentation
Tie your hook, lure, or fly to the end of the leader. For bait, use a circle hook 2/0–6/0 with fresh smelt, herring, or mackerel. For lures, soft plastics, bucktails, and jigs all work well. For fly fishing, streamers and lightweight saltwater flies are effective.
Cast, Drift, or Slow Troll
Cast into moving water and let the float drift naturally. Watch the float — if it moves sideways, hesitates, or goes under, set the hook. From a boat, slow troll at 1–2 knots. Best times: moving tides, dawn, dusk, and after dark.
Bait, Lures & Flies
Smelt, herring, and mackerel are the top choices in Atlantic Canada. Cut into 2–3 inch pieces and hook through the skin side. Fresh bait consistently outfishes frozen.
Small paddle tails, curly tails, and bucktail jigs work well under a casting egg. The float keeps the lure at the right depth while adding casting distance.
Streamers and lightweight saltwater flies can be fished with spinning gear using a casting egg — one of the most effective ways to fly fish for striped bass without a fly rod.
Effective for smaller stripers and flounder. Best in calmer water. Shorten the leader in windy conditions to improve casting accuracy.
Where to Fish in Atlantic Canada
Shediac Bay, Miramichi River, Richibucto River, Miscou, Lamèque, Caraquet. Some of the best casting egg striper fishing in Canada.
Shubenacadie River, Cape Breton, and tidal rivers throughout the province. Stripers accessible from shore in many locations.
Excellent shore fishing throughout the island. Tidal rivers and estuaries are prime casting egg territory.
Striped bass present in Gaspésie rivers and coastal areas. Casting egg effective for shore fishing in tidal zones.
Built for Atlantic Canadian Conditions
Shop StickyLures Casting Eggs
Works with bait, lures, and flies. Cast farther, drift naturally, and slow troll from a boat — one rig, multiple techniques.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a casting egg used for?
A casting egg is a bobber float that adds casting weight so you can fish lightweight bait, lures, or flies with spinning gear. It also acts as a strike indicator — when it moves or goes under, a fish has taken the presentation.
Can I use a casting egg from shore?
Yes — it's ideal for shore fishing from beaches, wharves, docks, and tidal river mouths. The added casting weight lets you reach striped bass holding beyond normal spinning range.
Can I use lures or flies with a casting egg?
Yes — casting eggs work with soft plastics, bucktails, jigs, and flies. This is one of the most effective ways to fish flies for striped bass without a fly rod.
How long should the leader be?
Most anglers use 18–36 inches. Lengthen for a more natural presentation in calm conditions. Shorten in strong wind to improve casting accuracy.
How do I add more casting weight to the egg?
Partially fill the casting egg with water through the small opening. More water = more weight = longer casts. Adjust based on wind conditions and how far you need to reach.