I have used a flatline for stripers before.. This is simple, I use a large line capacity reel, Penn 320 or so, Spool it with 15 lb line or how thw water conditions dictate and tie a barrell swivel. I next tie a 4 foot leader ( flourocarbon) and a octopus hook. I hook the shiner, shad through the mouth and out the nostrel.. The reel has a bait clicker and I let out 80 to 100 feet of line ( linecounter reel helps ) and turn on the clicker leaving the reel in free spool... When the striper hits, I let him rum a bit then set the hook... You can also tie a balloon if you want ( size of an orange, overhand knot onto the line ) Hope this helps