I'm a big fan of Abu's, though I don't have the 7000 (I own 3 now, and will probably have 3 more by next month). So, I think it'd do fine. But, I have no experience w/ stripers beyond watching a school swim under my canoe many years ago. Another reel to check out is the Diawa SL30 in either the SH or HV series. The SH will run around $110, and the HV is probably $140. I used my SL30 for everything from schooly tuna and yellowtail w/ no problems. There are debates over their drags vrs the Penn HT100's (also in the Newels if my memory serves me well). Personally I'll take the Diawas. They may not last quite as long, but they are bigger and smoother. That and Newels sound like a dying cat when you cast them. Diawa also cast really well right out of the box. A pinner chovy on a 30 is no problem.