Trident Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing's best source of unbiased information
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Fly Line Backing Shootout and Buyer's Guide
It’s always a cringe-worthy moment when a trophy fish runs you into your backing. Maybe you’re worried about your fly line to backing connection, maybe you’re worried about backing strength or abrasion resistance. Whatever the case may be, most anglers don’t spend a ton of time thinking about backing until it’s too late. We’re writing this shootout to provide backing information so you can think about backing before your trip to the Seychelles or South America. Different types of backing have different applications and some are clearly stronger than others. Which backing is the best? Read on to find out. -
How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Streamers
Streamer fishing has gained momentous popularity in the recent past, although not without controversy. Is a streamer a fly? Some purists say no, ‘those big bugs don’t count, dry or die’. It’s a valid assertion. Despite the pushback, however, streamer fishing is here to stay. Patterns created by pioneers like Kelly Galloup, Mike Schultz, and Blane Chocklett including the Sex Dungeon, Game Changer, and Swinging D have chiseled a culture that’s big, loud, and nasty. In a good way. Read on to find out which fly rod works best. -
How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Panfish
Maybe you were lucky enough to grow up on a trout stream in Montana. Maybe you learned to fly fish for Stripers on the coast of New England. Or maybe you’re like the rest of us and honed your skills under Dad’s tutelage on a local pond where fish were easy to fool and novice fly anglers built confidence to last a lifetime. Targeting panfish on the fly encourages excitement and pure stress-free fun for novice and expert anglers alike. Read more to learn which fly rod is best for panfish. -
How to Tie an Elk Hair Caddis
The Elk Hair Caddis is a hugely popular pattern across much of the US. Caddis hatch in droves and provide big meals for trout of all sizes. Whether you're fishing from the bank or from a drift boat, this fly is a must-have in every angler's dry fly box. A Caddis works well when fished as a dry fly on the surface or skated in choppy water. Here are step-by-step instructions to tie this popular dry fly. -
How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Redfish
Redfish are thrilling to catch on a fly and often tail their way into shallow water to be sight fished by patient anglers. They’re fish that feed with the tide, so care and attention should be paid to tidal patterns and fish behavior during the range of tidal oscillation. Effort should also be expressed in choosing a fly rod for these heavy-shouldered predators. Most Redfish enthusiasts will hand you an 8wt and send you on your way. There are times, however, when a 7wt or a 9wt is a better tool for the job. How do you choose? Read on to find out. -
How to Tie a Crazy Charlie Fly
The Crazy Charlie is a classic Bonefish pattern that was developed on Andros Island in 1977 by Charlie Smith, a local Bahamian Bonefish guide. Since its inception, the Crazy Charlie has become one of the most popular Bonefish flies in the world. Jared takes us through the steps needed to tie this classic fly in our latest YouTube Fly Tying Tutorial. Read on for step-by-step instructions. -
How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Small Streams
Wild Brook Trout in the Northeast, native Cutthroat out West, blue lining, ditch poking, backpacking - can you find the common thread? Small stream fishing is a phenomenal way to get away from the crowds, find wild fish, and enjoy solitude in America’s most rugged wilderness. Choosing the right fly rod will help you make the most out of your time on smaller streams (hint: the best options aren’t lightning fast or known for their 100+ foot casting range). Read on to find out which fly rods are best for small water. -
How to Choose the Best Fly Rod for Musky
Musky, similar to Pike, are large critters with big teeth. Many anglers fish one fly rod for both species. The fish are similar - both long, large, aggressive and wildly predatory, which makes targeting them on a fly rod loads of fun. Musky, however, are moodier, rarer, and often more difficult to catch than Pike, especially the larger fish. Musky also tend to eat larger flies that move a lot of water so fly choice and technique differ a bit. Read on to find out which fly rod is best for targeting these stubborn predators. -
How to Tie a Zonker Streamer Variation
The Zonker is a popular trout pattern that can be either stripped or dead drifted in high water conditions. The Zonker imitates a variety of mobile prey including sculpins, crayfish, and small baitfish. This pattern works particularly well in high water but can be fished year round for aggressive trout and Bass looking for a large meal. Read on to see step-by-step tying instructions. -
Fly Rod Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Fly Rod for Beginners
Choosing your first fly rod can be tough. If you’re new to the sport, you probably aren’t familiar with brands, features, actions, or rod technology. These things are important, but don’t let the fly fishing terminology intimidate you. There are a few simple things that should guide your first fly rod purchase. Here are a few insights.