The Feather Game Changer is one of our favorite freshwater streamer patterns here at Trident. This fly works well when tied with a stinger hook or without for bass, trout, and pretty much any freshwater fish. Here Jared ties the streamer in a Crayfish Orange color to imitate a sculpin or any other small freshwater baitfish. This pattern moves incredibly well in the water and is sure to grab the attention of a brown trout lurking in the shadows. Read on for step-by-step fly tying instructions.
We’re gearing up for Bonefish and Permit season here at Trident. Maybe you’re planning a trip to your favorite Bonefish flat in Belize or chasing Permit in Mexico this winter, too. If that’s the case, you’re probably preparing now at the vise. The EP Permit Crab is an essential pattern for the saltwater flats angler because of its size and movement in the water. A lively profile gives this fly a ton of action in the water and it’s definitely a solid option this season. Tune in as Jared gives us step-by-step instructions to tie this must-have pattern.
Ahhhh the famous Silver King. Similar to Permit, Tarpon drive anglers into a wild frenzy of frustration, anxiety, and exhaustion. Seriously, large Tarpon are incredibly difficult to wrangle on a fly rod. Tarpon have a way of humbling even the most experienced anglers with their 100+ lb size and their infamous leaping line rips. Even when all the variables are in the angler’s favor they’re still one of the toughest fish to catch on a fly rod. So it’s almost a necessity to have the very best gear if you want a chance at a 100+ lb Tarpon. Skills aside, the right gear and a bit of luck go a long way. If you hook up to a big Tarpon with an old reel that’s rusted and worn… good luck. I’d take the Tarpon over the fly reel every time. Here’s how to choose the right fly reel.
Most of you probably know Trident Fly Fishing is located in the picturesque state of Maine. Lobster, sailing, summer houses, beautiful coastline, tourism, and the largest forest coverage of any state in the US. ‘Vacation Land’, as it’s aptly referred to, weaves grand wilderness and close-knit coastal communities into a state quilt that’s pretty dynamic. And, as you may have also heard, Maine has fish. Lots of them. Once you’ve decided you’d rather put footprints on a riverbank than hoist sails on a mast, Maine’s 35,000 square miles can seem overwhelming. Where’s the best place to don a pair of waders and chase down weary salmonids? Like any type of fishing, it depends on the season, conditions, geography and more. Here are some recommendations to point you in the right direction.
The Egg Sucking Leech drives trout wild in the fall (and spring). Eggs offer trout a protein-rich meal. In the spring and fall trout often feed on eggs and larger meals like leeches. This pattern works particularly well in Alaska where Salmon eggs enter the river in the fall or in rivers where Suckers or Whitefish spawn during the spring. This pattern can be stripped or swung for Trout or Steelhead.
If you’re a streamer junkie, this fly is for you. The Ragdolly is an articulated streamer that’s designed for big fish. Sure, it takes some time to tie, but it’s a really effective pattern for meat-eating fish. Follow along as Jared provides step-by-step instructions to tie this complicated fly with a fishy profile.
The Clouser Half & Half is a pattern that imitates baitfish with added flare. We’ve tied the Clouser Minnow in the past, but this pattern is tied with a twist. Great for freshwater Bass, Striped Bass, and just about any fish that’ll eat a baitfish. The Clouser is most well-known as a saltwater pattern but works well in all situations. Watch Jared tie the Clouser Half & Half with step-by-step instructions and techniques explained.
The Deceiver may be one of the most popular streamers for both freshwater and saltwater fish. This pattern can be tied in a multitude of colors to imitate a variety of bait. Here, Jared ties the Lefty’s Deceiver in Blurple (black and purple) which is the most productive color combination for targeting fish at night. This is a great fly for Bass, Stripers, and more. Follow along for step-by-step instructions.
The Purple Haze is a popular dry fly across the US and around the world. Similar to a Parachute Adams, the Purple Haze is easy to see and effective when trout are feeding on Mayflies. The Purple Haze is a great pattern for spooky fish in large water or fish that have seen an Adams too many times. This Mayfly imitation will float well, be highly visible, and create a buggy profile in the water. Follow our detailed instructions to tie this pattern with a parachute as Jared takes us through the steps needed to create this small, effective dry fly.
Scott has announced the release of their brand new saltwater rod series, the Sector. The Sector replaces the much-loved Meridian and features some updated aesthetics and improved performance. Scott elected to keep their trademark unsanded blank design to keep the Sector lightweight and strong. The unsanded blank design may be the same but the technology is different. The Sector utilizes ReAct Tech (which we’ve seen in the past from Scott), and new Carbon Web Tech. Carbon Web improves torsional forces for better tracking and more pure power. This rod features phenomenal performance, as we’ve come to expect from Scott, and state-of-the-art craftsmanship. Here’s our in-depth review… you don’t want to miss this one.
