The Spawning Mantis is a stellar pattern for the Bahamas and particularly South Andros. The orange color in the fly attracts the attention of Bonefish on the flats and fishes well in shallow water. The fly’s extra weight helps it drop quickly to land in the feeding zone every cast. This pattern can, of course, be used almost anywhere there are shrimp and is a phenomenal pattern on sandy flats. It’s also pretty simple to tie with multiple repeating steps so it’s a great pattern for novice saltwater tyers and anglers. Read on for detailed step-by-step instructions.
Pack your tropical gear we’re going on a Permit trip! Kidding… kind of. If you do find yourself preparing for a trip to the tropics this winter, however, the Chernobyl Crab is one of the best patterns to bring with you. Why? Because it’s simple to tie, highly effective, and is tied on one of the sharpest saltwater hooks that exists. Whether you’re headed south this winter or you’re bored tying lame trout flies, take the time to tie this one. You’ll be glad you did.
The Gotcha Shrimp may be one of the most popular Bonefish flies on the planet. Not only is it one of the most effective saltwater fly patterns that exists but it’s also pretty simple to tie. This pattern is popular for Permit and Bonefish feeding on the flats and this rubber leg variation creates an irresistible profile in the water. If you’re traveling south this winter to fish the flats, you’re going to want to tune in as Jared ties this popular pattern.
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 people think of tournaments and conventional fishing gear when they think of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. Sure, Largemouth Bass are fun to catch on a crankbait or a topwater plug… But we think they’re even more fun to catch on a fly rod (admittedly biased). We’ve already covered How To Choose A Fly Rod For Bass, but what about the right fly reel for the job? Read on to find out which fly reel is the best.
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.
