The Powerplay Eel is a simple and highly effective sand eel pattern designed primarily for Northeast Striped Bass, but equally capable anywhere predators are feeding on slender baitfish profiles. At roughly 5 inches long, it convincingly imitates sand eels while also representing a wide range of forage for species like Snook, Trevally, Pike, Redfish, freshwater Bass, and Tarpon.Tied unweighted with natural materials and a subtle hint of flash, the Powerplay Eel maintains a lifelike profile and movement in the water without becoming bulky or difficult to cast. Its sparse construction allows the fly to breathe and swim naturally whether fished on flats, along jetties, through surf zones, or around bait schools.The Powerplay Eel is tied with durability as a top priority, using reinforced materials designed to withstand multiple fish and harsh saltwater conditions. Each fly is tied on a size 1/0 Gamakatsu SL12 hook, a proven saltwater platform for powerful gamefish.

Meet Patrick Blackdale

Patrick Blackdale is the Travel Director at Trident Fly Fishing and a lifelong angler with deep roots in the Rocky Mountain West. Before joining Trident, Patrick guided on Colorados Arkansas, Gunnison, and Taylor Rivers, where tying flies was part of everyday life. Like many guides, he spent countless evenings at the vise producing dependable patterns for the next days clients.

Patricks tying style reflects that background. His flies are built with a guides mindset: simple, durable, and effective across a wide range of fisheries and conditions. Rather than overly complicated patterns, he focuses on proven designs tied with high-quality hooks and reinforced materials so they can withstand fish after fish without falling apart.

The flies Patrick ties today follow the same philosophy he relied on as a guide: patterns that fish hard, last a long time, and consistently produce results on the water.

Trident Fly Fishing’s Proud Partnership with Local Fly Tiers

Trident Fly Fishing is excited to partner with the finest local fly tiers in our community. This collaboration brings to our customers a diverse collection of custom flies, each a symbol of local tradition, expert craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of the unique fisheries they are designed for.

Celebrating Local Expertise and Waters

• A Perfect Match for Local Fisheries: Our partnership emphasizes creating flies that are not only beautiful but also meticulously designed for the specific characteristics of local fisheries. This close attention to local environments ensures that every angler using our flies has the best possible chance of success, with gear that’s finely tuned to their immediate fishing needs.
• Handcrafted With Passion: The essence of our partnership lies in the unparalleled craftsmanship of our local tiers. By focusing on hand-tied techniques, we offer flies that embody the passion, precision, and personal touch of their creators, delivering a level of performance and quality that’s beyond the ordinary.
• Supporting Our Local Tiers: Choosing Trident Fly Fishing’s custom flies means supporting the artisans in your own community. This partnership not only brings their remarkable skills to the forefront but also contributes to sustaining the art and tradition of fly tying, enriching our local fishing culture.