In this episode, we sit down with Nick Conklin of TFO to demystify fly rod technology—what really makes one rod feel “better” than another, how length and taper translate on the water, and why practice beats price every time. We dig into practical choices anglers face, from building a daily driver to picking a specialized stick, and we call out a few industry realities that affect every shop and every caster.

Highlights of the Episode:

• The best rod is the one that fits your casting style, not the highest price tag.
• Rod costs come from components, cork, reel seats, finish, labor, and marketing.
• Longer rods offer efficiency in line pick-up, repositioning, and safer wading—not just distance.
• Action is where the rod bends; power is its resistance—accuracy comes from the caster.
• Watch your line to read your cast, start slow and finish fast, and learn the double haul.
• Always cast rods before buying—shops, shows, and friends are great places to try them out.
• Tariffs and regulations are driving up costs across rods, reels, lines, and apparel.
• Nick’s favorites include sharks in the Texas surf, Great Lakes steelhead, and Montana browns.
• For Dallas eats: St. Pete’s Dancing Marlin, Las Palapas, and classic Texas BBQ judged by the sides.
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Whether you’re picking your first rod or adding a specialty stick, this episode will help you choose wisely and cast better—be sure to follow, share, and leave us a quick review.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we dig into one of our favorite summer tactics: sight fishing. From salt to fresh, we talk through how we slow down, observe, and turn “hunt mode” on—so we’re not just casting at water, we’re casting at fish. Along the way, we share a quick story about post‑storm scum lines turning on, the calm mindset that helps you make the shot, and a few simple prep habits that keep you from blowing it when a big one finally slides into range.

Key Highlights:

• Where sight fishing shines: dries, streamers, nymphs, and even crustaceans—in fresh or salt—whenever water clarity gives you a window. It’s fishing that feels like hunting.
• See first, cast second: polarized lenses are non‑negotiable; match lens color to conditions and revisit our sunglasses deep‑dive in Episode 48 for more.
• Gain elevation and “play not‑a‑fish”: get higher to look down into the water; rule out rocks, logs, and shadows until the fish reveals itself.
• Reading the pattern: after a summer storm, fish slid two to three feet under the surface and rose softly along narrow scum lines—hovering, ghosting, then reappearing. We slowed the boat, watched, and planned the shot.
• Stealth and patience win: no clanks, no splashes, and don’t rush the cast. If a fish ghosts, rest it—it’ll often return to the feed.
• Line management that matters: strip off enough line before your first cast so you’re not coming up short and educating fish.
• Calm execution: breathe, relax, and wait for the eat—then set. Think marksman: exhale before the trigger.
• Flies and behavior: summer fish may sip small dries or smash hoppers; watch caddis and sulfur activity to decide whether to drift, skate, or skitter.
• Salt notes: redfish often tolerate a closer shot; in peak heat we still default to stealth—and good glasses.
• Final checks before the shot: tie on your best bug for the moment, inspect knots and tippet, and have the line laid out so you can reach‑cast and mend as needed.
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We’re also kicking off a giveaway: one listener will win a TFO fly rod of their choice via a gift certificate—drawing from our newsletter list. To enter, subscribe using the link in these show notes or at SoutheasternFly.com. Thanks to Peter Jordan and TFO for making this possible.

Listen in, then go fish—and if this episode helps you spot (and stick) a few more this summer, we’d love a follow and a positive review. See you on the water.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

North Alabama’s smallmouth waters are legendary, and in this episode, we get the locals’ guide to making the most of them. We sit down with Captain Tony Cox, a lifelong Tennessee River angler and guide, to explore the unique mix of lakes, tailraces, and creeks that define the Shoals.

Tony breaks down his favorite approaches for each water type, why heavy tackle matters here, and how to adapt when flows or weather change your plans. From sight-casting in clear creeks to battling big fish below TVA dams, you’ll get practical tips and a feel for the area’s fishing culture, including a few can’t-miss barbecue joints and local music lore.

Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to up your smallmouth game, this episode is packed with local wisdom and plenty of stories from the water. Listen in, share with a fishing partner, and don’t forget to sign up for the Southeastern Fly newsletter for more.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we dig into the art of “observating”—the practice of watching and learning from the river across all seasons, especially in the summer heat. We share tips for reading your water, from winter midge hatches and spring bug explosions to the challenges of fishing in triple-digit temps.

We talk about how to know what’s happening on your river by watching bug activity, fish behavior, and even birds, plus why keeping yourself hydrated and fresh is just as important as picking the right fly. We answer the question: how hot is too hot to fish, and share real experiences from scorching days on the water.

Whether you’re new to the river or a seasoned angler, this episode is about building your process through observation, trying new things, and keeping good notes so you’re always ready for what the water brings.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, join our Facebook group, and sign up for the newsletter. Stay safe, stay cool, and keep observating!

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

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In this episode, we dive deep into fly line technology with Richard Nicoletti, sales director for Cortland Line Company. Richard gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how fly lines are made, breaking down the key components and explaining what makes each line perform the way it does. He clarifies the differences between weight forward and double taper lines, and shares practical advice for matching your line to the fishing conditions, whether you’re casting dries across wide southern tailwaters or swinging streamers from a drift boat.

We also cover fly line color (it matters more to you than the fish), and get some straightforward tips on line maintenance, from avoiding twist and memory to simple routines that keep your gear in top shape. Richard highlights some of the most common mistakes anglers make when spooling up a new line, and shares how to keep your setup casting smoothly all season.

The conversation moves into leaders and tippets—decoding X sizes, choosing between fluorocarbon and mono, and offering guidance for building leaders that balance finesse, abrasion resistance, and strength for your target species. Richard clears up common myths and gives advice that can help you catch more (and bigger) fish than your buddies.

We round things out with a look at fishing opportunities in upstate New York—from the legendary Delaware River system to the Finger Lakes—and Richard’s recommendations for the best local eats and breweries after a day on the water. As always, we wrap up with a memorable “one that got away” story. If you want to get the most out of your gear and your time on the water, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

Fishing dirty might sound controversial, but sometimes it’s the best way to put fish in the net—especially when conditions get tough. In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re joined by full-time guides Will and Eric Ezell for a no-holds-barred look at the “dirty” side of fly fishing: mop flies, worms, eggs, and the creative hybrid patterns guides turn to when the water’s high or nothing else seems to work.

We cover:

• When and why to reach for mop flies, worms, and eggs—especially in stained or high water.
• How “dirty” flies like the mop worm are tied (and why you might find yourself at a craft store instead of a fly shop).
• The dirtiest, most creative rigs these guides have ever used, including outlandish multi-fly setups.
• Why these patterns work so well for both stocked and wild fish, and what makes them a staple in any guide’s box.
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If you’ve ever wondered what guides actually use when conditions get tough—or want permission to fish a little “dirty” yourself—this episode is packed with practical advice, stories, and laughs. Thanks for listening, and remember: sometimes catching fish means breaking a few rules.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

Carp might not be everyone’s first target on a fly rod—but once you hook into one, you’ll understand the obsession. In this episode, we’re joined once again by Andrew Smalling, partner at Fly South in Nashville and a dedicated carp aficionado. Whether you’ve only cast to them on a whim or you’re looking to pursue them intentionally, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight to help you do it right.

We dig into what makes carp such an exciting and challenging species to chase, especially on the fly. Andrew walks us through what to look for when scouting carp water—from shallow creek mouths and muddy flats to warm tailwaters and urban ponds—and how to spot the difference between carp and similar-looking species like buffalo and redhorse. His advice on reading behavior and body language is worth the listen alone.

We also get into fly patterns, gear, and tactics. From bread flies and crayfish to San Juan worms and natural-colored nymphs, Andrew shares his favorites and how to fish them. He breaks down his “drag and drop” presentation method, hook preferences, and tips for getting the right weight without spooking fish. It’s a full-on crash course in one of the most underappreciated fights in freshwater fly fishing.

If you’re a trout angler who’s ever floated into warmer water and spotted tailing fish—or if you’ve always wondered what those shadows cruising the flats are up to—this episode will help you take that shot with confidence.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we dive into a topic that's somehow become one of the most controversial in fishing—how to hold a fish. We get into the noise around fish photos, from hero shots and background blurring to heated debates about arm lengths and bank shots. But beyond all the opinions, we explore the heart of it: how the way we handle fish, and the calmness we bring to the moment, makes all the difference for both angler and catch.

We share stories from the river, including a memorable day with Ron and his grandson Wyatt—a young angler whose calm spirit taught us all a little something about holding fish with care. From balancing fish on one hand (yes, we went through that phase) to admiring the deep, dark pupils of even the smallest catch, this episode is packed with reflections on the real joy of fishing. It's not about chasing perfection for the camera, but about honoring the experience, the effort, and the beauty of the day.

Thanks for pushing play. Be sure to follow the show, sign up for our newsletter through the link in the show notes, and if you’re ready for your own day on the water, find us at southeasternfly.com. Until next time, remember: fishing is for the joy it brings—and when in doubt, admire the pupils.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we’re exploring new water—literally and figuratively. I’ve only been to the Mississippi Gulf Coast once in my life, and never fished it. So we’re coming at this one fresh. Thanks to our mutual friend Greg, I got connected with Mississippi-based guide Richard Smith, and what followed was a wide-ranging, detail-packed conversation on the saltwater opportunities that await along this lesser-known stretch of the Gulf.

Richard walks us through everything from inshore redfish on the beaches of Ocean Springs to the remote, fish-rich flats of the Chandeleur Islands, where he runs a floating lodge called The Pelican. Whether you’re on foot, hopping on a skiff, or dreaming of sight-casting in clear Gulf water, there’s something in this episode for you.

We cover the target species you might encounter—redfish, black drum, triple tail, flounder, jack crevalle, and more—and break down the gear, fly selection, leaders, knots, and techniques that work best in this fishery. Richard shares insider tips on how the local fish feed, the water clarity you can expect, and even the best rod weights for different scenarios.

But it’s not all about fishing. We talk food, lodging, and what to do when you’re not chasing fish. If you’re headed to Ocean Springs, Richard’s got your itinerary dialed in—from where to stay, to where to eat the best speckled trout or grab a killer cheeseburger after a long day on the flats.

And of course, we round it out with stories—the one that got away (or almost took him with it), and what it’s like to run a remote lodge that floats in the Gulf and feeds both fish and anglers in equal measure.

Whether you’re looking to plan your first trip down to Mississippi’s coast or just want to learn more about a hidden gem of a fishery, this one’s packed with local knowledge, good laughs, and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.

Resources:

• richardsmithflyfishing.com
• chandelierpelican.com
• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

As the rivers begin to wake up from winter and the fish get hungry, spring offers some of the best opportunities of the year to improve your fly fishing game. In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re sharing practical tips to help you shake off the winter rust and make the most of the upcoming season.

We start with casting—because let’s face it, most of us haven’t picked up a rod in a while. From roll casts to single hauls, we walk through simple ways to practice in your yard, how to set targets, and even why filming yourself can help. This segment is all about making those casts count once you’re back on the water.

Next up: weather apps. Springtime in the South means fast-changing conditions, and a good weather app can be the difference between a memorable day on the water and one you’d rather forget. We share a story about getting caught in a sudden hailstorm (hint: don’t ignore the friendly cabin folks when they invite you out of the rain) and offer tips for timing your day to avoid the worst of the wind and crowds.

Finally, we talk about paying attention to what’s changed since winter. High water events can move gravel bars, create new feeding lanes, and shift resting spots. We explain how to read these changes to find fish more effectively—and why being observant (or as we call it, “observating”) is one of the best tools in your kit this spring.

Whether you're brushing up your cast, watching the sky, or scanning the riverbed, these tips will help you start the season strong. Sign up for our newsletter, follow the show, and we’ll see you on the water.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA