Southeastern Fly

In this episode of the Southeastern Fly Podcast, host David Perry welcomes returning guest Rob Jeeves for a deep dive into DIY Fly Fishing North Carolina. Rob—who cut his fly-fishing teeth in the Tar Heel State before moving north—shares hard-earned insights on planning and fishing a self-guided trip through the region's freestones, headwaters, and neighboring tailwaters.

They cover everything from gear and fly selection to reading ...

In this episode, we crack open a practical primer on caddis flies—what they are, how to spot them, and simple ways to fish each stage. We recorded this one from our “satellite offices” in Florissant, Colorado, and it’s all about translating river observations into flies that work right now on Southeastern waters.

Highlights of the Episode

• Caddis 101, quick and clear: life stages from egg → larva → pupa → adult—and why that sequen...

In this episode, we dig into one of East Tennessee’s most intriguing tailwaters—the Holston (proper), below Cherokee Dam. With Knoxville guide Capt. Jeff Sharp riding shotgun, we map out the river’s fishy 52–53 miles, break down the famed caddis and sulfur programs, and share practical tactics for both trout and smallmouth—plus a few hard-earned stories (including the popper-eating smallie that still haunts Jeff).

Highlights of the ...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we take you along on a saltwater run to Dauphin Island. What started as a quick hit-and-run turned into a day-and-a-half of lessons on packing light, listening to your guide, and making the most of limited shots in the Gulf. From tripletail to tarpon-style waiting games, we cover what makes salt trips unique and how to set yourself up for success.

Highlights of the Episode:

• Travel light—essent...

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 Episo...

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 sl...

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. ...

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, pl...

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 condition...

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 wh...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

R...

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 wal...

Summer fishing comes with its own set of challenges, and staying cool while out on the water is essential for both comfort and safety. In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Patrick Stansbury, a retired physician assistant and current fishing manager at Orvis in Nashville, to break down the best ways to beat the heat and keep fishing at your best.

From choosing the right clothing to protecting yourself from the sun, P...

For our 100th episode, we’re bringing back familiar voices for a conversation that’s part tradition, part philosophy, and all about fly fishing. Join us as we sit down with the Liars and Tyers—a group of anglers who have been tying, fishing, and occasionally stretching the truth together for over 15 years.

In this episode, we take on the age-old question: What is fly fishing? Is it about the gear? The technique? The spirit of the sp...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we venture far from the Southeast to the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska, where Mitch Wisniewski, a North Carolina guide and summer manager of the Unalakleet River Lodge, shares the magic of this extraordinary destination. Mitch takes us on a journey through his personal connection to the lodge, the vibrant fishing opportunities, and the unique experiences that make the Unalakleet River Lodge ...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we take a deep dive into the art of fly tying. Answering a listener's question, we share our thoughts on how to approach this rewarding but sometimes overwhelming aspect of fly fishing. Whether you're a seasoned tier or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal insights to help you make the most of your time at the bench.

Key H...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we dive deep into the scenic beauty and rich history of Alabama’s Tallapoosa River with warm-water fly-fishing specialist, Drew Morgan. From the river’s fascinating origins in the Muskogee language to its unique characteristics as a relatively untouched waterway in the Piedmont region, Drew brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the discussion.

The Tallapoosa is more than a fishing spot—it’s...