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:
Produced by NOVA
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.