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 Episode:

• The Holston offers two personalities: cool upper trout water and bronzeback-rich lower stretches.
• Spring brings the famed caddis hatch; May and June deliver sulfur magic.
• When dries fail, soft hackles, midges, and rubber legs shine.
• Streamers and poppers tempt both trout and smallmouth without heavy gear.
• Pressure is real—weekdays and flexible start times help dodge the crowds.
• Indian Cave and Nancy’s Ferry ramps give access, with Panther Creek nearby for camping.
• Local flavor counts: breakfast in Blaine, wings at The Hill, and clean stays in Jefferson City.

If you’re chasing a day with dries, emergers, and a real shot at both trout and bronzebacks—plus miles of varied water to learn—put the Holston on your list.

Give it a listen, share with your fishing partners, and then go fish.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

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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—essentials only, let your guide supply the flies and tackle.
• Fishing with a buddy keeps things smooth, and borrowing rods beats hauling extras.
• Stand ready on the bow, avoid “leg lock,” and sway with the swell.
• Strip plenty of line off before the cast and help your partner keep decks clear.
• Guides know the cadence—short, calm strips often out-fish frantic retrieves.
• Saltwater fish are tough to find but often eager once spotted.
• Pivoting species and plans is part of the game; flexibility pays off.

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We also drew the winner of our TFO fly rod giveaway—congrats to Connor Baker! More giveaways and gear discounts are coming soon through the newsletter. Whether you’re planning your first salt trip or heading back for more, this episode will help you pack smarter, fish calmer, and enjoy the ride.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

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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

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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

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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

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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
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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