In this episode of the Southeastern Fly podcast, we embark on a deep dive into the world of confidence flies in fly fishing. I unpacked what sets these flies apart and why they're essential tools for anglers. From defining the very essence of confidence flies as those reliable patterns we reach for when the going gets tough, to dissecting how they earn their status through consistent success across different waters, species, and seasons, we explore the intricate dynamics at play in selecting and trusting these flies.

Drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes, I shared some of my own favorite confidence flies, shedding light on the thought process behind each selection. From the White Woolly Bugger, a go-to pattern for winter shad kills, to the versatile Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph that proves effective in a wide range of situations, and the summertime Ant patterns prized for targeting larger fish, each fly tells a story of trust earned through time on the water.

Since cicada season is approaching, I also cover my simple yet effective cicada pattern, reflecting on past experiences and the excitement of chasing trout and carp during this unique phenomenon.

Resources:

• Southeastern Fly
• Southeastern Fly Instagram
• Fly Fishing Podcast by Southeastern Fly Facebook Group

Produced by NOVA Media

Today’s guest is Susan Thrasher, author of Thrasher’s Fly Fishing Guide. She’s a good friend of mine and we’ve fished together several times. Today we talk about fishing the Doe River. She’s been fishing it her whole life– she has a great story about catching a big rainbow trout when she was about 9 years old. We cover everything you need to know: stocking points, parking spots, best gear to use, and much more.

Resources:

• Listen: Episode 01: Susan Thrasher, Owner of Southern Brookies Fly Fishing
• Read: Thrasher’s Fly Fishing Guide: An Essential Handbook for All Skill Levels
• Southeastern Fly www.southeasternfly.com

Produced by NOVA Media

In this episode, David covers how to fight a fish in 3 different approaches:

1. The Cool Angler
2. The Airplane Machine Gunner
3. The Boxer

The techniques include setting the hook, playing the fish, getting it in the net. He talks about the importance of keeping slack out of the line, maintaining a fighter stance, and using the "Statue of Liberty" technique when netting a fish. Of course, he illustrates all this with anecdotes and observations straight from the river. Tune in and enjoy these practical tips for improving your fish-fighting skills.

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Produced by NOVA Media