We sat down with Wade Hopper, Zach Morris, and Shane Stewart of Team Hog Wild to talk about musky fishing, fly fishing tournaments, and their win at the Kentucky River Musky Classic. From tough conditions and muddy ramps to clear creek mouths and early morning eats, this conversation is packed with stories, strategy, and hard-earned lessons from anglers who know what it means to put in the time for musky.

This episode is about more than chasing toothy fish. It is about teamwork, preparation, adaptability, and staying locked in when one good cast can change the whole day. Whether you fish for musky, smallmouth, trout, or anything in between, there are plenty of takeaways here for your own time on the water.

Key Highlights:

• Key Highlights:
• Focus on side profile, hard strips, and killing the fly at the right moment.
• The guys explain why musky tournaments are built on camaraderie as much as competition.
• Team Hog Wild shares how they won through tough water and changing conditions.
• Creek mouths, structure, stained water, and timing all shaped their approach.
• Learn how size, color, profile, and action affect musky eats.
• Each guest shares a fish story that still stings.

Resources:

• Kentucky River Musky Classic Instagram
• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we take a practical and lighthearted look at fly fishing etiquette, not just around other anglers, but with fishing partners, guides, and everyone sharing time on the water. From saltwater skiffs to drift boats, this episode is full of reminders that good etiquette often comes down to awareness, respect, and being a decent fishing companion.

At the heart of this episode is a simple reminder: be mindful. Whether you’re fishing the river, the lake, or the salt, your actions affect the people around you. Good etiquette keeps the day safer, smoother, and a whole lot more fun.

Key Highlights:

• Skiff Etiquette: We cover a few rules that should go without saying, including where not to stand, where not to cast, and why the push pole deserves a little respect.
• Understanding Boat Directions: When a guide calls out a fish at 12 o’clock, 8 o’clock, or anywhere else, knowing the “pointy end” of the boat matters. Clear communication can make or break a shot at a fish.
• Sharing the Casting Platform: Whether the fishing is fast or slow, we talk about why it’s important to trade time fairly with your fishing partner and keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
• Helping From the Back of the Boat: If you’re not on the platform, you still have a job. Keep fly line clear, watch for snags, take pictures, and help your buddy get the best shot possible.
• Drift Boat Awareness: From hook sets to casting angles, we discuss how close quarters in a drift boat require anglers to stay aware of guides, partners, and flying flies.
• Music, Drinks, and River Manners: A little music or a cold beverage can be part of a great day, but only when everyone is on board. We talk about volume, moderation, and remembering that guides are working.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with David Knapp and Pat Tully from Trout Zone Anglers for a Wisdom From the Guides conversation all about fly fishing the Clinch River in Tennessee. This episode has been a long time coming, and we dive into the river’s unique structure, food sources, flows, fish behavior, and the small details that make the Clinch such a special tailwater.

The Clinch is a river that rewards time, observation, and patience. From low water midge fishing to high water nymph rigs, from deep ledges and weed beds to sneaky frog water along the edges, David and Pat share the kind of on-the-water knowledge that only comes from spending a lot of days rowing, wading, guiding, and learning.

Key Highlights:

• Two Confidence Flies: David and Pat both lean heavily on pheasant tails and midges, especially sulfur-style nymphs and micro tubing midges.
• Reading the River Bottom: The Clinch is full of shoals, ledges, weed beds, troughs, and midstream wood that can hold fish but also steal flies.
• Flows and Fishing Strategy: Low water, one generator, and two generators all fish differently, and each flow has its own challenges and advantages.
• Clinch River Food Sources: Midges, sulfurs, scuds, sow bugs, worms, snails, caddis, sculpins, and even small rainbow trout all play a role in the fishery.
• Overlooked Water: Frog water, shallow edges, and slow flats often hold fish that many anglers walk past or spook before noticing.
• Big Fish Stories: David and Pat share memorable stories about large brown trout, hard-fighting rainbows, and the ones that still keep them coming back.
• Local Stops: Pat shares a couple of favorite food stops near the river, including Valley Quick Pack and the restaurant near the weir area.

Resources:

• Trout Zone Anglers
• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA