Southeastern Angler

by Matt Walters

Photo by David Cannon

There's a certain charm to the southeast. The slower pace of life, the backyard grill outs, the bourbon, and the natural beauty. The orange glow of a sunset on a marsh coastline and the morning fog rolling off of the Blue Ridge mountains are like priceless works of art when witnessed.

The bodies of water that make up the region are full of life and good times to be had. From the freestone streams that race out of the mountains to a flooded tidal creek during a spring tide.  The small ponds and the large lakes where bass and crappie thrive all contribute to the wide spanning blanket of fisheries here.  

The angler is given much water to work with in the southeast although at times it is not an easy destination to get to. Most of the times, the best spots are tucked back far off a single track trail or are only traveled to from a remote boat launch. These places in the southeast are my favorites to get to and to fish. Hidden back behind the rhododendron and spartina grass is a waiting fish ready for your next cast. An opportunity for the fish of a lifetime.

From our native strain of brook trout high in the mountains to the tailing redfish feeding on crabs in the mud the southeast is their home and home to a world of excellent fish species.  Often times you dont' even have to cross over state lines in order to reach the abundant varieties of fish.   

The southeast angler is an extremely dedicated and proud crew having much experience in both salt and fresh water given the close proximity of the mountains to the coast.  Our fisheries last all year long and the true die hards are found on the water during the slowest of times and through the worst of weather conditions. We find comradery in meeting other anglers in our region and sharing stories of places and fish caught.  We share the methods we have learned from our own experiences and pass these on to our family and friends. 

The diversity of stunning landscapes, species of fish, and the extremely close proximity of it all truly make the Southeast an unusual and exceptional angling environment.  It is a great time to be a part of the southeastern fly fishing culture and we are proud to help support it and the community.

Where is your home water in the southeast?