Pumpkin did not pack for Costa Rica. Pumpkin packed for a fever dream. Three rods, a flask, and a hat that had seen better decades. The jungle swallowed him whole, green and humming and indifferent, and somewhere over the Caribbean the howler monkeys were already laughing.

From this altered mental state comes “Jungle Studs,” Pumpkin’s piece in Southern Culture on the Fly’s Issue 58 for Winter 2026.

Late spring might be the most underrated stretch of the fly fishing year in Middle Tennessee. Early spring gets the buzz. Summer brings the trips. Fall pulls everyone out chasing browns. But May? May tends to slip by without much attention, and that's a shame, because it's quietly one of the best months on the calendar around here.

Wet wading season is here, and it can be one of the best parts of spring and summer fishing. Ditching the waders when the temps rise is hard to beat, but there are a few things to remember to stay comfortable. Watch our Wet Wading Skillsets video to get the low-down.

Join us this weekend for two events we'll be hosting along with Patagonia. At 5:30 this Friday, October 24th, we'll be at the Patagonia Nashville store, doing some fly tying and casting demos for anyone interested, before showing two Patagonia produced fly fishing films, Il Pescatore Completo, and Tom. Both awesome stories featuring some interesting fly fishing experiences. Come hang out, grab some refreshments, and talk fly fishing in Middle Tennessee.

For decades, the Garbutt brothers have been guiding the waters of southern Belize. After partnering with several lodges throughout the region, they now have a dedicated fishing lodge of their own. Garbutt’s Fishing Lodge is in the small village of Punta Gorda, near Belize’s southern border with Guatemala. The Garbutt guides are master permit hunters and focus on the productive and rich waters of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve. This vast, 847-square kilometer network of lagoons, islands, reefs and flats is home to some of the most diverse and lightly-pressured permit grounds in the world.

Plain and simple, the Smith River is a masterpiece. One of the most sought-after float trips in the country, it’s a chance for anglers to leave the rigors of civilization behind and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. Towering limestone cliffs, deep pools, fast riffles, abundant wildlife and fantastic fly fishing for wild browns and rainbows makes this the trip of a lifetime. The Smith River adventure is a 5-day and 4-night float down 61 miles of pristine water in remote country.

Towering limestone cliffs, deep pools, fast riffles, abundant wildlife and fantastic fly fishing for wild browns and rainbows makes this the trip of a lifetime.

Plain and simple, the Smith River is a masterpiece. One of the most sought-after float trips in the country, it’s a chance for anglers to leave the rigors of civilization behind and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. Towering limestone cliffs, deep pools, fast riffles, abundant wildlife and fantastic fly fishing for wild browns and rainbows makes this the trip of a lifetime. The Smith River adventure is a 5-day and 4-night float down 61 miles of pristine water in remote country.

El Pescador is a famous and longstanding Belizean fly fishing lodge located on Ambergris Caye, offering hardcore anglers and non-fishing guests alike a myriad of activities within easy striking distance. Bonefish, permit, snook, jacks, barracuda, and both resident and migratory tarpon are all available from El Pescador. Spectacular snorkeling, diving, and kayaking as well as eco-tour programs are available. For those who prefer to just relax, three on-site swimming pools are ready and waiting. Additionally, the charming tourist town of San Pedro is just minutes away by boat. Small groups can also take advantage of well-appointee, two- or three-bedroom private villas. El Pescador Lodge combines exceptional service, quality fishing and an abundance of exciting activities.

Looking for a fish that presents a casting challenge and puts a deep bend in your fly rod? You’re looking for a carp, and they’re probably right under your nose wherever you live. Andrew Smalling, our very own carp aficionado, shares some suggestions about how to find success with these worthy fly rod targets.

Hear from Andrew about the sections of a fly line, the information on a fly line box, and how some differences can affect your fly fishing.

We’re seeing many folks come in lately needing to gear up for upcoming fishing, and interested in options for on-water management of all the…stuff…anglers need on the water. It’s true, we’re a gear loving people and having a comfortable way to carry everything makes a day much more enjoyable.

For nearly 25 years, Fly South has been a fly fishing resource for anglers, both new and experienced, in Nashville and beyond. Sure we’re a fly shop, and aim to be the best, but we also want to make sure anyone who wants to learn to fly fish and build skills feels welcomed. One of the principles we operate by is that everyone was new once, including us.