In this episode, we’re exploring new water—literally and figuratively. I’ve only been to the Mississippi Gulf Coast once in my life, and never fished it. So we’re coming at this one fresh. Thanks to our mutual friend Greg, I got connected with Mississippi-based guide Richard Smith, and what followed was a wide-ranging, detail-packed conversation on the saltwater opportunities that await along this lesser-known stretch of the Gulf.

Richard walks us through everything from inshore redfish on the beaches of Ocean Springs to the remote, fish-rich flats of the Chandeleur Islands, where he runs a floating lodge called The Pelican. Whether you’re on foot, hopping on a skiff, or dreaming of sight-casting in clear Gulf water, there’s something in this episode for you.

We cover the target species you might encounter—redfish, black drum, triple tail, flounder, jack crevalle, and more—and break down the gear, fly selection, leaders, knots, and techniques that work best in this fishery. Richard shares insider tips on how the local fish feed, the water clarity you can expect, and even the best rod weights for different scenarios.

But it’s not all about fishing. We talk food, lodging, and what to do when you’re not chasing fish. If you’re headed to Ocean Springs, Richard’s got your itinerary dialed in—from where to stay, to where to eat the best speckled trout or grab a killer cheeseburger after a long day on the flats.

And of course, we round it out with stories—the one that got away (or almost took him with it), and what it’s like to run a remote lodge that floats in the Gulf and feeds both fish and anglers in equal measure.

Whether you’re looking to plan your first trip down to Mississippi’s coast or just want to learn more about a hidden gem of a fishery, this one’s packed with local knowledge, good laughs, and a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.

Resources:

• richardsmithflyfishing.com
• chandelierpelican.com

Pro Tip: Fishing Stair-Steps 
My definition of a stair-step is a series of larger ledges. The Hiawassee tailwater in East Tennessee is famous for its stair-steps. These steps present a boat-pounding, tough-wading section of that river, but results can be outstanding if you achieve a good drift with a nymph.

A very good way to fish a stair-step is to position oneself below the drop or drops. If there are multiple drops; fish from a downstream angle and work your way upstream, only after thoroughly fishing the lowest step first. It is possible to drift a nymph multiple times before getting the attention of a fish holding below the step. Keep a tighter line when the fly drops into the white water below the step and let the wash from the water coming over the step take the fly into the depths. The water coming over the step will wash out the bottom and the current will roll back toward the step before shooting down stream. Work the fly multiple times through different currents that wash over the steps. There are some real jewels holding behind that backwash.

We were floating down the Holston River and working the sections of stair-steps. We went over one stair-step and anchored below another in the same section. Because the water was so turbulent and running hard, we had tied on a #10 tungsten bead head pheasant tail and a couple of split-shot sinkers. We dropped that presentation over that stair-step probably 15 times and let it stay in the wash each time. Then after all those times of watching the line drop over the last step, the line went tight and ran right back into the back of the step. After a lengthy fight, we brought in the largest rainbow of the weekend. Needless to say, we fished each step we came to in the remainder of the float and picked up several more fish, more often than not at the base of the bottom step.

With all the fast water rushing over the stair-steps it is easy to get caught up in fishing only nymphs, just because they seem to be easier to control. The different currents washing over stair-steps can also produce “soft water” (slow water between faster flowing currents or between the bank and faster flowing currents). That soft water can be as small as the lid on a paint can or as large as the roof of a small car. But, it doesn’t matter the size, because it’s a great place to cast a dry fly. Pulling multiple fish in a small section of soft water is not uncommon. A good rule of thumb is: if it is big enough to support a fly – even for a few seconds – it is big enough to hold a good fish. Zero drag on the fly can be difficult, but it’s critical in this situation.

The Southeastern Fly May and June 2025 Schedule

Monday, May 19, How to Hold a Fish episode release (Can't wait for this episode...)

Monday, June 2,  Fly Fishing for Carp episode release

Monday, June 16, Episode topic pending

Sunday, June 29, Open for a guided trip with David on Middle TN waters

Thursday, July 17, Open date to book a Terrestrial float with David

Thanks and See You Next Time

David Perry

Southeastern Fly

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