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E126. Murfreesboro Fly Fishing Meet-up

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we share the story behind the upcoming Murfreesboro Fly Fishing Meetup at Tailgate Brewery. What started as a simple idea to give local anglers a place to gather has turned into a joint effort with Music City TU, Southeastern Fly, and Tailgate Brewery.

The goal is simple: bring fly anglers together. No formal program, no big presentation, and no pressure. Just a chance to talk fishing, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and welcome anyone interested in fly fishing.

Key Highlights:

• The Idea Behind the Meetup: We talk about why having a simple place and time to gather can help strengthen the local fly fishing community.
• Inspired by Others: Conversations with Knox Girls Who Fly Fish helped shape the idea and showed how small groups can grow when people feel welcome.
• Music City TU’s Involvement: John and Tom from Music City TU helped move the idea forward and are bringing pizza for the group.

Event Details: The meetup will be held Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m. at Tailgate Brewery in Murfreesboro, located at 210 Stones River Mall.

Everyone Is Welcome: You do not have to be a TU member, a longtime listener, or an experienced angler. Just show up if you enjoy fly fishing or want to learn more.

Come by for a few minutes or stay awhile. We hope this becomes a relaxed way for people in the area to connect, share stories, and spend time with good people who love fly fishing.

Music City TU: https://www.musiccitytu.com

Tailgate Brewery: https://www.tailgatebeer.com/murfreesboro

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Southeastern Fly Schedule 2026

Monday, June 1st- Episode 127, Fly Fishing the Clinch River

Thursday, June 11th - Boro Fly Fishing Meet-up @ 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 23rd - Open date to book a trip with David

125. Sawyer Oars

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Zac Kaufman, one of the owners of Sawyer Paddles and Oars, for a conversation about fly fishing, river life, and the craft behind building oars. Zac brings decades of experience as a rafting guide, fishing guide, oarsman, and business owner, with much of his time spent on the Rogue, Klamath, and Umpqua rivers.

We talk through the history of Sawyer, how wooden and composite oars are built, and why the feel of a one-piece wood oar still matters to so many rowers. Zach also shares stories from Southern Oregon steelhead fishing, half-pounder runs, dam removals, river access, and the value of local knowledge when fishing unfamiliar water.

Key Highlights:

• The Sawyer Story: How Sawyer moved from paddles into oars.
• Wooden Oars: A look at the wood, shaping, and handwork behind each oar.
• The Feel of Water: Why one-piece wood oars create a strong connection to the river.
• Composite Options: How shafts, blades, and swing weight affect rowing.
• Southern Oregon Fisheries: Steelhead, salmon, half-pounders, and changing rivers.
• Local Intel: Why fly shops, guides, and time on the water matter.
• Fish That Got Away: Zach’s memorable stories of big fish lost.

Resources:

• Sawyer Paddles and Oars: paddlesandoars.com 
• Sawyer Station: sawyerstation.com 
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David Perry

Southeastern Fly

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