E121- In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re posted up At River's Edge on the banks of the Elk River, just over the hill from the Jack Daniel Distillery, swapping stories with our longtime friend Howard Brooks. Howard’s a Tennessee native, a former client turned guide, and one of those guys who somehow makes every day on the water feel richer than the last. We get into where his fishing life started, how guiding happened “purely by accident,” and why at 83 years old he’s still pulling on oars and loving every minute of it.

Key Highlights:

• Howard’s first fish: hand-lining bluegills during a willow fly hatch on Chickamauga Lake.
• Early fly gear memories: South Bend rods and old automatic reels.
• Big trips that reignited it: Bahamas bonefish and Alaska trout.
• How guiding started: a career change, a boat, and one two-boat trip that turned into a calling.
• Why guiding isn’t “not fishing”: Howard feels like he’s fishing every minute.
• The Elk before and after Tim’s Ford Dam: canoe trips, changing water, changing river.
• What makes a great river lunch: know your anglers, keep it simple, or go all-out when it fits.
• The fish that changed everything: a 738-pound blue marlin and a lifetime shift toward catch-and-release.
• Advice to younger folks: get outside, learn nature, cut the screen time.
• The three stages of an angler: numbers, size, then contentment.

The Southeastern Fly 2026 Schedule

Monday, March 16:  E121 Mid-Month Episode released

Sunday, March 22- An open date to book a trip with David

Monday, April 6: E122- Fishing Near Salida CO

Note- We have some additional days open in March for guided trips. Just call or text for dates.

In this episode, we settle in for a true wintertime river recap. Instead of a rigid outline, we walk through a couple of cold, windy days on the water and talk honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and why winter fishing can feel both slower and more rewarding at the same time. From experimenting with new streamer ideas to battling wind, current, and changing water conditions, this one is about time on the water, tinkering at the vise, and enjoying good company when the river is quieter.

Highlights of the Episode:

• Winter days on the river and how cold, wind, and higher water shape fishing decisions
• The role of confidence in fly selection, techniques, and presentation
• Swinging streamers on floating lines during shad season and why fly action matters
• Experimenting with and refining a Clouser-style minnow pattern over time
• Reading water, structure, and current seams in changing winter conditions
• Adapting on the fly while keeping a reliable baseline approach
• Why winter fishing is often about patience, fewer crowds, and quality opportunities

David Perry

Southeastern Fly

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