It starts with watching the water.
I'm Capt. Dylan Tuchon.
I'm a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and a lifelong saltwater angler. I've been sight-fishing snook, redfish, and tarpon since I was 15.
Southern Style started with saltwater fly fishing and time at the vise. It's grown into flies, tying materials, gear, and coastal apparel, but the idea hasn't changed: make useful things, explain them plainly, and keep learning on the water.
I'm still building it as I go, and I'm glad you're here for it.
How a fly earns its spot
Every fly starts with a simple question: what are the fish keying on right now? From there, it has to get through four stages before it goes on the site.
Match the food
Figure out what the fish are eating, how big it is, and how it behaves.
The cup of water
Drop it in again and again to check balance, sink rate, and how it rides. If it's off, it goes back to the vise.
Cast it
Fish it on the rods it's meant for and see how it handles in real conditions.
Fool a fish
Some get refused and go back to the drawing board. The ones that get eaten still have to hold up.
The flies are tied by me.
Each one is tied to order, so allow 2–10 business days. I only take on what I can tie well, which means some patterns are limited at times.
The apparel and gear come from outside suppliers. I choose them for the days I actually fish, and I wear and use them myself.
Guided by Tides
It means reading changing conditions and letting the water set the pace. Watch before you cast. Change one thing at a time. Be honest about what worked and what didn't.
You don't need an expensive skiff or a trophy photo to belong here. Curiosity and effort count for more.
Protecting what we depend on
I've pledged 1% of every order to groups fighting for the water we fish. As that money goes out, I'll share who received it and how much.
Got a question?
Ask me about a fly, a fishery, or where to start. A general description of the water is plenty. Your spot can stay your spot.
Capt. Dylan TuchonSouthern Style Fly CompanyGuided by Tides
