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Every February, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (aka SEWE) rolls into town and Charleston turns up the volume. Culture, conservation, community—it’s our kind of week.
This year, Free Fly showed up in full force. From conservation convos to fly fishing demos and good old-fashioned Lowcountry hangs, we showed up in a way that connected people to the outdoors and amplified what makes our backyard so special.
Here’s how the week went down:
HOSTED BY FREE FLY & HOME TEAM
Second Annual Unofficial Pregame
Wednesday, February 11
We kicked off one of the biggest weekends in the Lowcountry the only way we know how: with a party. There was custom merch. There were epic raffle prizes (including a custom-painted Turtlebox by Paul Puckett). Bandito brought the live tunes. People probably stayed out a little too late for a Wednesday. Best part? We raised money for Charleston Waterkeeper and their fight to keep our waterways clean. Good times for a good cause—we’ll cheers to that.
BHA Happy Hour at FF HQ
Thursday, February 12
To help Backcountry Hunters & Anglers deepen roots in the Charleston community, we hosted an invite-only happy hour at HQ. Think: mini field-to-table bites, wine pairings, and a room full of folks who care deeply about wild places. BHA CEO & President Ryan Callaghan shared a few words alongside our leadership team, and we officially launched our custom BHA x Free Fly sun hoodies and gear featuring artwork by Ed Anderson.
Conservation, connection, and a couple solid pours. Not a bad Thursday.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
Friday, February 13 - Sunday February 15
SEWE’s hub at Brittlebank Park was buzzing all weekend, and we were right in the mix. The Free Fly team held it down at our booth, slingin’ Free Fly gear (the camo chore coats down there 👇 were a hit) and leading fly fishing demos. Local legends, national pros, and Free Fly ambassadors shared casting tips, fly selection know-how, and landing wisdom. Watching kids (and plenty of adults) pick up a rod for the first time never gets old. If you stopped by to cast a line or just say hey—thank you. That’s what it’s all about.
Casts & Drafts Oyster Roast
Saturday, February 14
We rolled up to the Casts & Drafts Oyster Roast with a few hundred of our closest friends. Fishing guides, conservation folks, salty characters—it was the real-deal community outside the expo gates. Oysters were shucked. Beers were cracked. Stories were told. ‘Twas a party. |
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Garden & Gun Cocktails & Conservation w/ Capt. Benny Blanco and Eddie Nickens
Sunday, February 15
As part of SEWE, Garden & Gun hosted a conservation panel featuring Free Fly Ambassador Benny Blanco in conversation with editor T. Edward Nickens. |
What a week.
We’re grateful for the community that shows up, the partners who make it happen, and the wild places that bring us all together in the first place.
Already counting down to next year.
Catch the full social recap here.
