65 DAYS IN BAJA | The Search For One Of The Rarest Fish On Earth | FULL FILM

In our third ever feature documentary film, we travel to the heart of Mexico's Baja Peninsula in search of one of the rarest trout on earth. Mexico isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of fly fishing for trout, but tucked away deep in the mountains is a rarely seen secret, wild native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss nelsoni AKA Nelson's Trout). With the help of our new Toyota Tundra and Four Wheel Camper combo, we traverse northern and southern Baja from the mountains to the see in search of this illusive fish. We delve deep into the science, ecology, and history of the region, and discover that Baja has far more the offer than scorching deserts and quiet surfing beaches.
Parental Advisory: This film contains a handful of explicit words. Viewers with young children please be advised!
Special thanks to our sponsors:
@FourWheelCampers
@MainLineOverland
@NorweldAustralia
@toyotires
@DakotaLithium
@REDARCElectronics
SUPPORT US ON PATREON: www.patreon.com/tightloopsfly
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0:00:00 Levi Forever
0:00:25 Cold Open Somewhere In The Mountains Of Baja
0:02:28 This Is Us
0:03:36 Intro Credits
0:04:55 First Trip To Baja
0:08:15 Back In Montana/ New Vehicle Search
0:09:12 Oh What A Feeling, TOYOTA
0:11:00 The Journey To Mainline Begins
0:15:22 Onwards To Patagonia
0:19:47 The Truck is Done
0:22:00 Welcome To Four Wheel Campers
0:24:58 From The Rockies To The Border
0:27:51 Life Below The Border
0:30:15 A Brief History Of Baja
0:39:08 Leaving The Pavement Behind / In Search Of Trout
0:41:23 We Need To Talk About The San Pedro Martir
0:45:25 The Mountains Call The Shots
0:48:20 Traversing Baja's Backroads
0:50:50 A Devastating Discovery
0:57:33 A Glimmer Of Hope
1:01:03 Changing Streams
1:04:39 A Night At Rancho Meling
1:06:54 The Morning Of The Accident
1:15:05 A Silver Lining
1:17:10 The Baja Experience
1:23:31 One More Try
1:28:49 Return To Rolando's / Final Fishing Sequence
1:33:33 Lessons Learned / Returning Home
1:37:16 Closing Credits

[@TightLoops]

*CONSIDER SUPPORTING US ON PATREON!* www.patreon.com/tightloopsfly Interested in purchasing the original or a print of the fish artwork featured in this film? Check it out here: www.tightloopsfly.com/store

[@crfjohn79]

I’d like to extend an invitation to you guys , I live in New Brunswick Canada and guide for Atlantic salmon during the summer months I’d love to take some time to show yah around our great province and show some of what it has to offer !! Great movie

[@daveboise9868]

Hard to understand why you don't have a million subscribers. Technical precision, creativity, and art mean nothing to most people, especially most Americans. Just know that your work is top shelf. There are a few out here who see every camera angle, every vintage clip, and hear every word, and know that none of it is an accident. Every deep cut and crop. Respect.

[@deathwraithdeathwraith6106]

Not so difficult really.Where i fish,i regularly see a ratio of 1000+master powerbaiters to every 1 fly fisherman.Of that ratio,near none are even aware of Angling literature,near none are aware the spincast "revolution" started around post WW2,are unaware that they're own great great grandparents near genocided Our Native Brook Trout,are unaware that Atlantic Salmon once ranged as far south as New York,near none possess a library card,& lastly,dont know who Thomas Morton even was.The million are absent Because they're 1)Illiterate, 2)actively out there right now stringing the trees around every pond lake& river with monofilament Xmas wrap&metal lures& powerbait,none of which spawn in any indigenous North American waters that i know of.Thankfully Chase &Amy are more indicative of humans who can read&pronounce evolution i sincerely hope that their work will bring an awareness that if people dont smarten up,these videos will be their epitaph..one hell of a good one albeit.But lets hope not...tight lines my Friend!

[@timsanchez2860]

Exactly!

[@TightLoops]

aw thanks! Means a lot. We just aren't very good at the whole KZbin/social media thing. we don't post enough. we don't self promote enough etc. It makes us feel gross, but its what the algorithm gods want. Its been a slow burn for sure, but were growing. Share it around! It'll help!

[@TightLoops]

@@deathwraithdeathwraith6106 We're trying to make a difference! Even if its just one person at a time, we like to think it has a ripple affect.

[@healerondemand3464]

@@TightLoopsyou guys are so great at this. Appreciate all you do. We need a voice like yours to bring awareness. Much love. ❤️ 🎉

[@desocratic]

"Maybe we were just getting older, but we found ourselves throwing around words like 'comfort' and 'reliability.'" I know this feeling.

[@TheMasterCaster]

It's unfathomable how much footage, planning, time, and effort it went into making this. Great work you two, this film is downright incredible.

[@adammettervillefishing207]

You're story telling is unmatched. Sets the bar HIGH. Well done!

[@TightLoops]

Thanks, Adam!!! Hope life post vanagon is treating you well. When we sold Bullwinkle he was still running on your old motor! To the best of our knowledge still is. He’s out in Wisconsin now!

[@Mark-KajiFire]

This has been far better than watching any movie, it actually rejuvenates you and wants to make you go back into the wild. Great job guys!!

[@grailguns7278]

Well done. In my youth, 40+ years ago, I fished those trout. The people, the places and the experiences live with me today. Congratulations!

[@kenohlson7059]

me too - unfortunately the 1994 flood was there to welcome us - God bless the Melings for taking in two popsicles in an overheating pickup - still the best breakfast of my life 🙂

[@Izzycohan]

Audio in this was *chef's kiss* ! I know banging up your dream rig can be a true gut shot (excellent job expressing the emotion, we've all been to the chucking a rock level of rage.), but at the end of the day, it's just a thing! We buy things to help us achieve the experiences we dream of, whether it's a vehicle, home, or maybe just a new toy, it's all about the experience and memories at the end of the day! You're right, someday it'll be a great tale for around the campfire! Look forward to those days, and enjoy this one. Keep up the awesome work!

[@PhelpsontheFly]

I don't even know where to begin. Your dedication to the game is unmatched. Next level stuff. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all 🙏

[@familytrucksterco56]

Arguably the absolute best fishing content on earth. Absolutely incredible stuff.

[@juancgarzonr7879]

This is easily on the top 3 adventure films I've ever watched! 💛

[@danmillette5751]

History, nature, angling, rig building and overlanding. This offering has it all! Your best yet and very very much worth the wait. Keep up the great work. Levi Forever!

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

This is just outstanding! It's impossible to fathom the time, effort, expense and planning that must have gone into the project itself, never mind the gigabytes of footage, the analog film, archival stuff and stills that you must have had to trawl through to produce a film of this length and quality. I particularly appreciated the candid way in which you portrayed the many stumbling blocks that ultimately led you to your goal. Amazing. Thank you!

[@raquelrockysanchez]

Thank you Chase and Aimee for invoking literally every possible feels imaginable with your truly stunning account of chasing after the rare Baja Rainbow Trout! Couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my weekend. Between watching Mak and Owen’s Todo Bien and finishing up with this amazing video, I am in visual and auditory heaven! Can’t wait to catch more of your adventures. I sure have missed you guys out here in the KZbins 🫶🏼🙏🏼💕🙌🏼🤙🏼 Welcome back!

[@minty5259]

this is truly incredible

[@christophereadgbe2976]

What a wonderfully unexpected way to spend time on a Sunday evening in early December. Certainly a bunch of time and effort getting the film just right. It landed perfectly on my still waters.

[@FroBritt]

Beautiful film! I love the honesty with which you approach and present these journeys. I am beyond sad that Levi moved on in his journey. Unfortunately, I know that pain all too well. Black cats 🐈‍⬛ RULE! Thank You both for letting us join your quest…

[@TravisDuff]

I’m speechless! This is simply incredible storytelling and cinematography. Exquisite work.

[@owenburke2129]

As much as my instant-gratification loving brain appreciated not having to wait for each episode to come out, you guys could have definitely released this in a series and I would have eagerly watched it all the same

[@jonhagar4171]

Great video, reminds me how a couple buddies and I hiked up into eastern Sierra and found the golden trout in the early 70's.. I am still a baja traveler at 74. My favorite town, Loreto.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

I'm really happy I caught this! What an incredible film! 👏 I'm subbed for life here ❤️ Thanks to MAC and Owen for sending me here tonight 😊

[@whenRoam]

This is one of the best things I’ve seen on KZbin. Awesome.

[@Somebro568]

All of your videos are so amazing and speak volumes to me. Your Montana Van life video inspired me to travel out there years ago and explore the Yellowstone area. It was the best trip of my life

[@lukestetson]

Another amazing film 🙌 I don't think most people truly understand how much time and effort it takes to make a film like this. The story is told perfectly and the cinematography is unreal. Some of the wildlife shots look like they should be in a NatGeo or "Our Planet" documentary.

[@TightLoops]

Thanks Luke!!! This one was a real labor of love to be sure. I'm glad somebody noticed lol

[@tsmithdareyab]

I've watched this film twice now. I came here for slow mo shots of rising trout in an exotic locale. I got that. But I got so much more than that and my life is better for it. Keep telling stories like this.

[@quirkworks4076]

Your thoughtful production and attention to detail is astonishing in a can't-stop-watching kind of way. (And my big takeaway is: "B-roll is pretty much everything.") Thanks for keeping us enthralled.

[@jimm5119]

Wow! Just … WOW!! Thank you!

[@randywelch1603]

Another winner. As a surfer, spearfisherman and flyfisher Ive often thought of mixng all three activities on a trip. Cuatro Casas (Punta San Telmo) sits on the coast below below Rancho Meling. Often thought about turning left at the Ejido and venturing up into the SSPM. I've been to Mike's Sky Ranch and never saw fish. Too easy. You guys made real the commiment necessary to access las truchas.

[@andrii.skvorchynskii]

this is a truly masterpiece, adventure of a dream for the most of the world 's trout anglers. thanks a lot and warm greetings from the Ukraine!

[@mountaingoatgreg1691]

Y'all made it within 8 miles with the truck, just grab some backpacks and hoof it up the rest of the way! Loved the film guys, inspiring work!

[@TightLoops]

I knowwww…. But it was 8 miles of road, plus 3 of trail, so, round trip 22 miles. Definitely an overnight with limited winter sun, which meant leaving our truck, and most importantly our cat, on the side of a dirt road in Mexico unattended for 2 days. We decided that was a no go. But yeah that’s what I meant by “there’s a lot of ways we could have reached Nelson trout”. So frustrating to know we could literally just walked there and got held back by a vehicle. Next time!

[@theoboldalex]

I was so engrossed by the story that I kinda forgot I was watching a fishing film until they got to the river. Top class as always.

[@how_nate_rolls4603]

Best thing going on YT. Love seeing you guys back. Can’t wait for the collab premiere next week

[@Calebawallace]

Without a doubt this is the best film in the overland space right now. Amazing work you two!

[@BluffLINEMedia]

What an amazing visual journal. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

[@dirttrailswanted]

You guys! Way to knock it out of the park like usual! We are always so impressed with your beautiful work, and this was no exception! Loved getting to glimpse a part of Baja rarely seen. ❤

[@brianjordan8990]

WOW!!!. What an amazing adventure. Thanks for taking us along. Just incredible.

[@lesterma1608]

I remember in the 60s the road south of Ensenada was just dirt! Baja has definitely gone through some changes! The Baja spring is so beautiful, a good off road exploration vehicle is a trail bike! I’m 73 and started going to Baja when I was 15. I’m in love with Baja!

[@cyber_cowpoke]

Chase and Aimee, thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. Truly a fantastic film that deserves to be seen by everyone! Wishing you all the best and can’t wait for the next one, whenever that is.

[@TreeHaven]

You guys did an awesome job on this film! The story telling, cinematography, photography…all of it. Thank you for bringing us along👊✌️❤️

[@SheRoamsWild]

What an epic documentation of the years' past. So stoked to see what you all do next!

[@user-gd2xl6nz8o]

So, you guys leave Montana, to go to Baja, to go trout fishing.... sounds reasonable.... I was absolutely mesmerized by the pictures and the story. Thanks!

[@brycephillis7532]

welcome back! ! love your films, you two have been missed !

[@michaelmcnamara6185]

I have always been curious about the Sierra San Pedro Martir. It looks stunning! Need to plan an adventure

[@evergreenadventures2693]

AMAZING! Can’t say enough good things about this film!

[@jkirsch]

What an absolutely stunning film and unforgettable adventure you’ve shared with us! Thank you for bringing this to life.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

What an amazing experience, and even better film. You guys did such an killer job with this project! Baja is always calling our name, but now more than ever.

[@Adventures_of_ASJ]

Outstanding! All the work from the soundscapes, the research, visually stunning shots, including the subtle muted sound in the background of underwater shots it’s all incredible. Well worth the wait on our end and the sacrifice you both make to film every moment to share with us is remarkable and beyond generous. Thank you! This is one fish however I will not attempt to catch and follow in your footsteps. Maybe the next one.

[@jasonkillam1635]

OUTSTANDING, thank you for sharing this adventure!

[@travisrussell7747]

Some of the BEST content on YT. Not just fishing content, but all content. This is remarkable, beautiful, inspiring, wonderful. You guys are on to something. Keep it up.

[@mcookercook6907]

Have been anticipating this colab for so long!! Awesome work y’all!!

[@pmwoodstudio]

Epic adventure - thanks for sharing it with us!

[@FlickyFlies]

For all the many things to love about this film, I have to say I really admire your sound work. The way you added in sound effects, whether recorded by you or from other sources, especially during sequences like the pelicans diving while filmed with telephoto lenses really added so much to the film. Really good shit guys. BBC Baja baby!

[@stevenrochon2513]

This was just an Unbelievable....video....show..... movie!!! This was sooo amazing!!!!! Thank you so much ❤

[@person4167]

This is hands down the most incredible film on KZbin. Such incredible work!

[@TheLastlatvian]

Another masterpiece, look forward to you two learning the limits of your new weapon, and the future backwater adventures it'll take you to.

[@fshaw5174]

An epic adventure, beautifully told with stunning imagery. Magnificent trout.

[@larrycastro2303]

Great film. Thank you for sharing your adventure to us.

[@michaelcatalano8882]

Wow it is so wonderful to see you guys back on screen!

[@tbromedia]

Absolutely beautiful storytelling and cinematography! Inspiring to say the least!

[@troutowl]

You two are living a true adventure, and you capture and tell the story so well on film. In a way these trout are a lot like the both of you, adventures. This film was amazing. Can’t wait to see what Tight Loops and Wild Fly have in store for us!

[@DAKOTAchaos46710]

Best film yet!

[@prolificnorthwest]

This is awesome! Y'all did such a great job with this one. You should be proud of it.

[@jlansdale536]

One of the best videos I have watched. Simply awesome.

[@marcussilva9623]

thank you for sharing your story. this was such a treat to watch. love the rig!!!!

[@russsherratt6919]

Excellent presentation! Thank you!

[@kylemiyamoto3896]

Great, thoughtful, work. Will be here for the next one!

[@westernwildoutdoors]

We’ve been there before with our Tundra. Almost lost ours off a cliff in Colorado when it was less than a year old and we were new to off-roading. Incidents like that and your wood cart run-in are scary/frustrating but don’t let them hold you back in the long run! Even with a camper on the back it’s a very capable machine. Once you get a few more off-road miles in and develop a feel for the width you’ll be cruising down roads like the one you turned around on.

[@thatfishingfix]

That was incredible. The story, production, editing and of course the fish. I can only imagine and appreciate the amount of time that must have been spent to plan, shoot and edit this video. It’s impeccable, thanks for sharing this story ❤

[@DrewGallacher01]

Your films never fail to impress! Some of the slickest videos, not only in the fishing genre, but overall on KZbin. Keep fighting the good fight folks 🙏

[@adamhphoto333]

Your films are always great with perfect story telling and amazing footage. But my favorite thing was the commentary, it's spot on and just keeps you glued to the story. Cant wait for the next one! 🤙

[@thewesbivens]

This is gonna be great

[@katejordan9569]

Aimee and Chase, you are truly wonderful story tellers and film makers. Chase, you’re paintings are spectacular. Between TightLoops and WildFly, life is good. All the best, Bruce and Kate, Palmer,AK.

[@STIMMYFLY]

A very beautiful and informative fly fishing film Love you tight loops ❤

[@rnunezc.4575]

Excellent, muchas gracias!.

[@davidpokela3673]

That was a great film and thanks for all the adventure you both share!

[@earlwarren59]

Good Times!

[@Whistler326]

Just liked (because Mack and Owen highly recommended viewing your premiere tonight)....so it must be amazing!!! Warmest of regards, 1000 islands Canada....

[@l0ranga]

Thank you for a great film! So beautiful footage edited in a great way with lovely colors and storytelling! Thank you!

[@shanewoods1369]

Just incredible content, as always. Thank you for another inspiring video.

[@mattkeikkala726]

I truly love your videos and adventures, great job on this one and thank you for sharing. The damage on the expensive new rig, character marks and great memories. Don’t get upset, be happy you’ve got scars & dents to prove you’ve been there & done that! I drove a nice Chevy Suburban with deep barb wire scratches up & down the driver rear quarter from a great snowy river camping/fishing adventure with my three kids, I was frustrated when it happened but soon changed my mind when every time I saw those scratches reminded me of that great trip! Keep up the great work and don’t sweat the wear & tear…

[@LJbradbury]

Love these films, really appreciate them

[@BryceH1990]

Your videos never cease to amaze! You two are extremely talented and we appreciate the countless hours that go into your films.

[@TightLoops]

Wow Bryce!!! Thank you so much! We REALLY appreciate the support, both by watching and giving kind words, but also the patronage. It helps us out a ton, so thank you.

[@SoloSchmitty]

Stunning film work and story telling! Too good to be free but I sure do appreciate you sharing it with us!

[@Wa61105]

Fantastic film!! So inspiring to see what you have done through your determination and endless talents..

[@erinspaulding3730]

This was a really well done, researched, and considerate (providing context, perspective) video… I love the balanced mix between funny and sweet with dramatic and cinematic. This was a great one!! -Fellow Angler, Four Wheel Camper Owner

[@MichaelWAcree]

Awe inspiring truly. Thank you.

[@stevenmurphree]

Production quality and story was amazing. Wow!

[@mikehester4163]

Loved the film. Quite a quest you two.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Thanks you both for hitting it out of the park again. Been on the road with you for years,& love you're style plus the way u communicate these grand stories. One thing as a traveling surfer and fellow fly fisher, Baja will always win.😅 P.j. Carpinteria Calif

[@moyolehuani]

YES! finally a new film

[@jonbenway2603]

Awesome!!!!

[@123marius123]

Wow! Wow as expected ❤

[@roaming4adventure-nt8yz]

What a a great video guys! We are a little late to the show but so glad we found you. Really enjoyed this and truly love your style of story telling! ❤ Thanks for bringing us along!

[@landeng5727]

Such an epic film. You guys crushed it as usual. Absolutely next level production.

[@pjaekdanmark5275]

One of the best you guys have ever made! THANKS

[@TightLoops]

Pjaek!!!! Haven’t heard from you guys in years! Thank you, and hope you’re well!

[@1312Mork2]

So incredible video! I cant believe this is for free on youtube

[@georgewcamp]

Another great Film, you guys are very talented. Can't wait to see the next adventure.

[@jeremyclapp5537]

Love to see you guys back at it, rad

[@ChrisBacarella]

Absolutely incredible 👏👏👏

[@zach5620]

West Chester checking in! Main Line Overland does some of the best work. Thanks for the film 🤙