AMAZON FLY FISHING CHALLENGE (FAIL) || Streamer Fly Fishing for Beginners!

[@e4t662]

Perseverance, ingenuity and a positive attitude equals fishies. well done.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!

[@ScarFishing]

Facts. Gotta bring the right energy, the fish can feel the bad vibes

[@tracythomas3565]

Lol, got to give you credit. You're awesome. Keep fishing on a broken rod, and you caught fish. You are definitely a first rate angler.

[@michaelgellenoncourt2876]

Dude i've been waiting for you to do another of these videos for so long !! SUCH a BLAST !!! Geat video !! I just love anglers doing that kind of videos !! Thanks as always for your awsome content !!

[@hardmanfishing]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!!! Thanks for watching!

[@stevebishop9928]

Duck tape fixes everthing! You just proved that it is not all the expensive gear, but the skill of the angler! well done!

[@swr917sr]

Enjoyed the fact that you didn’t give up or switch to another rod. You made it a day with what you had.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yessir! Thanks for watching

[@walott93]

I think you proved two points. (1) you don’t need the fancy high end equipment (or even fully functional gear); and (2) don’t expect good quality with cheap gear. It was sad to see that the rod broke on the first fish, but was really cool to see you persevere. I definitely would like to see you talk more about streamer fishing.

[@hardmanfishing]

Agreed! And thanks for watching! I’ll try to do a streamer fishing video here soon

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Will you do a video on how you fish? what streamer techniques you use? how you cast, how you choose a pattern and color and size? and how you move the streamer and how you find pockets, pools and runs to do your thing with? Please? TY!

[@hardmanfishing]

Of course!! I plan on doing a few videos like that this year

[@TheArtOfAlex]

I also have that, as a backup combo.. mine also broke.. on the first cast. the good thing, i have tested it togehter with the shop owner where I bought it. so I got it replaced immediately. the second did not snap until now put on a decent line, and you are good.. the rod is not that bad, also the reel, its plastic, but it is ok

[@hardmanfishing]

I didn't like the reel at all honestly... it wasn't doing much better than the broken rod.

[@kevinlaw4018]

Loving most all videos, currently i am somewhat local, living in southwest Virginia i am very interested in learning how you set up your fly rod and the types of leaders and line you use.

[@m.h.english4773]

I own this setup, and have been having a ball catching creek chub galore not far from where I grew up in the Chicago suburbs, as well as smaller fisheries here in Northwest Indiana. I feel the same as you do about the reel for your set up in this video. That aside, it still catches fish, and performs even better when I switch the reel out for my Orvis Rocky Mountain 7/8 reel. You should do a fly fishing challenge video with this fly rod combo. I haven’t broke it yet despite having fished with it in considerable wind. But this would also make an interesting video of yours disproving the myth you need to be wealthy to enjoy this wonderful sport. Just don’t use any of the junk flies it ships with. Because if you do, that could be your only downfall. Keep up the good work. 😇

[@DreadyEDDY710]

Always love good tip/advice videos but this one is baller good improving on ya

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DGaydon]

Another route is to get inexpensive used gear. I suspect a lot of us start with say a bottom of the line on sale Orvis Clearwater combo and work our way up to better gear and sell our old gear for cheap. I'd love to see say a budget challenge ala Top Gear where you two buy the best used gear you can buy in your respective regions of the US ($100??) then get together and have a fishing challenge!

[@hardmanfishing]

We actually have been planning a fishing challenge! And that’s not a bad idea. Thanks for watching!

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

You, Jon, are definitely one of the very best fly fishermen on the planet. This has got to be also one of the most honest videos on the planet. My son Sky killed a hefty beautiful 8 point buck this past fall. He had to drag it out by himself up and over a steep mountain to get it to his vehicle and get it home. And then butcher it and prep for the freezer and cooking. He did every bit of it. You patched up that rod, caught fish, and did what you said you would do in some of the hardest conditions. That speaks volumes. Great and I mean Great video. Keep a positive attitude, clean language = clean landing, and the honest excitement when you set that hook that we have all come to appreciate and you'll do well. Can't wait to see what else 2024 brings us and always tight lines. Tony Walkingstick

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you so much for the kind words Tony!!! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@zumalot]

All things considered, you did very well. To be honest, the guy you ran into gave me the creeps. Hopefully I would be close to my car and my cousins Smitty and Wes. I'm 69 now and can't remember stranger times. But hey, you moved along and made a productive day out of everything including that rod. Once I was fishing a stock tank, practicing my new attempt at fly fishing as friends had planned a trip to Colorado. I laid down the rod for a trip behind some bushes. During that short time, a bull named Firecracker stepped on my fly rod ending my short fly fishing career. Taking that hint I decided to take my favorite ultralight spinning reel with 4 lb test, Panther Martins and caught plenty of trout. The beauty of course was just being there with friends. I look forward to your next adventure and just maybe a 25 incher or better!

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah there are some weird people out and about. Although this guy was just minding his business running a trap line I think, or something that wasn't fishing. But I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@bobbygattens3083]

Hey I know the rod broke and I've been there. Yeah cheap rods are not made as well sometimes. However I'm glad to see you showing people that fly fishing is not a rich man's sport. I have expensive rods and cheap Chinese rods and have been successful with both. The important thing is to just go out and have fun. Been doing this for 30 years and didn't always have money to buy nice equipment. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed

[@ellrrz]

Is there a reason for the line wrapping around that rid at 12:26 I’ve seen other videos with that as well. Is it just from the excess line that’s out getting crossed over or is there a reason behind that?

[@hardmanfishing]

It just happens while you're casting from time to time, more specifically when you're casting at awkward angles OR (if you're like me) and cast while you're walking or moving. Sometimes I don't recognize it even happens and keep fishing. Whenever I realize it I fix it because it's not ideal

[@dannynewman1511]

I think you proved two points also and I would love to see you talk more about streamer fishing (micro) if you can.

[@adamr1162]

Id love to see the tips and tricks video. Honestly, I don't care what im using when on the water. The time on the water and the moments of peace are worth every penny spent (or not spent!)

[@hardmanfishing]

I’ll definitely have to do a tips and tricks video! Thanks for watching!

[@NotTheOnlyBaloney]

The $40 Martin combo has a fiberglass rod you could use as a hammer and an aluminum reel. I'd love to see you use that rod for a streamer tips video. Tight lines!

[@Jjjhbyhjbgv]

I have that combo. Great value. Had to switch out line tho

[@CO-PE-123]

My first fly rod kit I purchased in the 1960s. I want to say that the fiberglass rod, reel, and level flyline cost me under $10. That rod never broke on me. The only rods I have broken are graphite rods. They get a little knick or bump, and they look fine, but then they snap. Personally, I don't need to see you get another cheap rod. People should learn by your video that they should get the best rod they can afford. Make sure it is not damaged when you buy it, and take good care of it. If you are just learning to fly fish, get a fairly rugged but inexpensive fly rod to learn on and see if you like the sport enough to buy a good rod. I think maybe a good learning video would be one where you discuss rod/line weights and lengths and where to use them. Also discuss tippet and leader size and how to use them together. I think a lot of beginners just tie on a tapered leader and use that without a tippet.

[@hardmanfishing]

That's a good suggestion! I plan on doing a few more "5 things I wish I knew" style videos this year. One for streamers, one for targeting wild trout, one for winter fly fishing, and things like that. I may do one more cheap - style rod and reel video. But It likely won't be an amazon video unless this one does really well.

[@Pragwo1f]

Thoroughly enjoyed the vid. Ultimately, you proved the theory, but the manufacturers will, at the very least, have been embarassed. The last brown was stunning, and it never fails to impress me that you catch great fish in freezing weather and water- unthinkable in my part of the world.

[@hardmanfishing]

Glad you enjoyed the vid! I’ve been struggling to catch fish myself now. But if you can find the right water you can still catch fish where I’m at

[@trailsandtopwater]

Cortland FairPlay definitely seems to be the best Uber cheap one you can get for the money. I bought one as a backup when I snapped my higher end trout rod (which is since repaired by manufacturer) and so far so good.

[@hardmanfishing]

Agreed! I used one of those rods in a Walmart challenge a few years ago.

[@davidleimeister5027]

Well per another video a stick works just fine. Beautiful fish and creek Jon.

[@hardmanfishing]

I forgot I made that stick video! It's been a while LOL Thanks for watching!

[@DiscipleshipOutdoors]

That rock and bridge in the thumbnail for this video I recognize anywhere lol definitely a good spot for some wild browns got a lot of awesome holes down from that bridge. Did you get to fish that hole at the bridge? Or the man made waterfall that goes across the stream? Nothing better then streamer fishing! Nice video! 🙏🏼🎣

[@jonpetty1008]

Awesome video man! I’ve been wanting to get into streamer fishing and wanted to ask a question. I mainly fish Southern West Virginia and sometimes will fish the MNF and was wondering if a 6 or 7 weight would be more preferable for streamers and big browns?

[@Livetheoutdoors3]

That was a great vid! and i would love to see it with tips and tricks!

[@hardmanfishing]

Thank you! I definitely plan on making another one

[@scotthamilton9581]

Great video MacGyver or should we call you MacHardman. Lol

[@hardmanfishing]

Makes me want to watch MacGyver again! Thanks for watching!

[@troutfishing6623]

Broken rod or not you caught fish, nice one. What gear do you use to keep warm ?

[@loydtruss]

Fantastic footage of what can be accomplished if you are genuinely invested in what you are doing---and in your case, you proved your point even fishing with a cheap flyrod combo. This is why I enjoy watching your videos, especially those featuring you fishing the steamer. Thanks for sharing

[@hardmanfishing]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! It was not my intended outcome for the day but at least it turned out alright

[@JP-dz7zu]

You can buy an inexpensive rod and also get good quality, something like the Orvis Encounter. If that breaks, they typically replace it.

[@hardmanfishing]

Yeah I think if I do another one of these it will just be a budget combo. Like maybe a reddington, orvis, or TFO

[@noaahhhoke4012]

Show this man some respect 🫡

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

That is awesome! Both theories are true. 😂👊🏼

[@hardmanfishing]

That's what I like to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@CRD_BY_HAZ]

I live your videos I’m getting into fly fishing I’m saving up for the kit I’m halfway of saving up

[@MacDaddyDoubleD]

What a legend, just duct tapes it back together

[@hardmanfishing]

Desperate times call for desperate measure 😂 thanks for watching!

[@Josiah_the_Fisherman]

I would love some tips and I think u defenitly proved your theory!

[@hardmanfishing]

I've got a streamer tips video written up! I just need the weather to cooperate so I can film it! Thanks for watching

[@becomingaman23]

My first rod and reel came from Walmart for $40. I found the closest fly shop and asked them to pick out $20 worth of flies that will catch me fish on that river. And the rest is history. I still have that 8 foot 6 weight rod and it works well for streamers on small rivers with lots of overhang. Just get started with what you can afford and if you don’t catch fish keep trying.

[@hardmanfishing]

Great advice!! I couldn't agree more

[@wnctarheel9626]

I’m still pretty new to fly fishing so I would appreciate some tips on streamer fishing regardless of what rod/reel you use.

[@hardmanfishing]

I plan on doing that for sure! I have a "5 things I wish I knew" video already written out. I just need some weather to help me out.

[@charlesjohanesen1651]

Waiting for take two,but nice recovery

[@henryleslievermont6004]

Enjoyed, 😀 nice MacGyver 👍

[@hardmanfishing]

MacGyver is a name I haven't heard in a while!! I used to watch that show with my grandpa as a kid haha

[@PoutinePete]

Do you go barbless with your flies, hooks and lures? I'm definitely considering it for next season; I'm just curious of your opinion. Obviously you lose more fish but damage them less.

[@hardmanfishing]

yep, only thing that I'm usually not going barbless on is streamers. But nymphs and dry flies are almost always barbless

[@duckmanco04]

Watching your other videos where you slay trout on streamers, and hearing how simple you make it - I have to ask. Do you ever use versileaders or sink tips or sinking line? Or is it maybe 95% of the time you’re using just level flouro tippet off the floating line?

[@hardmanfishing]

I'd say 95% of the time I'm using floating line, I just like that I can control it better. The tippet I do usually taper from like 20 or 16 pound floro down to 2x or 0x or something just to help with casting.

[@cesarorozco890]

How do you know when the fish bite with streamers please respond soon thanks

[@nypatriot308]

Ive caught so many fish on my 25 dollar eagle claw fiberglass 4wt and amazon reel

[@senorarabassa]

What rod and reel do you currently use

[@nickk88285]

My first rod was some 3wt maxacatch from amazon and I was so excited that I immediately went to a family friend’s farm and started poor attempts at casting, at one point I had left my fly in the water to check my phone for a few minutes and my line started moving and next thing you know I was hooked to a literal 25 pound carp. I eventually landed it but the pressure from the fish ripped the reel from the reel seat destroying the rod lol.

[@hardmanfishing]

LOL that's a hilarious story!! At least you got the fish!!

[@nickk88285]

@@hardmanfishing 5 years of fly fishing and my largest fish on the fly was 15 minutes in haha

[@viking7560]

I’m not the least bit surprised a WV boy fixed a fly rod with duct tape and a stick and caught fish! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@hardmanfishing]

You know it!! Always got some duck tape on me somewhere LOL

[@robbieallan6522]

I bought a £35 7wt fly rod n reel and its OK but I'm not much of a fly fisherman so don't often use it but when I have caught fish it didn't snap also the line on it was OK for casting.

[@hardmanfishing]

Better than what I used LOL

[@dawnfirephotography]

You did the right thing by finishing the video!

[@hardmanfishing]

It definitely made it more fun! Thanks for watching

[@wvfishingadventures1043]

Great video, I would like streamer tips

[@marisahardman]

you’re a perfection loop

[@Trails_trout]

I have used an old fly rod from my grand father and it’s not a Bamboo one it was a little rettt nice rod for a couple months over the summer and this winter I got a proper fly rod from OTF I am getting an orvis reel soon.. but in the mean time I am just using some 50 dollar Amazon reel it. Catches fish tho

[@hardmanfishing]

Yep! In my opinion you can use a pretty cheap reel and get away with it pretty easily. All It does is hold line in most circumstances when trout fishing.

[@Trails_trout]

@@hardmanfishing yeah

[@larryhudson4511]

My preferred rod stick splint is laurel and I use camo duct tape ...

[@hardmanfishing]

Sounds like you've been here a time or two! Thanks for watching Larry!!

[@larryhudson4511]

@@hardmanfishing raising 2 boys I've made field "repairs" more than once

[@yojimbo9]

im all for saving a penny, but you can find good stuff cheap second hand. most of my rods and reels are from estate sales

[@hardmanfishing]

Definitely a good idea!!

[@marisahardman]

top notch boysss

[@michaelsmith7193]

So disappointing to see that rod snap under such limited stress. Many may find it hard to believe, but back in the 1960’s that company made some really excellent fiberglass fly rods.

[@hardmanfishing]

So I've heard. I actually chose them because I knew of them and figured it would be slightly better quality.

[@cradford875]

I would return that setup right back to Amazon.

[@hardmanfishing]

I really should honestly. Why didn't I think of that LOL

[@cradford875]

Amazon is great with returns, especially with situations like this.@@hardmanfishing

[@jasongreen5470]

Yes would like to see a budget combo rod and reel say around $150 max

[@hardmanfishing]

Budget rod combo versus battle!!

[@johnhusted8453]

Good video…my opinion: spend the money! Lol

[@hardmanfishing]

Agreed... unless you don't have the money to spend!

[@trapperpak123]

Heck you proved that you don't even need a fly rod to catch trout you just used a stick a one point, but I would say when it comes to buying a rod and reel on a budget the best thing you can do is research and find reviews don't just buy the first thing that you see that, cause that's what happens to most people they buy the first thing they see and thenget mad when it breaks.

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree! I also forgot I even made the stick video until someone else mentioned it. That was such a funny video

[@kirksoutdooradventures]

Yes 😮🤯😂

[@RevelsGang]

I would love streamer tips

[@tonycamplin8607]

Well done for persevering, at least you succeed in the end. I'm very surprised that that Shakespeare rod broke, here in the UK Shakespeare have a good reputation for producing high quality tackle. Maybe their USA tackle comes from a different source?

[@hardmanfishing]

I have no idea... here in the US Shakespeare is generally looked at (at least amongst my friends and I) as kind of a cheaper option. But I wouldn't have expected it to break so easily.

[@tonycamplin8607]

@hardmanfishing Maybe it was faulty, persumably you got a refund/replacement from Amazon. In the UK you're protected by the consumer protection laws and they would cover this. Incidentally in the UK it's the supplier that you bought it from who is responsible and by law they have to put right any faults, it is not the manufacturer. Don't know what happens in the USA.

[@PlayinNgaming]

That's crazy my $50 walmart fly rod has caught tons of trout

[@landonedwards7504]

Somewhere I've got a story written by my gg-grandfather who was born near Greensboro, NC about a boyhood adventure where he went into the mountains near the VA/NC line with some string and a hook made of bent wire. He caught a couple of trout using some kind of bugs he found. This was probably 1830-ish time frame. The point being you can be downright primitive in your approach. If the trout are hungry, you can catch them on almost anything. The major disappointment is when you pay money for something so poorly made that it fails immediately. Fishing is supposed to be fun, and challenge your awareness of nature. It's not supposed to be a crash course in engineering.

[@hardmanfishing]

That’s awesome!! I’ve thought about doing a challenge like that some day. Just sounds like a fun experiment. Thanks for watching!

[@Disletrucksarebetter]

Fun times when I had a cheap three wt

[@marisahardman]

look at you go

[@perfectleveladventurefishi619]

good info

[@Stevensfishingreel]

nothing tape can’t fix😂

[@hardmanfishing]

Duck tape fixes everything!! Everyone should have a roll in their car

[@briljantje9583]

Haha, that $85 rod broke down on a relatively small brownie.. 🙃

[@hardmanfishing]

I know... absolutely ridiculous

[@briljantje9583]

yep@@hardmanfishing

[@FishingWithLardAlmighty]

Do you need good quality gear to catch fish? No. Does it help? Yes. That was one expensive brown trout!

[@hardmanfishing]

Agree 100%!

[@duke2043]

There are cheap rods and then really cheap rods.Honestly best buying a Redington or Syndicate spend $300 or so for a rod.

[@devinshook3289]

Honestly, i would not spend less than around 100 dollars for a rod. I understand a cheaper rod can work, but if you have the money its well worth it for simple enjoyment. If you cant afford it, thats a different story.

[@hardmanfishing]

I agree for the most part! I think there area a lot of good combos for that $150 dollar range

[@brianmoeller6839]

Well apparently you do need a decently priced rod to trout fish

[@hardmanfishing]

Or just a decent rod LOL price may not be the entire issue here

[@eastcoastoutdoors3763]

I see why you said the reel was garbage it sounds like garbage lol

[@hardmanfishing]

Oh it was, only surpassed by the broken rod

[@LukeAndrewFlint]

I’ve had 2 Shakespeare rods break on me within 2 weeks. Garbage quality rods.

[@hardmanfishing]

Well at least everybody will know now LOL

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

max catch? lol

[@hardmanfishing]

Probably should’ve gone with that over what I got 😂

[@julianprt4596]

1 rod for 1 trout.

[@cesarorozco890]

can I have your rod

[@CRD_BY_HAZ]

I live your videos I’m getting into fly fishing I’m saving up for the kit I’m halfway of saving up