Bigotry to Brook Trout: A Watershed Moment (fly fishing film)

[@Kharydin]

Man you are not a breath of fresh air, but a tsunami. Thank you for your honesty. I'm a Black man who is an avid angler, who has fly fished for decades and have run into that .01% of those who have a problem with me for their own narrow reasons. I've also made my own mistakes of prejudging people before a word was spoken. I was fishing in Pennsylvania and a young white kid came up to me and was talking about his antipated fishing. He seemed very enthusiastic and innocent. His fathers was with him. I remember brushing him off, being very sarcastic and even somewhat condescending. I still think about that encounter with that kid and his father and vowed to NEVER do that again. I've had some of my most rewarding conversation with a fellow angler as I had hours of fishing left to stop and talk about fly fishing and our common love of nature of which we all belong and which belongs to us ALL. I didn't know his politics nor prejudices, if he had any towards race, culture, etc., which in my heart I don"t believe he did. We all should search our soul for humanity as you have done. Thanks Lou

[@topcoastmedia7908]

Louis, thanks so much for sharing your story. I didn’t realize when we set out to make this film it would invoke such a deep, genuine response from so many folks. Again, thanks for being vulnerable and sharing.

[@tom.northshore]

Hello from the North Shore (MN)! Good to see another brother fly fisherman enjoying the beauty of fish rather than size. Brookies are truly remarkable, greater than steelhead in my opinion. I know exactly where you were - there's tons of good pockets in that whole section. Good luck this coming season and stay safe in springs rage. Tight lines my fellow North Shore native. Peace!

[@katbars4788]

Just found this one. As an older white guy, and fanatical fly fisherman, in the far off, upper corner of the whitest state in the northeast, I thought this video was magic. Truth to power, compelling, brutally honest, ...and ultimately, heartwarming; not heart breaking. Well done, folks.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Rare to find such an honest account in the fly-fishing community. Courageous film and person.

[@blueforestfilms]

I think so, too!

[@tonyalves5758]

Great video and a lot of truth in it but the guy didn’t accomplish a monumental thing he just realized he was a racist and he stopped.Good on him!

[@nonewherelistens1906]

@@tonyalves5758 Admitting it to yourself takes a certain amount of courage and self-honesty. Admitting it in a public forum can maybe change other minds and is courageous on another level. There are still many out there who need to see the error of their ways.

[@thebaronofbelco2615]

@@nonewherelistens1906mate that is so well said. I was going to write a similar thing, but not as eloquent as you have. So true mate, I know I’m replying to a 3 year old message haha, but I hope you still see it, cheers from Australia.

[@jimmyjamesl6605]

Wow this was refreshing as all get out! So cool to see a fly fishing movie that isn't centered around "look at me and the biggest fish I caught." I think a big part of why I fly fish, most often alone in the middle of nowhere, is to get humbled and stay grounded. Really beautiful movie... and c'mon, who doesn't love Brookies?!

[@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing]

Good for you man!

[@WhiteBuffalo032]

Maybe there is hope Alvin.

[@dorsalfishing]

"It is never to late to give up our prejudices" - Henry David Thoreau

[@blueforestfilms]

Absolutely.

[@donalddakota8069]

A very well said story. I learned a long time ago that the fish don't care how much your rod costs or what you look like. I came up with a saying a few years ago that still holds true " It's not your colour it's your conduct!" In this video you conduct yourself like someone I would like to share the stream with. Thanks for putting this out, take care!

[@TheBankersSafe]

Honest story with a strong message. God bless you on your many fishing and inner personal journeys

[@wvn8v]

What a tremendous story. Very inspiring.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks, Jeff.

[@kurtthomson4978]

A Watershed Moment indeed, makes you think that there is hope for the world as a whole if we all had a moment like this.A fine piece of cinema well done to all involved.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you, Kurt! Totally agree .. this story serves as a beacon of hope right now.

[@capcityorgnzr]

As an angler, I appreciate the sentiment in your film and the support you're receiving from others in comment sections. As a person of color, it's difficult to exist as a such in outdoor spaces. We can't hide behind Geoff's truths and vulnerabilities. People like him are an anomaly in outdoor spaces. This video is a great conversation starter, but it's also a clear indication that it's not enough to not be racist. It's not. Folks like him & others who support him have to be anti-racist.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you so much for your comment and perspective. I completely agree with you. It's not enough, but rather a conversation starter. We all have a lot of work to do. As an artist, I hope this film can act as a small contribution.

[@Avicados]

I’d say there is a fine line. If becoming anti-racist strays you from your standard tasks than I’d say it’s a problem. There is an unfortunate truth to any mixing pot style, they’ll always be those few. And when you swing too far in a direction groups can lose their distinguishability, which they subconsciously value. It’s a real tough line. I’d just say to venture on what comes natural be it it’s obviously humane.

[@blueforestfilms]

​@@Avicados Can you help me understand what you mean by standard tasks? If you're suggesting being anti-racist will lead to a loss of identity, I would have to respectfully disagree. I think it's about embracing values of respect and human dignity, which in my opinion strengthens our character, not diminishes it.

[@Avicados]

@@blueforestfilms you inferred incorrectly. Careful about doing so and then making presumptions of substance after, it’s a real slippery slope with a loss of origin. I’m speaking about many different subjects in my post. Murder is bad but I’m not actively promoting anti murder, same goes for rape, child molestation, robbery, racism, bigotry etc. All of which are equally a problem if not more! So why not actively promote the anti view to those issues as well? Morgan Freeman had a good discussion on racism you should watch. You want to end racism? The hard truth as he discusses is the opposite of your approach. So is one approach right? Who knows. Just don’t infer ;)

[@blueforestfilms]

@@Avicados Why not actively promote the anti view to the other issues you mentioned? ... Well, this isn't about those issues. I find that response to be troublesome and a distraction. It reminds me of the people who like to counter Black Lives Matter with All Lives Matter. I hope we as society can see the importance of speaking out against racism.

[@Luke-zu4xg]

We walked similar paths on different roads... good to see you come out the other side! 👍

[@manifestgtr]

It sounds kinda goofy but fishing really does have a way of allowing you to develop your “true self”. Being on the water gives you a lot of time to examine your philosophies and think about the world. A fair amount of my personal development happened as a kid, chasing trout and bass in a small canoe.

[@blueforestfilms]

Time alone to reflect can be very beneficial. Fishing, hiking, whatever the case. Thanks for watching!

[@bimteck]

Just wanted to say that this video popped up in my suggestions and it literally touched my soul with every second watched! I can relate to this guy on so many levels!

[@blueforestfilms]

Glad it found you and that it resonated!

[@bimteck]

Do you have a song list for this video?

[@blueforestfilms]

@@bimteck One of the songs is "Fire A" by Elephant Micah, the other is a tune by Chris Coleman. Have to check on the song title on that one.

[@marshalloram1999]

You would love fishing for brookies in the small spring creeks of PA, beautiful little buggers, hiding in pocket pools. Come visit! And very proud of you for evolving!

[@slyry4496]

Love it! Great short docu film.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@Highsierrasyndicate]

I don't even know what to say man, I'm so happy you found another way, God bless, you are a beautiful soul

[@flyfishingphotoproject]

Thank you for telling your story. And it's still being written! As others have said, that was super real of you and I appreciate it. There's some things that you just will always remember after seeing or hearing them and I think this story is one of them

[@blueforestfilms]

Very glad this story stuck for you. Thanks for watching and for the kind words.

[@bradyhaggard9018]

What a beautiful film. Thank you!

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching, Brady! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@erdymt]

Beautiful film with a strong and honest message. Way to find a better path Geoff. All the best going forward.

[@brycehubbard1796]

This is beautiful. The story, the production, all of it. Well done 👍

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you, Bryce!

[@DanielMaykot]

Absolutely amazing. Tnx for this...

[@blueforestfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@blitzinstripes3788]

Awesome. It's amazing, the healing power of waters. Love the glass rod, too!

[@tysonmurphy7521]

Probably the finest fly film I've ever seen. Thank you for time.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you for watching and for the compliment. Much appreciated.

[@lylelane8674]

Courage and Honesty. Two things in short supply right now.

[@jamessims5240]

Thank you for sharing this brother.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching.

[@reedanderson1897]

Dude! Your video makes me feel like I'm listening to Tom Waits. So profound, so vulnerable, so beautiful, and so simple. With just enough grit, lol!

[@blueforestfilms]

Great reference :)

[@jimholland1592]

Boy do I identify with this guy love it 👍

[@zendavid2205]

Truly what it means to be a "better man". In my opinion, the best of that years selection. No big fish porn, just the experience of being on the water and the chance to marvel of the beauty of these little jewels we call Brooktrout. Well done ...

[@miranda______]

Growing isn’t easy. Owning it isn’t a picnic either. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@blueforestfilms]

Well put, Mikee. Growth takes time and guts. Thanks for watching!

[@Tren_is_okay]

Amazing film

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheMasterCaster]

Absolutely incredible film man. Enjoyed every second.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@sheridantatsuno7478]

A truly enlightened person -- a fisherman of others...

[@nicolelewis1828]

Geoff thank you for sharing your experiences. Beautiful video!

[@backpackingireland8624]

Brilliant honesty! Great to see you’ve embraced a new life and the love of fly fishing. Those Brookies are a fascinating creature. Greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪❤️Atb Tony

[@DaveMitchellOutdoorsyStuff]

Welcome to nature my friend. Good for you and god bless Great film !

[@ANDERSONFILMS]

Blue Forest Films, you guys kill it on these short films...very well shot and the stories are great. Keep up the great work!

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching! Hopefully more stories to come :)

[@jstewartdixon3632]

Well that was unexpected and beautiful. Thank you Geoff and Blue Forest Films. Well done sirs.

[@blueforestfilms]

Glad you happily stumbled upon our film! Appreciate your comments.

[@fraze0011]

Awesome video, awesome message! You can't love the world without loving the people in it too

[@ColmMullally]

This is a wonderful film and I love Geoffs honesty fair play man. Great analogy of the snobby fishermen too. Brings fishing back to enjoying being on the water...."euphoria" perfect description Geoff. Great film guys

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you! The euphoria of simply stepping foot in the water ... and into honest self reflection, is healing.

[@WhiteBuffalo032]

Glad your eyes opened.

[@driftstone]

This is an incredibly told story. I'm glad you found the brook trout, fishing has changed my life too.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you! It's funny how time and space to think can inspire the goodness within us.

[@treceur6195]

awesome short film. honestly fly fishing has and had always been a medium for calm and disconnection

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching.

[@the_anglers_path]

Raw. Honest. Thank you.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@nativesflyfishing8779]

Absolutely loved this film. Great job guys!!!

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks so much for watching! Feel free to share it. Hoping this story continues to inspire thought and unity.

[@rsaulnier33]

Great video and great story! Loved the little set up you used to cook the brookies. 👍🎣

[@RodNHandFishing]

This is absolutely beautiful. Very inspiring.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@lukecreger5590]

Incredibly well made video. Cheers brother!

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you, Luke!

[@jimmy007scott]

I’m really enjoying your videos! Learning a lot from your cinematography.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@walkertull2545]

Such an amazing story

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@flynice2022]

Brave. Fantastic. Thank you.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@lucianosilvestri8561]

Jeez, dude that's a heck of a story...I love it!. so cool to find yourself different from all the other guys and going after something that you love

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching. It certainly takes courage to go against the grain and a level of self awareness to realize our wrongs.

[@lucianosilvestri8561]

@@blueforestfilms Yeah man nice job!

[@BackyardBassin]

Beautifully shot film! Looks like a pretty neat stretch of water too!

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you! We certainly have some great stretches of river up here.

[@michaeltruelove8950]

Honesty is tuff...well done

[@barrieparker200]

Such a Raw Honest Film. Good cinematics, Good Story and instantly made me want to wet a line with you and share a beer over a fire watching the fish rise! Fair play to you mate! much love from the UK.

[@Philthepainter1]

Good job brother!

[@dihardhunter]

Damn fine film

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you.

[@CalledCollectiveMedia]

Great job man! Very very very well put together! I watched every second of it. Wow. Just wow. A couple of those shots were just incredible

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you! Really appreciate you taking the time to watch and respond. Geoff’s story is one that will always stick with me.

[@willmaynard9016]

Nice to hear someone's truth for a change. I come from Northern Ireland where bigotry is a big thing still unfortunately. Also in fly fishing, I'd rather be a trout bum than a hard nosed ignoramus any day. You're an inspiration dude.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching!

[@coralcave6414]

Great video man.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching. Glad the story is getting out there.

[@jspreston2769]

awesome I rarely comment on videos but this was great

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@milanf6926]

Preach it brother! 🙌🙌

[@steveparker8851]

fished them all my life in northern central pa. no way are they seen through my eyes as an underdog! they are to me a testament of adversity and survival! with all of the mining and logging over the years forever changing the biodiversity .....they persevere! forty years of mad adventures and respect. tight lines.

[@blueforestfilms]

They're special fish, indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@mikeswartz4181]

I feel you Brother ! Enjoy the ride

[@nickjacques8754]

Listen buddy. I’ve been fishing brookies since a boy when my dad taught me. No fancy gear, a right lure (homemade ones!) and some old tenner shoes. Got a nice 16” this year. I love brook trout. Period. It’s my life

[@blueforestfilms]

Hold tight to those memories and have fun on the water. Thanks for watching.

[@3holer01]

I love it. Made my day.

[@lisadecost1699]

Brooke’s! Love it! Great job! Thanks

[@lisadecost1699]

Dang autocorrect brookies!!!! Lol

[@KC2BKM]

If their is an upside to hate is that its learned behavior. Anything Learned can be unlearned. I was brought up that way and once I got out in the world and met other people, was introduced to other cultures, etc. All that I was taught I quickly learned was BS born of Ignorance. Good on you Brother. Thanks for sharing.

[@HighEndTroutFishing]

great video ~ i'm really enjoy watching your video. Liked !

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks the kind words!

[@richmartinez96]

I’m so confused. Less than 600 subscribers!?? I predict to laugh at this comments months/years from now. Great stories. Great footage. Great edits. New Fan here 🤙🏼🥃

[@blueforestfilms]

Ha! Thanks, man. I hope you're right. I would love for this side gig to grow so I can create more content like this. I have a gravel cycling film in the works with a very interesting story. Thanks for subscribing. Much appreciated.

[@bugbiteflytying]

Awesome dude...

[@davemonem8441]

You know what's funny is that the blue rod your using I think goes back to old school in the early 70's when they were made out of fiberglass and now you can find them at garage sales for like 50 cents but you buy a new one called glass rods ( I think that's what you have) and I heard one that a guy paid 300 dollars for one (That's nuts!). I love to fly fish and I use all sorts rods and reels (except for the bamboo, a little to heavy for me) but I love using my 1950's Hardees reels, Shakespeer fly rods, and my collection of 3000 flies dating waaay back. If you never used a fiberglass rod, trust me they are a lot of fun. One time I was at a big pond and using my so called non-hip fiberglass rod catching blue gills and small mouth bass with size 12 to 14 hoppers and had more fun than anyone else at the pond. You talk about guys calling the duck wadders being out of style, I can stand all day long in those in the middle of the coldest waters and not get cold but I know people who can only stand for about two hours in those very expensive thin Gortex stylish wadders and they are freezing (That's not stylish). Not going to lie, the new rods and reels I have are great but you just can't get the same action out of old fiberglass rods and reels (How do you think fly fishing got be so much fun?).

[@deliahaefeli6721]

Good for you for finding “you.” It’s never too late.

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching.

[@mattmuzynoski4234]

Peace brother, let the water heal! Char life

[@suemorgan2185]

I wish this was an hour long

[@devodoesitall1969]

Amen brother!

[@jps55912]

excellent.

[@ozzman61]

Respect...

[@seymourjackson9777]

One word “Subscribed”

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you!

[@slinginstreamers4199]

self honestly can set you free.

[@tightliningmd]

This is definitely a beautiful piece of film. I am sub 45 :) Hopefully I can create something this nice one day. Tight lines man!

[@CalledCollectiveMedia]

Haha I just found this film today! Hope everything is good brother! I was sub 55. What an incredible story

[@blueforestfilms]

Thank you! Your kind words mean a lot.

[@bridgerhouston892]

this is as great film

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching! Much appreciated.

[@bengazzara1324]

Superb video, feelings and influence for actual and future generations. I’m deeply appreciate it. Thank you so much for sharing it. By the way, what is the brand of your inflatable ?

[@blueforestfilms]

Thanks for watching. You know, I think you're right. Sometimes the effect of our vulnerability isn't immediate, rather manifested in future generations. The inflatable is a Water Master raft, the Kodiak model. They're great.

[@juancaban5440]

Great short film, I would like to meet and fish with him, it would be an honor.

[@denniscaton3894]

Geoff is a man I would like to go fishing with.

[@rolandovera5935]

Good on you brother.

[@sawyersoutdoors1316]

I honestly couldn’t have said it better myself man I’ll drive 8 hours to fish brokers at a waterfall ain’t even lieing

[@gregelliott9498]

I want to buy this dude a cup of coffee and shake his hand.

[@blueforestfilms]

He's a good one! Thanks for watching. Glad it resonated.

[@justinshaw7243]

I can not find the backing track for this does anyone know what it is?? It’s driving me nuts!!

[@blueforestfilms]

open.spotify.com/track/7fImXwyi6m5CYQIdcR7XYV?si=9f9eVENfSiCKhwXRanmNqg

[@justinshaw7243]

Thank you!!! You guys keep up the good work! I love your videos!

[@offthecrossfilmsstevesidda796]

Nice one that man

[@HOLYdEYEver]

I am going to hit pause at the beginning. Anyone that has an onion and a lemon in their fly fishing bag....We can be friends. Forever. I also love a 10 inch brookie those are the best fish to catch.

[@blueforestfilms]

Amen to that.

[@danielmartinez7267]

Bravo

[@jerrytempleton7972]

You are great! I could take you places. May not be huge on average but it happens. A hundred per day. Big does happen along with kokanee two weeks outta the year. Oregon.

[@forwardobserver6441]

Good video- maybe go visit Chicago,New Orleans Atlanta, etc and see if you can fix their problems

[@Beardedfurflinger]

Awesome have experienced what your talking about,because I don't look like your stereotype fly person & I myself have done the same,takes a real person to admit it & except we're not perfect or typical,when you except that then you're at peace with yourself

[@bigz5262]

What song is this?

[@rgr798]

Bad ass film man, you should also "branch out" into euronymphing, it's watershed moment within fly fishing.

[@jonahurban4552]

What weight rod are u using?

[@blueforestfilms]

Hey Jonah. I'm the filmmaker so I can't say for sure but I think it was a 5wt glass.. Geoff makes rods, paddles, etc under his business, Dam Goods & Gear.

[@MrPaintball1989]

What’s the song ?

[@blueforestfilms]

Fire A by Elephant Micah. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH7QgYOfrcZ-bZI