Fly Fishing is a Joke

Please actually watch the whole film before commenting. I'm noticing some folks are drawing conclusions without watching the whole piece. Thanks. This was a film I made to complete my MFA in Science and Natural History Filmmaking. It comments on the nature of fly fishing and the difference between observation and experience. It's gotten about 150k views on Vimeo so I'm adding it here as well.
You can see more of my work for my current company at www.reelactionmedia.com and a couple hundred fly patterns at www.theweeklyfly.com
Subscribe to this channel for new video: goo.gl/hZQE89
Much of this footage can also be purchased as stock footage on Pond5.com: goo.gl/HWFnRC
I appreciate any thoughtful comments, even thoughtful criticism. However, if you just read the title and make a nasty comment, I'm also willing to push back. On the other hand, I typically ignore the debate of fly fishing vs regular fishing.
Thanks for watching "fly fishing is a joke".
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[@TheWeeklyFly]

Many people are misled by the title of this film. That was intentional. It was done before "clickbait" was a thing. My intention was to break assumptions. Thanks for watching and letting me know what you think. I actually do read the comments.

[@XraggedX]

Gone Fishin’ I’ll sometimes leave my book on the porch rail and take a fly rod on that short walk to the river to fish in my no-frills fashion wearing shorts, sneakers and a very old t-shirt I leave the fishing vest and waders hanging restless on their pegs envious of the one small box riding in my pocket containing a few hooks dressed in the feathers and fur that make up their grasshopper suits and hellgrammite capes I make it my job for awhile to be the puppeteer that animates them producing and directing small fables for a Piscean audience A favorite tale about a grasshopper, who, in the ego of youth, attempted and failed to jump too broad a span and was swept struggling too far from safety Or the one about the greedy damselfly larva unsatisfied with his position in life, crawled from under his rock to fly in the stream on wings he imagines So, I wade knee deep, careful not to stumble and slip on the bones of the river to a place where the water flows thoughtful by willow and reed Casting ersatz lunch to mostly indifferent diners But, the fishing is fine, really it’s one of the reasons I live in a shack too close to the river and a little too open to winter Another, is the solitude that allows me to disguise myself as a man nudging fish from an afternoons nap all the while, studying the physics of light Noting, that at certain times, on certain days the clear blue sky slips beneath the water enabling me to, at once, observe both fish and bird allowing me to see herons flowing in the current Or gentle Ophelia, at rest on a bed of water borne clouds no longer mad, her songs finally quieted floating slowly away through the pages of evening

[@MatanuskaHIGH]

Clickbait was a thing many years ago. This video was posted a year ago.

[@evanhb49]

i know some people do this with there essays to hook people in. i knew what you was doing 😉

[@ED85]

Don't explain the joke. Also i am reading some comments...margaretas ante porqas.

[@innovativeatavist159]

What? ​@@MatanuskaHIGHit was posted 10 years ago

[@flyman451]

I have fly fished for fifty-seven years. I prefer to cast small dry flies to large rising trout but of course am happy just being on the water even if it means nymphing for 11" stocked trout. I actually get more satisfaction out of fly fishing now than I did when I was 17 years old. At least now I know what I'm doing and the feelings are just wonderful. I'm almost 73 now and am hoping for at least another ten years of good wading and then find someone to row my drift boat for me until I can no longer cast.

[@willsharphomes]

where you at? I'd be happy to row you down the river some time

[@flyman451]

I live I SE PA but have another property on the upper Delaware River.

[@theoriginaljoeschmoe5987]

Will Sharp So, did you ever do what you said?

[@chuckHart70]

With that name. You were born to fish! Hope you are still doing it.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

@@willsharphomes Decency. That's a rare quality any more. Hats off to you!

[@rogerbeckner6419]

As a still photographer of landscapes and fish and a fly fisherman for over five decades, I think you hit the nail square on the head. Beautiful work and thoughtful narration. I only wish I could do as well. Thank you for your gift to us.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks for this. We're posting more new videos if you want to check back with the channel. -H

[@shiminshake]

I stumbled upon your vid only due to my work related research about fishing gears. I found no valuable information I was looking for. No list of gears to bring. No recommendations of specific brands, places to fly fish. No "dos and donts". Not even a fishing technique. Instead, your vid took me there all the way to the scenes, to the other side of my monitor. It got me really relaxing first. Then strangely, it started making me rather unsettled. I got jealous. it made me angry. It made me forget all about my research and watch it through. I will probably keep coming back to this video for years to come, hopefully watching it without feeling jealous or angry eventually. I think you woke up something deep inside me. Thank you very much for such a great video, one of the best you see on KZbin, I say.

[@anthonychiappetta9225]

thought it was the most useless thing ever, then i caught a shitty canal tuna on my 8 wt and i was hooked, one drag screaming football on a 8 wt and you will understand why we love it. i dont even need to catch fish anymore to have a good time.

[@Mightiflier]

But it sure makes a good time better.

[@anthonychiappetta9225]

oh ya

[@AdStarProductions]

Just beautiful. You're a wonderful filmmaker and your video and audio are a perfect and just tribute to fly fishing.

[@sonsoffishes1]

For me, it's the entire experience! Getting out of the crowded city and as the skyscrapers fall away and the mountain rise before my eyes, I instantly, without realizing, let out a big sigh of relief. I love the drive to my fishing destination, the camping, the folks I meet, the time on the water even when I'm not catching shit, the music I listen to, the type of books I read when on my trip. The sense of peace it brings me is unmatched in anything I have experienced in life. I remember when I caught my first fish on my own tied fly and the joy it brought, but the same joy as when my son caught his first at 6 years of age. I live in British Columbia and while the elitists are definitely still around, it has become so popular with your everyday, blue collar, easy going man and woman up here who are less judgemental than many others in different sporting types. Thank you for the video, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Glad to hear it. We're posting new patterns again if you want to check them out. -H

[@tonflyangler7261]

Kudos! This is the best film about fly fishing I've watched in a very long time. Beautiful footage and intelligent commentary. It captures the true spirit and nature of our sport which to me is the reason why I have been a fly angler for way longer than I now care to admit. Let's keep on smiling...

[@johngoudie6676]

I love to fish and intend to try fly fishing. I have always loved being on the Water fishing for a variety of species and your words and photography brought back many memories. I think you have captured beautifully the essence of fly fishing.I couldn't help but feel grateful for having experienced moments like these. Beautifully written and filmed.

[@visitbishop]

Beautifully shot - a nice perspective. We enjoyed it so much we added it to a playlist - thank you for publishing!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

+Visit Bishop Wow. That's great to hear. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@oldtroutbum7501]

I came across this video 6 or 7 years ago and find myself returning to it often. It is powerful and moving -- underscores and reinforces everything a fly fisherperson experiences, consciously or subconsciously. Something in this video (more likely many things) will stick in your head forever -- a reflection of your experience, your joy, your passion. I expect that something is different for everyone, but I promise you it is there. This is pure art on many, many levels. Thank you.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much. I'm glad it's bringing you some joy. -H

[@TheMDOutdoors2016]

WOW! I love the intro and the sound track. We just subscribe to your channel. As always happy fishing and tight lines. Fish On! Can't wait to see this channel grow.

[@olivestudios8902]

Fellow filmmaker and fly fishing addict. Fantastic work. Last scene was really cool. Love the sun coming in and blowing it all out.

[@CrAZyShtmaChine12]

Beautiful. Words can't describe how true fly fishing is portrayed in this video. Being an avid fly fisherman I smile when casting a line for different reasons than that of my family. Thank you for sharing.

[@lolthedude]

Dude, poetry. This is alluding to the soul. Preach man, SING! I LOVED THIS! Don't stop doing this man. This is wonderful, too many synonyms of the same word; beautiful, gorgeous! I'm no elitist, and I'm younger and poorer that the "younger, less financially secure" crowd you presented in the video, but you better believe you persuaded me to try this and take it home. Thank you. Almost felt like crying at the end. Almost.

[@Toolz1980]

Pretty bold title. Then again...pretty film as well :). I really enjoyed it and I hear your message. Thank you for this.

[@CraigMounsey]

Greetings from the antipodes, I've watch this a several times now and it never gets old, love the narrative. Thanks for creating this mini masterpiece. You should really try out your stuff in NZ or Australia. We have some amazing fishing here. Cheer, Craig

[@TheWeeklyFly]

I'd love to someday. Thanks Craig. -H

[@eileenhenryselby-smith9762]

Very good thoughts on the sport/art/pastime or whatever it is we do. The beauty of it is you can ponder and consider, and also just live in the moment. Thanks for a lovely little film.

[@Russ-nf9tv]

It is pretty obvious who watched the film, and who commented on the title. Definitely well put together.

[@montanamike7948]

at 50 second mark that is a great shot of stormcastle on the Gallatin river. Beautiful video!

[@volpe109]

Loved your film. Fished yesterday, January 27, on a Colorado tail water in 55 degree sunshine. Although I got skunked it was still a great day of serenity and scenery with friends and the river.

[@markjohnson6194]

You hit the nail on the head, no matter who you are, what you believe or how you fish... it's about that smile :) The reason and method may differ between each person, but the end result is all that matters. Great film, thanks for sharing

[@RodneyMarquezFishingChannel]

very inspiring, as a young fisherman and an amateur film artist.... I give you praise!

[@raidermatt8398]

RODNEY!!!!

[@davidkrupa6099]

Thank you! I will be attempting to get there this summer. Can't wait! Any suggested pattern you would use in middle July to early August?

[@andydavidson4108]

Thank you for that. A beautiful piece of filmmaking about a beautiful passion of many of us.

[@jaywilkins9675]

Great Video, I live near and fly fish in many of the Montana shown in this video! I love the ending where it all comes clear and it made me smile knowing that is exactly how I feel!

[@rbdavisphoto]

The mindset of fly fishing and the joy is just like a Pitcher throwing a Strike or even a No-Hitter. It's the art, the complexities, the focus on perfection and in all this, it's just being outside and getting lost in nature. I too am a photographer who just got bitten by the Fly.

[@tbboy11]

this was awesome! i just picked up fly fishing this past May and fell in love with it the more i cast. great documentary. keep up the great work!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Hi Tommie, I hope you kept with it. -H

[@tbboy11]

@@TheWeeklyFly heck yeah I did! It’s my choice of angling now. I love it!

[@leonsoto80229]

Wow, great video! I love How you narrate the video. I can't believe you have thumbs down on this, clearly people don't get the art of photography.

[@johnpountney4704]

Started fly fishing recently after a lifetime of coarse fishing (I am 40 this year). Oh how foolish I have been... Hopefully fishing the River Dove in Derbyshire soon (Izaak Walton and Charles Cottons stomping ground!)... The peace, craft and simplicity is tempered joy... Loved this film!

[@markunderwood6391]

Beautiful .... Fishing has been a part of my life , all my life. I am 59 years old. Now more than ever I treasure the moments that I can get away even if it's for just an hour or two and cast a line, read some water, and get lost in the Stoke. I thoroughly enjoyed Your JOKE!

[@elcascarrabias8382]

Your comparison of analyzing a joke vs hearing a joke and observing but not participating in fly fishing is well done! You have skills as a videographer as well as a wordsmith. " . . . and as I fished, I experienced the simple joy of losing myself in actuality. And then . . . I smiled!" You put into words exactly what I experience. I've smiled . . . and, yes, even laughed after a perfect cast. Thank you!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

El Cascarrabias Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed the piece. We all enjoy it in different ways but we all enjoy it. Tight Lines

[@ronaldbowser3287]

Very nice, this brings back memories of my Montana fishing trip many years ago! I fished the exact location in your film on the Gallatin. I was told by my guide, that this is the location that they filmed the River Runs through it, and if you watch closely near the end of the movie you will see this location. Each person gets something different from fly fishing, however I agree, they all laugh, and it seems like a joke. Thank you for sharing.

[@JokiBroki]

Great video. I love fly fishing and its part of me. I enjoy spending time in the nature, taking long hikes even spraining my ankle to get to that wild trout stream that no one has been to in years. Fly fishing is what makes me alive. Living in NYC where everything is crowded fly fishing gives me an opportunity to enjoy one day in nature and come back to the city feeling fresh like I just came back from 15 day vacation in Aruba, and I am not exagurating

[@JohnEssarydesign]

Well done! Great use of metaphor, composition, and editing. Definitely MFA work. I hope you received a good critique from your professors.

[@chuckHart70]

Keep coming back... and sharing.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Chuck. -H

[@dylanmckeen7332]

This was wonderful. I thought it would be a bash, yet I’m glad I watched it all. This is really well done great job!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks for this. We're posting more new videos if you want to check back with the channel. -H

[@terrybray9149]

I have been fly fishing for nearly 60 years and am still hooked. Your film and its sentiment is wonderful but the best thing is you were smitten like the rest of us. Well done sir

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Terry. Tight lines. -H

[@tyanez]

This makes me think about one of my favorite poems. It's about how if you overanalyze something, you take the fun away. The romanticism, the magic is gone. It becomes sterile. It happens with everything, and this video is a good example of that. When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer by Walt Whitman When I heard the learn’d astronomer, When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me, When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them, When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room, How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick, Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars

[@thomasschneider3876]

Enjoyed the video greatly! I'm 66, living in Alaska, a fly fisherman, and this puts the entire process in focus. I too, was smiling at the end. Then I heard the monkey joke and laughed out loud! Thanks for sharing, and I'm sure you received an A+ for your efforts.

[@TroutWest]

I'm never going to give up my spin rod, because I can fish with every fly,lure,bait I want to and catch more fish doing it. But I enjoy the art of making flies, fly fishing and this video. Well done.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks for the props. We all have to find where our pleasure in the sport lies and pursue it unapologetically. Time spent on the water is what helps keep us all sane.

[@TroutWest]

The Weekly Fly Amen to that!

[@americanpatriot3667]

Picked up a fly rod years ago taught myself and never out it down,I choose a fly rod over everything now

[@chuckd5877]

Catch more fish while doing it? I wouldn't be so sure. Fly fisherman often out fish spin fisherman.

[@americanpatriot3667]

Actually I do as a matter of fact

[@bryanmaynard7329]

That was beautiful. I'm thrilled that you felt it. Its a rhythm, not your rhythm, natures rhythm. You cannot dictate the pace and sometimes it takes a little while to find it, but, when you do your in tune with it, it's like...your in tune with God.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

+Bryan Maynard (My2ns) Wow Thanks so much for the kind words.

[@chuckHart70]

This is such a good video. You sir are blessed with a gift! Keep using it.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

[@guyh.4553]

Extremely well done! I did not expect that it was done by Montana State University. The quality and content show that it is. Way to go MPTV!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Guy. -H

[@1mrmerced]

Your conclusion nailed it! Great little film that captures the spectrum of our sport/addiction/ meditation.

[@salmothymus]

Well, that's what I consider a well thought of short movie (including the intriguing title which gets "vocally explained" so humorously at the very end of the clip). I have no prior information on the author's work but with this short movie he certainly "nailed down" one really deep aspect of what we do, and in a new and interesting way. I shared the video on my fb with these lines: "Older I get, more I like fly fishing from a contemplative angle...a very nice and intriguing footage...especially the smile on his face near the end...that's what its all about (for me) ;-) " .....

[@TheWeeklyFly]

👍

[@jaygillsfishingshow6615]

This is a truly captivating video. The story through the lens is absolutely inspiring. It is amazing how unique fly fishing actually is.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Many thanks for that -H

[@ArkyJane]

I was going to make some smart remark about fly fishing a joke at the beginning of this clip. After finishing, I could not agree with you more. Great Job!

[@davidbranquinho4796]

The more I listen to your story,the more Im realizing how this can be applied to everyday life. What an inspiration. Thankyou.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much David. -H

[@deanschuiteman3759]

liked the vid, was interesting. Nice to see new fisherman enjoying the time. You might try keeping your wrist straight, no turn and stopping your back cast at 12 before your forward cast. Old Miramichi fisherman, had to learn from the old pros before I was allowed to fish the water. ;-)

[@Cowboy7085]

Great work. Well worth the watch. Thought-provoking and beautiful scenery. Just being out of doors is enough for me.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

There's the magic: being outdoors. These days I am happy to just sit and watch..... and learn.

[@hillearybrown7083]

Now this is a dandy video! you captured the sport in words and video. Now almost five years on I hope my message finds you living your dreams and loving life, best wishes from New Mexico

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks for this. We're posting more new videos if you want to check back with the channel. -H

[@StanleyZheng]

Wow. I feel the same way. When you get stressed, go fly fishing. I find that joy when I get a fish, and let it go, and the water wacking your hand. Wow, great film.

[@outtolunch88]

And camp by a river with a little fire, a few beers and a couple of good mates.

[@TheLespaulsam]

This video is amazing. It does such a great job of summarizing why fly fishing is so special to me.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

+Sam Cunningham Glad you enjoyed it. Tight lines.

[@mikecalabrese7864]

The act of fishing is like the act of reading a poem. And the last thing you should get from a poem is meaning. But the joy of poetry is as old as the joy of fishing.

[@jameslennox2414]

I wish it was me out there on the fly look's so good

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Mike,

[@NordeggSonya]

how lovely, how insightful, how true. We all fish for different reasons. I used to spin cast and now I teach fly casting and guide occasionally. I dream, I think, I meditate, I observe and I don't always fish!

[@DaLamprey]

Great title, comparison, and execution. Very, very well done. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thank you very much!

[@urrrccckostan]

great work, I worked on a show a few years back and I recognize some of these rivers

[@Freedom_35]

Great film! I love fly fishing. Its a blast. The ceiling also rises a lot. It also forces you to meditate (focus). Landing a fish is a magical thing. Its primal, it also just feels better on a fly rod like you worked for it. This film is awesome!

[@Freedom_35]

I also am not an old affluent white guy. I picked up fly fishing about a year ago. The upfront cost is a lot but the amount of free time and enjoyment it brings is well worth it. I also fish clousers and wooly buggers alot. I fly fish 12 months out of the year. I catch shad, striped bass, browns, bows, bass, and whatever I can.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

👍👍👍

[@jacksak]

I grew up in far-northern New England near Canada. My entire family and I fished, trapped and hunted. Then, no one thought fly fishing was an elitist sport. It does have a calming effect on the soul as a respite from today's frenetic activities. And, it's poetic but not elitist. However, maybe the further you live from fishing locations, the more likely fly fishing becomes elitist due to equipment costs, place to maintain/store equipment, and travel/time/distance costs. Living near the source is much simpler.

[@zymbotictoot]

Great video! I really enjoyed it.Also it made me "smile". Thanks.

[@marcobottcher3813]

Absolut great I watch it so often,with a tear in my eyes,. You're a star,great job.

[@collinutube]

Really well narrated Being a fly fisherman for nearly 15 years I must admit it's a real addiction Just started tying flies, well that's another store on its own Thanks for the fantastic dry fly strike

[@davidkrupa6099]

Wonderful ending shot at 8:45...beautiful sunrise/smile! Question, where is the location setting at :45...I want a photgraph of me casting there. Thanks!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

+David Krupa Hi David, if you mean the river with the cliff in the background, that is in the Gallatin river between Bozeman and Big Sky. Great river to fish and absolutely stunning. Same area they filmed "A River Runs Through It"

[@moreybenton4370]

Thoughtful and well executed film, congratulations

[@Scott64a]

It IS a joke, one you get to craft in a myriad different ways and depths. You can tie yourself, you can buy the most expensive or the least expensive gear possible, you can write the punchline as you go. It's a wonderful joke to be a part of. Keeps me coming back for more every time. Throwing line versus throwing lures. Presentation. Bad presentations still somehow getting a huge trout to hit. It's wonderful, and I love your video.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Very true, Scott and what I was trying to get at. Thanks. -H

[@kevineluctable]

At the end of your video - I smiled. Thank you,

[@VendingUnlimited439]

great job on the film wonderful shots and narrative. :-)

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thank you very much!

[@onthedry8386]

watching this on a winters night in ireland dreaming of big trout ..great video

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much. Fun to think it's being enjoyed in Ireland.

[@seanw8336]

on the dry I just watched now and season opened today on my local rivers ..I'm also from Ireland and heading out first thing in the morning..can't wait to wet a line again

[@onthedry8386]

hope you have a great day' i will start next week i feel under the weather at the min and its not from drink ..lol

[@troutboynz]

This is a great clip, some nice cinematography as well.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks for this. We're posting more new videos if you want to check back with the channel. -H

[@paratrooper7340]

A simply beautiful video - I'm what might be called a, "An all around fisherman", meaning I own a center console boat which suits all my fishing and my fishing buddies fishing needs. And so I own boat rods and surf rods and spinning reels and fresh water bass gear as well but every time I go out with friends - none of whom are fly fishermen, at some point in the day I start wishing I were fly casting to any fish at all because as much as I've always loved fishing - since the first time I went out in a little wooden dory on Long Island Sound with my Dad and a couple of his buddies fishing for flounder - I've been hooked. I didn't fly fish back then but at some point I happened to be watching Gadabout Gaddis fly casting on a river in Scotland and though I was only a lad of about 10, I knew I would become a die hard fly fisherman or at least try the sport. That expression of my passions had to wait until a series of events on a pond in Rhode Island where I spent every spare hour spin casting with an ultra light Fenwick rod and a Mitchell 300 spinning reel. The vast majority of trout fisherman on Olney Pond - the ones using flies - all used similar ultra light spinning gear with very light test Mono lines to which we attached a round plastic float and a length of fly leader. To that leader we tied an endless variety of our favorite fish catching flies without knowing the first thing about the patterns we were using or exactly what those flies were supposed to mimic. Then one day an older and much wiser fisherman mentioned that if I really wanted to catch trout that I should go out and buy myself a fly rod because, "While using spinning gear was perfectly OK on Olney Pond it would be a lot more fun to fly fish using real fly fishing gear." I took old Mitch at his word and without the slightest knowledge of Fly Fishing rods and reels and line and everything else associated with fly fishing I started out my new interest by visiting one fly rod dealer after another to handle as many rods as possible and reading reading as many books on the subject as our Public Library had on its shelves addressing our magical sport and so for the last 50 or so years I've been a fly fisherman deep in my heart but one willing to fish - that is cheat - with any gear at all as long as I were fishing, so when I head out on my own I fly fish and when a friend or my son comes along we fish the way they want which is perfectly OK with me - fishing is after all just getting out on the water and having fun.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much for that. -H

[@stevenvaughn1679]

One of the best video I have ever seen beautifully done thank you from Idaho

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Wow, thank you!

[@RosyAfterglow]

🤣 Very well done! Bravo! I just got introduced to fly fishing not long ago and found myself chuckling self-consciously as you explained why “Fly fishing is a joke”. I was with you the whole journey... from truly puzzled to...I don’t know...a wide-eyed impassioned neophyte? Whatever the label, I just know that peace and calm when I was first doing it. Nothing like it. Like a joke.... best enjoyed without question. 🎣

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much.

[@redshaftedflicker]

Great footage, nice to see another guy's view about fly fishing. It's a phenomenal lifetime sport and one that doesn't need to be overtly expensive nor exclusive. I've enjoyed myself just as much sightfishing for carp as I have being guided on "famous" blue ribbon waters.

[@wd4477]

What an amazing video. Great insights and wonderful imagery.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thank you so much 😀

[@davidcarter3219]

Great video! Although I will say, pretty cruel to post such a thing in the dead of winter. I have the itch!

[@dwetick1]

I used to fly-fish all the time, but got away from it when I got my own boat. All my expensive fly tying tools fell into dis-repair when I discovered the biggest trout could be caught with streamer tied with dogs hair fished behind a dodger with no more effort than a simple boat ride.

[@mattdelavega1644]

To me the point is not big fish. I am happier with a 6 inch wild brook than I am a 20 inch hatchery brown. It is about fishing with style. Not fashion, style. Mimicking an insect floating at the exact speed of the water. Beautiful streams. Making it a challenge. At a point, catching big dumb mouth bass out of farm ponds just loses its appeal. I can fly fish a stream all day and forget about everything but that stream, or I can bait fish for catfish all night long but I had better have some bourbon with me if I want to forget. And the last thing I want to see and hear are boats and internal combustion engines. I truly believe that it transcends fishing and becomes angling. Unfortunately due to my location I have plenty of opportunities to go fishing, but only get to go angling a handful of times a year.

[@dwetick1]

But...I still like fly fishing!

[@mattdelavega1644]

I understand, and I still like catfishing. Catfishing takes me to much less pristine waterways though. The mighty muddy Ohio is not my river of choice, but it has given me so big flatheads.

[@dwetick1]

Nowadays, the ever telling presence of starving trout (skinny as snakes) and Orvis manequins crowding my old haunts has soured me on the sport....I hardly go anymore.

[@mattdelavega1644]

Never say quit!

[@williammawk1720]

I first fly fished while a teenager in the late 1950's. I caught a few RB trout and had a lot of fun but mainly I spin fished. I moved to Southern Idaho in 1975. Between there and the surrounding states I experienced Fly Fishing that was almost unbelievable. I had days on Silver Creek south of Hailey Idaho that taught me to fish midges, days fishing the Green Drake hatch on the Henrys Fork Of the Snake at Island Park Idaho but some of the funnest days were on the Madison River Montana during the Stone Fly Hatch where at times the trout had their mouths so gorged with the real thing and still taking my Sofa Pillow, and are those Madison fish wild. One September four of us went to fish summer run steelhead on the Deschutes in Oregon...I am here to tell you if you have never fly fished wait no longer, get a rod and some flies some where and go do it, you will never be the same.

[@anvilhead59]

A beautiful essay. It made me smile. Thank you.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Rick. -H

[@michaelpryor2981]

That captured a wonderful part of my thoughts, perceptions, and life . Thank you for your thoughts!!!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Michael, even reading this 6 years later, it makes me happy. -H

[@peterbagley933]

wow that brought tears to my eyes ! Very well put together, hope you got AAA'S for that!

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much Peter. -H

[@MorrisOutdoors98]

Fly fishing is the joy of seeing that fish at the end of the line on that fly that no hard lure can imitate. Seeing that small stream brook blow on that dry, having that brown smash that streamer, feeling that line when smallies tap your buggers, enjoying time on the water and having satisfaction in the views and the fish. This comes from a 20yr old, I've fly fished for 4 years and fished all sorts of flies for freshwater species. Caught bass, trout, carp, pike, hooked into numerous musky. It's something completely on it's own. I love it, but also love to fish conventional swimbaits and big baits. Just an addiction we all have to a different degree

[@TheWeeklyFly]

totally agree. Thanks for watching. Check theweeklyfly.com for more vids.

[@michaelandersen5453]

being a photographer I truly understand. nice piece

[@mssouthwick]

Fantastic film, loved it, especially the narration. Now if i can only cast as well as most of these people.....

[@pauljohn5554]

Excellent journalism. I watch this about 15 times already.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks so much! -H

[@sebastianniemiec8647]

I just started this week my first fly fishing. And it's true what you say. I laught very loudly after catching big trout. I simply was sitting on the edge of the river and was laughting like I just heard a great joke. Great video.

[@Boxalarmcustoms1075]

I'm not very good at it, and every time I go out on the water I try to get better. Even if I don't hook a trout, it always humbles me to be in nature. To disconnect from society, social media, and the noise.. there's nothing like it. Always brings a smile to my face. Great film.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Thanks Ryan. -H

[@konio81]

Very nice video mate, well done

[@shaunhayward]

I don't fish at all but I do appreciate a good perspective and great cinematography. Well done.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Many thanks Shaun, -H

[@gobbly1337]

Wonderful! I am most connected to this wonderful world that surrounds us when I am looping a fly line and drifting my little tufts of feathers with the age old currents. I love that joke, it makes me smile every time!

[@NCYWG]

Well put and some excellent footage!

[@LaughedSnail]

I went fly fishing last year after being a saltwater angler all my life. I live on the coast and have no nice places to fly fish where I live. My dream is to be able to live in a place where I can enjoy the sport to the max potential.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

LaughedSnail Not sure where you live on the coast, but there's lots of saltwater fly fishing opportunities to be had out there. From Stripers to bone fish and lots more. Maybe not feasible where you are but there's usually at least a bass pond to be found within a short drive.

[@scotteinarj]

I agree ...I GUESS...one of the best Bamboo rods makers I ever saw came from a lower middle class family from Paris,ID......

[@agustinserra2073]

You made me cry man. it's the best fly fishing video I've ever seen

[@TheWeeklyFly]

+Agustin Serra Wow. Highest of praises. Thanks for the comment. Tight lines.

[@Dieiamgi]

The video said some people say you might as well use a spinning rod/reel, if your using a bead head nymph ? I'm just wondering why they say that? I love using those and trout seem to like them.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

I think it comes down to the individual. Sylvester Nemes made that statement and he was a master of classic softhackles. One of the things he enjoyed most about the sport was the traditions and he felt that beadheads were a step too far. But I think it comes down to each individual and how they derive joy from the sport. Each of us gets something a little different from it and that's ok, because it's not the definition or rules that are important so much as the peace that we achieve through having the experience.

[@ISCDESIGNAustralia]

@1.000 are what my dreams are made of... As a flyfisherman- thankyou for your thoughtful video.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

👍👍👍

[@chastitygreene7518]

I have to agree i go with my oldest son who is 14 and we enjoy just us being there relaxing fly fishing isn't for everyone but its one i bring to my kids

[@kingnothing119]

I enjoyed this a lot! I get asked how fishing can be any fun a few times a year at least. I always respond to that question with an invitation to join me some time and find out for themselves. I admit, it's not for everyone. I like to admire the scenery as much as I like to reel in a nice fish which makes every trip out to the water a good trip. Some of my favorite memories were made on Elkhorn Creek, smallmouth bass fishing with my father.

[@sawzall2ca]

I feel so much like this. It as much the adventure and experience as it is the catch. Fly fishing is like a mad science! What rod, line, leader, fly, presentation, water conditions, sky, hatch and on and on and on. I think anyone who is a fly fisherman is akin the mad scientist ... always searching for the next formula for those specific conditions that will yield success. And whether we do or we don't get the results we want, we begin the process again ... and again ... and again ... And only the fly fisherman will understand the madness, the pull, the successes and what others would cal failures. And some of my best memories all started with being out fishing .. only a few years old, holding onto my Dad's belt as we moved down the brook, he fishing and I with my alder and string ....

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

I understand you completely;y. Lovely work and attitude. :-)

[@MrTCAllen77]

I learned to fly fish when I was 8yrs old. Now at 45yrs old, I still smile about that first bluegill I caught on a popper. I never landed him because a Muskie chased it in and snagged the bluegill and about a foot of my leader and swam off. As I type this out, I am smiling about that moment when an 8yr old kid became addicted to fly fishing.

[@TheWeeklyFly]

Wow.👍🏻