Fly Fishing YOUTUBERS - the GOOD, the BAD, and the REALLY BAD

[@erikseymour6038]

Brian with Mad River is a good guy. He’s been around forever and has a plethora of knowledge. He’s just really chill like allot of us Midwestern folks

[@JakePridgeon]

Wild Fly has hit a niche for me. I'm nerd for good camera work, awesome editing and someone being genuine. I will watch a series like a movie and it's so enjoyable. For the comment them being young and not great fisherman. Everyone has a starting point and grows to maturity eventually.

[@FlyFishingChronicles]

The dude from Red's flyshop makes some nice in depth videos. And he is not advertising so much. I really appreciate that.

[@gregb8824]

Nah, all that guy is trying to do is push product, he's never met a rod he doesn't like!

[@FlyFishingChronicles]

@@gregb8824 It's because he only fishs stuff he like I guess. But he do not push certain brands etc. He really has some good tipps though.

[@seankeliher3996]

I concur, Joe from Red’s does a great job explaining technique and gear. He works for a fly shop, but I don’t feel he is pushing gear as much as giving information to make an informed decision. Plus I envy the fact that he fishes on his lunch break.

[@darrenconn3847]

Better yet This channel and Joe give the best advice for teaching kids.

[@stevenm6301]

That channel is one giant commercial…

[@tyrellosterud7788]

I really enjoy Drew’s videos. The dude fishes hard and gets after it.

[@0074craig]

I gotta admit I like Drew 2

[@danielretherford]

Drew also stated in one of his other videos, that the purpose for his KZbin channel was to be a video journal for himself and he didn't really care what anyone else thought.

[@chasecook3854]

Agreed! What's more relatable than driving out to some small stream, trying to get away, and catching a bunch of small fish.

[@tmitchellis]

Agree. Drew's videos are relaxing, relatable, and informative. Just the king of fishing/camping I'd love to do.

[@daveharper5844]

Entertaining videos but I’d like to see him fish those streams with 6x tippet and give the fish a fighting chance.

[@DyslexicTurtle]

Man, a big draw to Drew's channel is he's straight to the fishing and adventure aspect of the sport. He doesn't sit around and try to entertain you outside of anything but the fishing itself. He doesn't try to sell you on his content, merch, or anything like that. He's straight to the point. That's why he's so entertaining and a joy to watch. The overly hyped up, fake excitement, forced jokes, ungodly fake personalities and over the top everything really seems at odds with a peaceful day on the river. Just my taste and $0.02

[@yussefedwards]

Film and Paper - Drews channel is one of the best for all the reasons you stated. Check out his reply to his latest comment on his latest video. Solid guy. 👊🏽

[@michaelwoehrl1746]

Really, watch him cook dinner.

[@manuelsuda]

Drews channel is good content much rather "watch" than listen to the mouth breathers talking like they know it all.

[@michaelwoehrl1746]

@@rizzoblam Then maybe you should quit watching. And Ben is right, tippet rings suck. Learn to tie a knot!

[@gregkirchner1108]

@@michaelwoehrl1746Newbie here, never used a tippet ring, but don't you have to tie two knots to use a tippet ring?

[@bobnery]

Glad to see you lifting up and supporting fellow you tubers, it's so nice to see such a sincere supportive video that lifts others up.

[@JP-dz7zu]

You were a little hard on Drewlookinfishy and Mad River Outfitters. Let me attempt to defend their honor. The great thing about Drew’s channel is it’s all about the fish, not about the guy. He doesn’t talk over the videos or have big emotional swings every time he hooks a fish. Mad River Outfitters is the #1 KZbin channel I’d recommend for anyone learning about fly fishing. Their info videos on every single fly fishing topic are second to none. And Brian’s voice isn’t annoying as you said, it’s like butter. That’s also the top mullet in fly fishing on his head. Respect the mullet!

[@graham5409]

If you think Brian Fleshlight isn’t annoying than you fish in jeans

[@rtistmedia5636]

@@graham5409 blue jeans lol 😆

[@sabiangriffin3713]

Orvis Guide To Fly Fishing over MRO

[@flyingdutch9818]

I would contend madfitters videos are about four times longer than they need be. And here is the common weakness in all of these channels, even Jensen. They self-edit and are too close to what they put out. Almost all of these need someone to tap them on the shoulder each episode and say “Tippet rings are moronic…” “Don’t carry bear-spray” etc

[@JP-dz7zu]

@@graham5409 He is a gentleman and a professional. And he knows the difference between then and than.

[@quinnaclark1]

Wild Fly reminds me of videos in the skateboarding world, in which a good video is marked by one thing: does it make you want to go skate. Not instructional or about tips and tricks. Doesn't even matter if the skaters are that good. (Whole series dedicated to amateurs.) That's how I see Wild Fly. I appreciate that, more and more, there are different channels for different purposes. Some instructional. And some, like Wild Fly, that just get you pumped up to fish/go on a trip. Good video, Ben!

[@Jakefuller]

Well said.

[@bcshadd]

Great comparison. It does remind me of skateboarding videos from my youth.

[@graham5409]

It’s a good comparison, and what I appreciate is Scotty and the boys aren’t pretentious about it or pretending to be something they’re not. He’s been growing in fly fishing at the same time he has been growing in filmmaking, and he’ll be the first to tell you he doesn’t get to fish as hard bc he’s trying to make a movie. I think they’re the most relatable out of all these

[@ezzye5]

Well said.

[@billteneyck3766]

What a biatch! I wouldn’t want to fish with this guy, or drink a beer with him. Luckily, this is my first and last video of his I’ll watch.

[@marcjalbert4139]

Drew rocks. Most genuine guy on the "Tube in this genre. Although I must say, I want to fish with Gareth in NZ...

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Hey cheers bro thanks for not ripping me to bits😂. Can’t wait to link up some day🤙

[@natemccalib2793]

Ben the authority! Bud keep making 2 min videos about ramp etiquette. I do like your channel man, but damn you do you and let others do their thing.

[@coadycorrigan]

Did anyone else see "Grizzly Bear" listed as a fish Ben has caught?? Love it, great video. I clown on the same peeps you clown on.

[@stokedflyfisher]

I'm a fan of Drew Lookin Fishy. It's like elevator music. You aren't gonna break dance to it but you catch yourself humming along. Take a look at IB an Andy. It might be a culture shock for you but IB is funny and Andy is a hugely talented angler and guide.

[@alexhendrick8288]

Drew is a good dude. Messages me back on a forum we both participate on and always keeps it professional and has integrity

[@johnmccormack7360]

Brians Mad River Outfitters videos taught me how to fly fish (and how to hold a fly rod). Incredibly informative and helpful but I get what you're saying. Your videos are different. Funny and helpful in a different way. Relax and go fishing is what I've got from them. I watch Tactical Fly Fishing and Combat for yet different reasons. You guys are all great and hope I can meet some of you someday on the river!

[@HippieMagic]

Mad River is great. I thought about going there for a lesson eventually since it’s somewhat local. I’ve learned a fair bit from the channel.

[@gopackgo933]

Yeah, Mad River is how I learned to double haul. Great videos for learning techniques and about the gear and what its used for.

[@dols94]

Trippin on trout. Best fly fishing channel on the inner webs

[@adrian7962]

By far!

[@phildlight]

100% Alex is a cool dude and even though he's in "big trout mecca" he still makes it interesting.

[@imaflyfisherman]

Drew looking fishy top water carp fishing is pretty rad tho.

[@mgeiman]

I love the Jensen’s channel. Their camera work showing trout behavior is amazing, let alone that have put it out on KZbin for us all to see. I have learned a lot from them.

[@sgrahammd]

I totally agree. Great music too.

[@fishtacos89]

I will put their vids on to pass out to. Lol

[@mgeiman]

@@fishtacos89 I’ve fell asleep to many myself. Haha

[@jnix112]

Best fly fishing channel on KZbin. Sorry, Ben. My criteria are: 1. Do I lean something 2. does it make me want to fish? I also appreciate the entertainment value

[@bmthoma6]

Wicked

[@ryantherock7664]

Drews channel definitely the best on KZbin. He is an incredibly talented fly fisher and catches tons of good sized trout...kudos to him

[@pabackwoods5330]

Saw this in my suggested videos and I panicked because I thought I’d be in the really bad category then I breathed a sigh of release when I realized no one knows about me.

[@JeremiahGreco]

Aw man, It's like when your best friend from high school and your best friend from college meet and you realize they aren't gonna be buddies too. As someone who loves mellow KZbin channels, Drew's videos are exactly what I'm looking for, but I have fishing buddies who I would never recommend his videos to. So I get it, but ouch.

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

That’s a good analogy. And I know that not everyone likes my videos, too.

[@thelittlesparrows]

I watch both Drew and Ben regularly, and while I am also annoyed that Drew has been using click-bait titles for the last six months or so, watching him just methodically fish has really taught me a lot about how to read water, get drifts, etc. that you can't get from the more instructional videos, especially as someone who primarily fishes medium to small streams. That said, it's not always the most thrilling content. I'm sad to hear he's not as "remote" as he claims, but at least he's not a spot burner in that regard.

[@JeremiahGreco]

@@thelittlesparrows I figure we gotta hate the game not the player... unfortunately, people are stupid and respond to clickbait titles, so KZbinrs generally have to use them or sacrifice viewers and $$$.

[@johntucker9782]

Been watching a ton of Trippin’ on Trout. Falls into that unrelatable, New Zealand category but he gets after it. No guides, just packing into remote spots and targeting monster browns.

[@gregb8824]

...he is a guide

[@toddphillips9989]

I love that he explains everything he does, like the length of his leaders, how he has the leader set up, and I love how he never gives up and just keeps changing flies. Great channel and IMO better than Gareth's TroutHuntingNZ channel.

[@JP-dz7zu]

He’s my favorite. Monster fish, fun channel to watch.

[@FreeFormFlyFisher]

I'm a huge fan as well. My favorite channel 💪

[@adrian7962]

My favourite channel too. Often goes out with Garreth from TroutHuntingNZ, but I think Alex’s videos are way better and he also does some instructional stuff.

[@justaguy111]

Flying Ties and Tactical Fly Fisher are two good KZbin channels that have pretty good unbiased reviews, fly tying tutorials, and fishing tactics. Both are geared more for the Euro-Nymphing crowd, though. Love About Trout. I liked the arabic logo he created so much I bought a hoodie from his site.

[@billpayeur7982]

I kind of like Zach's videos myself

[@det282]

Flying Ties is a really good one.

[@ArroyoGuitars]

Agree, also I like purpledrake, solid flyfisher, and most vids you can spot the indicator or sighter so it’s fun to fish along.

[@m.b.h.c9543]

Old Dominion Trout Bum is my favorite for euro stuff. The guy is amazing with a euro rod and extremely informative.

[@johnyorchak5162]

How can you talk about fly fishing channels without mentioning Hank Patterson! I laugh out loud at his stuff.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Bummed I didnt make the list! Tight lines everyone!

[@ronaldfisher222]

I happen to like Brian and Mad River Outfitters , they are my local shop.

[@johnmartin2566]

For production quality, IMO it got to be Trippin on Trout. Entertaining too

[@gregwhit4032]

A channel I think he missed is fly fish food. Great channel for fly tying.

[@kittiwakedave]

Loved the video. I have to admit Tenkara Addict is my favorite. I’m new to fly fishing and I live in Kansas, so watching other people fish is a lot of fun for me. I’ve got trips planned this year to Missouri and Colorado. I don’t know anyone who enjoys Fly Fishing so I have relied on KZbin to learn and better understand it. I went on guided trip last year and loved it. I realized when I got back my guide was focused on my catching trout (which was great), but I should have asked more questions, so that I could have learned more. Oh well, next time. Thanks for putting out your videos, they are very informative and not too long - my pet peeve. 😄

[@joeschranz4525]

I have some friends outside of Lawrence Kansas and they have talked about a couple good smallmouth lakes out their. I live in Missouri and the main thing I fly fish for are smallmouth. And I even largemouth fish with sinking fly line. I would really suggest looking into it sir😁

[@zachlandry4045]

Peter Kaple with the Skiff Wanderer has been putting in WORK over the last couple years. Each video that comes out is better than the previous one. His niche is saltwater fly fishing vlogs (see the "Rough Log" series) but his other videos also have some variety to them with how-to's, Q&A, podcasts, etc. Definitely a channel on the rise and one you should check out ASAP! Pete's also an A-1 dude

[@thuntergarth]

Great guy- and solid videos. He works hard to bring solid stuff to the community

[@nmuguy]

How about “Livin on the Fly” by George Daniel? He heads up Penn States fly fishing program, has written books, been on the US fly fishing team, and is very informative.

[@swimmaster406]

George was the best teacher I had at Penn State. He also helped me out with equipment when I had barely any money. Phenomenal guy and extremely knowledgeable.

[@kiviuq1552]

Penn State has a fly fishing program?! I wanna go back to school!!!!

[@annawise1072]

@@kiviuq1552 and a club that has been around for 30 years!

[@JP-dz7zu]

George is one of the top Euro nymphers in the country. Good fishing and fly tying videos. He’s another good resource.

[@flyguy2021]

Changed my mind on George when he had DJTJ write the foreword for his book

[@sullivanivens4387]

Did no one mention Hardman fishing adventures? personally thats my favourite fly fishing channel with this one right behind it. It's all trout but doesn't get repetitive. Did I miss a comment or did know one talk about hfa?

[@Hillcountryflyworks]

Curious how you like hardmann fly fishing adventures. I think he’s pretty good.

[@JP-dz7zu]

That’s a real good channel. I watched them back in the day when their video production wasn’t as good. It’s improved a lot. Lots of nice streams in WV.

[@NickAndCaroline]

They only thing I don’t like about them is their handling practices. I’m not the best all the time either, but they pick up the fish and put it down into the net over and over with different cameras. They could just pick it up one time and put it into the water for the release. Other than that, they get after it! It’s the streamer fishing I fell in love with, but had to un-sub.

[@callumclark3358]

They’re from Canada, so it’s pretty well just trote fishing. I like.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Nope, just nope. Trout are small fry in Canada.

[@gzeppe4671]

Hardman fishing adventures (wish it was a better name, my buddies immediately questioned me what they were about to watch when I mentioned his channels name), I think his video quality is amazing and this guy fishes A LOT and his casting precision is impressive in the small creeks, I don’t even want to know how much out takes he must accumulate. Catches so many fish that so many of them don’t even make the cut lol

[@squatchy69]

Tripping on trout. Great channel once again fantasy fly fishing as he is backpacking deep into uncharted waters in New Zeeland. Great fishermen and it's fun to watch him slay big trout all the time.

[@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing]

Aw man I was hoping to get roasted 😅

[@greggyows]

I mean he kinda got ya with the AMA thing but then you go out and catch a flipping monster while manning the oars solo with sinking line. That will show em!

[@AlvinDedeauxFlyFishing]

@@greggyows Ha ha, I'm working on AMA #14 right now 🤣

[@dylanagli1577]

Failed to mention the stogey smoking euro master Old Dominion Trout Bum. So my take on this video; “I need to post content I haven’t caught shit this winter. These guys are getting way more views than me, I’m losing my rhythm. How can I get back in the game? I’m a HUGE fly fisherman, I have to do something. 🧐 I got it! I’ll sit in my truck and film myself talking shit about all the other fly fishing youtubers out there. It’s genius they either hate me or love me. All publicity is good publicity! I better clean out my truck first.”

[@Fireworks_are_Awesome]

I’ve like fly fish Dan. He’s fun to watch, and I’ve learned a lot from him. Been watching you for a couple weeks now and I’ve learned a lot from you too. I just started fly fishing this summer. I’m still figuring out what the hell im doing but at least I can get a fly to cast past ten feet now. Lol. Thank you for your videos. They’re fun and I always learn something.

[@roleypyolee91]

Took your advice and formed my own opinions as someone who's viewed many videos from all the creators you mentioned. I'm okay with fly fishers using youtube to subsidize their fly fishing. They're making content, and everyone is free to watch or not. My moods change, and sometimes I want super technical descriptions (a la Jensen), sometimes I want to see something aspirational filmed in locations I may never visit, or can plan for a once in a lifetime trip (trout hunting nz), sometimes I want to see small waters (some of drew's stuff), sometimes I want cheesy jokes (your channel), sometimes I want some gosh-darn midwestern politeness (fly all szn). Every viewer has their own preferences and if people watch other channels that you think are doing something wrong, then those people have found something they like about those videos. I'm actually disappointed that you even made this video at all since I took you as someone who just does his own thing irrespective of what others do. I'm not sure why you think your opinion on other youtube channels is something people want or need. And while you may think criticizing others will not necessarily impact any of those channels negatively, you still have an audience of 44k subs and millions of total views. Hope you considered any potential impact you may be making to people's businesses/livelihoods when you published this video. My opinion after watching this full video is that this was an unnecessary bad take that took shots at folks who are not really abusing the platform for personal gain like you suggest.

[@thestepcast]

Very well said Roley - I couldn't agree with you more (though I can't say it as eloquently as you did...Lol). Unfortunately, kindness doesn't always 'win' on KZbin and I am unsure why he even felt that this would be a good idea to make a video like this at all. Attacking people for no reason other than you 'don't like' their channels or message is just simply low class in my book.

[@skpeep2030]

All of the people he mentioned will get increased views

[@tannerday7537]

Cry me a river. Ben was bang on with everything he said.

[@jnix112]

I agree, I don’t think he was actually that harsh though.

[@thestepcast]

@@tannerday7537 my point exactly - thanks for underscoring what we both said.

[@ChasingDreamsLivingLife]

This was Awesome!! Nothing like a friendly little Roasting!

[@oceanexploration]

I Love the Jensens. Loyal fan there. Bought their videos. Garreth is real, relatable, and honest. Love him. Brian has cost me over a grand over the years in product purchases from Mad River. Ben, you are a legend.

[@gzeppe4671]

I also wanted to say in regards to your channel huge fly fisherman has helped me put perspective on fly fishing as a whole. I really did believe it was a very majestic artsy thing from the outside and as a newbie. Now that I’ve become more proficient at it myself using tips from you I realized that yeah, stocked trout aren’t majestic, they will eat pretty much anything and we don’t need to be super particular or over complicate the hobby in general. And somehow you’ve also helped me learn how to be more myself and to be unique (not trying to be something you are not).

[@joeschranz4525]

I like drew looking fishy. He has a large amount of videos in my state of Missouri which not many do just because it’s MISSOURI. But it’s still relatable to me

[@scottrick5190]

Drew and Mike are both good, middle of the country guy's who are relatable!

[@mattlien5844]

Kanalgratis flyfishing content is great. Niklaus Bauer and Daniel Bergman definitely bring it. Not fly fishing but Matt Nelson at NDYAKANGLER is a one of a kind gem.

[@dolbydarma]

Hardman Fishing Adventures - fun hang out with a West Virginia guy fishing tiny creeks 👍. Definitely not a Huge Fly Fisherman though.

[@JP-dz7zu]

West Virginia, not Carolina

[@Waty8413]

Yeah, but he just needs to give fishing the Shit Horn a break.

[@wvanglerdotcom]

@@Waty8413 and be honest on fish length

[@micahbates7222]

@@Waty8413 you’d be surprised at what is this said creek and what isn’t…

[@robertwilcken8431]

Good vid. Are you sure about no bears in Colorado? Endo Valley possibly? I like Hardman fishing also. I like his chill chill chill when he's trying to get his fish to stop wiggling :)

[@mcmullenflyfishing]

He didn’t say there are no bears. He said you don’t need bear spray. I think it is more important to know what to do when you encounter a bear, instead of just freaking out and spraying yourself in the face with bear mace.

[@robertwilcken8431]

@@mcmullenflyfishing You're right he didn't say that. Use it if you need it! Thanks Nate.

[@scottrick5190]

Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

[@colestepanovich159]

Dudes kinda pretentious himself

[@MrLobstermash]

Tactical fly fisher is the bomb. And I'm glad troutbitten retreated from KZbin to focus on blogs and podcasts. Tenkara addict is not bad, and happily admits he didn't come from fly fishing to tenkara.

[@nejcp6748]

The bomb if you mean tying old European patterns and giving them new stupid names so you think you are cool?

[@ArroyoGuitars]

Also troutbitten podcast is dope, especially if you are curious about monorig

[@electrontube]

I love the variety in your videos dude, I get tips, some great videos of fishing the good and the bad and it's a great fix for when I can't go to water or the weather is bad.

[@georgefleszar7154]

Great fun! Quick question, when did you air the episode of your Grizzly bear fishing trip. I couldn't find it... I presume you use salmon flies, yes?

[@thuntergarth]

I met James this weekend outside of a shop in NM. The guy was awesome, we talked flies and rigging. James- if you’re reading this “it doesn’t work on the San Juan”

[@latedinn]

why speak poorly of people at all? most people are just trying to do their best. this felt like watching a vlog a middle schooler made about the kids at their school. you're really just publicly insulting people for providing a nice service to others who dont get to fish very much / dont have ready access to beautiful fishing locations.

[@noyopacific]

A big part of what Ben does in his videos is to inject humor and a huge part of humor is about ridiculing what other people do. This isn't necessarily mean-spirited. It kind of like when a couple of buddies are hanging out making fun of each other.

[@rtistmedia5636]

@@noyopacific spot on

[@corrupt_ghkcrj35626]

@@noyopacific that’s cap you being funny at other people cost isn’t the only way to be funny

[@noyopacific]

@@corrupt_ghkcrj35626 please provide an example of something funny that doesn't include any ridicule of people (including self-deprecation.)

[@corrupt_ghkcrj35626]

@@noyopacific kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLaZapvjMyLmbM

[@deanc8077]

Ben where are you located? I like fly fishing I've fished some pretty cool places but I live in nor cal and haven't really explored Cali except for the American River.

[@hughcecil4893]

Hey Ben - big pet peeve here: no one does good reviews of rods/reels, etc. Every magazine talks up virtually EVERY rod they do an article on. Someone needs to do a channel dedicated to equipment reviews with independent unbiased reviews.

[@chasecook3854]

Check out Trident fly fishing. They do pretty good for reviews and often crush my hopes and dreams by telling me that the rod I want is actually trash.

[@bigguavaflyfishing]

It’s crazy hard to do that, particularly for rods. Almost all rods you’ll find on the rack at a reputable shop are at least good. The problem arises in that if you don’t tune the entire rig (line + reel) to a specific rod, you can get some bad feedback. A good example is my buddy bought an Axiom. IIx, generally considered a good to great rod. I thought it sucked at first because he put a very light reel on it. I switched him to a much heavier reel and honestly, blindfolded I would have sworn it was a different rod. Reels are another tough one, if it’s machined and offered by a reputable shop it’s probably good for 95% of people fishing.l, but go on some of the forums and witness the great Tibor/Abel/Hatch/Nautilus debate.

[@ArroyoGuitars]

There are good blogs from Yellowstone angler google 5-weight rod shootout or 8-weight rod shootout. Same for reels.

[@andrewgio1]

all the major brands build good rods. id say warranty, and how it casts for you should be your two biggest factors. all the shootouts and reviews are very biased.

[@bigguavaflyfishing]

@@andrewgio1 absolutely. I’m normally holding a Gen 1 NRX on the bow of my skiff, but that’s just me. My favorite tarpon rod is a Scott, and my favorite finesse rod is an Orvis. If I have to cast in a contest with a standard line, I’d take the orvis over the loomis any day, but based on how I fish, the orvis is a specialty rod to me. I have never picked up a rod that’s “just plain better” at everything.

[@timothymccabe8159]

I pretty much watch all of them and have to say your channel is the best, can’t believe you don’t have more subscribers. Keep the videos coming.

[@theeverydayangler]

Don't know if it's a good or bad thing that I didn't make the cut 😂👍

[@stanhenline3845]

You know you’re Huge when the Mad River Dude can’t catch a Grizzly Bear but you can just like butter

[@drvonnostrum2671]

Trippin on Trout, Alex down in NZ makes some sick content

[@johnlangill5289]

How did you catch that grizzly bear, I have been chasing them for awhile but they keep spooking.

[@milbyjames]

Tight Loops, Mcfly Angler, fly fishing the ozarks, golden fly shop, tight line videos, post fly? Hell there’s probably a few I’m missing

[@Blues2cool]

I get it Ben I'm 67 the wife is 65 been behind the fly since I was 13. The wife retired from orvis and she brings it like the boys. We just bought our first drift boat and we fish 50+ days a year. What I would like to see is people giving back to the community. Such as Healing waters, Casting for recovery etc.. Someone needs to show what days on the water do for seriously broken humans do to war, cancer and any number of other circumstances. For us it is a part of our lives not a revenue stream on utube. One last thing I watch stuff that is real and has an element of humor. This brings me to you my friend. You are the clown prince of fly fishing. We do spend our summers in Montana who knows maybe we could split a box of chicken and a 12 pack. Stay real my friend.

[@danielretherford]

How can I become your best friend??

[@R.L.Kramer]

Thanks for the bear tip. Dumpster fisher checking in.

[@mr.robinson1982]

I can think of a few, Makflies(in depth fly tying instructional videos), In The Riffle, Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing (with Tom Rosenbauer)(He has live weekly videos on Monday afternoonon fly tying) , McFly Angler, The New Fly Fisher, Fly Fish Food, Fly Tyer Magazine,Fly F1sh, TightLineVideo, Flyfishing the Ozarks. I had to go & look some of them up on my Subscription list. Some are awesome & some are okay. MakFlies puts out more tying videos than all the rest combined. Stay healthy & FISH ON...

[@franbass7999]

You should have a look at Davie Mcphail also for fly tying, he is really good, explains technique really well

[@TheTexasTrailhead]

Yay! Austin reppin with Alvin from All Water Guides!

[@jarredshaw6375]

James with AboutTrout is a great guy, and a fantastic guide. I've leaned a lot by watching his videos, presentations, etc. Spent two days with him as a guide and I learned even more. Someday, I might not suck at fly fishing.

[@thestepcast]

This video certainly had it's funny moments - however, it was a bit mean-spirited overall, which is a bit of a turn-off for me personally. It's tough to find content on KZbin these days that isn't negatively charged in some way or another (like Ben's channel and some of his recent videos). I have found a few fly fishing channels (some newer and upcoming) that are uplifting and free from disparagement. If you too are looking for more inspiring channels - check out: Hardman Fishing Adventures, FlyFishDan, Trippin On Trout & Allegheny Native - you won't be disappointed.

[@flyguy3827]

Well said - I am a fan of FFD as well. I’ll have to check out the others too - thanks!

[@maxlong3280]

Allegheny Native is a great channel! Also this is mean spirited and so pointless. This guy needs a reality check, for him to be casting stones at other channels in the same space is just immature and stupid. Plus his KZbin voice drives me insane.

[@yussefedwards]

100% major turn-off. Videos from long ago on this channel were funny but this last one was not cool... talk about lacking for content ideas.

[@maxlong3280]

@@yussefedwards not only lacking content ideas, but lacking confidence. How insecure do you have to be to sit in your car, record this, edit it, and say, yeah that sounded good, let me put this out for thousands of people!

[@tonyosland1999]

Tight loops has some awesome films, surprised that didn’t make it on here.

[@thomasgallo7271]

I liked their earlier stuff, then the guy started narrating way too much and tried to sound too sophisticated. The newest series returned more to their older style. My gf couldn't even tell it was the same person speaking. I hope they stick with the current style.

[@davidminahan4440]

I love Mad River Outfitters! Howdy from Ohio

[@JP-dz7zu]

Like butter

[@timtollett8513]

I've never commented twice in one day on one channel, but man you deserve more subscribers! Great stuff - keeps us all humble.

[@ryanreynolds3630]

Always appreciate someone who isn't afraid to not only speak their mind, but take any heat they might get in return because nobodys perfect.

[@yamati150]

All of the Tenkara videos are the best. 😜 Actually, Ben, your videos are informative, entertaining, and most are short and sweet (10 minutes is great) I've been a trout fisherman for almost 50 years, but a recent fly fisherman, mostly because my midwestern streams are tiny and covered by trees, so I've been stuck to flipping under branches with a ultralight spinning outfit. Also, most of the streams don't have natural reproduction so a lot of them were caught to eat. Anyway, keep up the good work and now that I'm a Wyoming guy and am a half hour from the stretch of the Bighorn near Thermopolis that seem to be loaded with big trout, I'm all about learning about fly fishing until I die.

[@carlson123carlson3]

Alright this might be a hot take but here goes nothing- I watch fly fishing videos because I’m obsessed with fly fishing and that obsession has now grown out of control to where I need to mindlessly watch other people fly fish to get my dopamine fix for the days I can’t fish. If I need an instructional video, I will look up the instructional video. I will almost never watch an instructional video that I don’t specifically want to watch. In the end it’s all about who you like which is completely subjective.

[@adamw8469]

Love your videos, especially the one your son Tenkara’d a catfish. Really like Mad River Outfitters and Tenkara addict.

[@tigersteamer]

You should fish with Drew, He could teach you how to fish.

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

Yeah, that would be cool. I’m always eager to learn more.

[@brandontc229]

Drew does the same shit over and over. If we all had that time on our hands we could literally do the same thing. It’s not rocket science what he does. I get so annoyed with his click bait bullshit too

[@rdmctague]

The best part of drew's channel is thrill I get watching a serial killer catch trout on a hopper dropper. Flyfishdan has a slightly less awkward vibe but he feels like the kind of guy out there looking for Mrs Ex Dan #4.

[@manuelsuda]

I mostly agree with the list. "Wild Fly Productions" & "Tightloops" production is spot on. I do enjoy watching "Trout Hunting NZ" ok ya its not in the states however its still great content. Drews channel is great cause he doesn't talk much. He's a humble dude with no B.S

[@GS-rj4dq]

I suck at fly fishing videos but I’m good at watching them

[@tjfischer2113]

Really hope to see you and trout hunting NZ do some content together. Definitely my two favorite fishing channels

[@williamallen9955]

Love WildFly but im biased being a NC boy. Mad River taught me the basics as many habe already said. It is slow though but so is most in depth explanation.

[@peteacevedo3411]

I’m a fan of Garth channel for some of the reasons you mentioned. I watch your channel and have bought your merchandise because I like your message. It’s easy to follow and always get a laugh. Keep posting

[@billmcstay194]

At least there are fly fishing youtube channels. In the dark ages you would wake up early on Saturdays and try to find Fly fishing TV shows. The narrators all had to try to be as Hemingwayesque... as possible. I like Flip Pallot, I appreciate his contributions to the sport. But I cannot stand his artsy fartsy... overly poetic narration. Tell us about the golden age of Key West Flip... getting coked up and racking up child support payments... The dream youtube channel would be a masked duo... That rob banks, then use the ill gotten gains to fish Taimen in Mongolia... No narration, just bank robberies followed by destination fly fishing. Great video Ben.

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

We could call it “Riding the Ragged Edge.”

[@haskiwilli]

THIS was the laugh I needed this morning!

[@georgiannal]

Great observation re Flip Pallot et al in Florida - their history is important of course, but come on. Get the same vibe listening to Andy Mill's podcast. Still listening though, lol.

[@brocktober_rust]

You didn’t mention the PATENTED ™️ ADJUSTABLE DRY DROPPER ®️ that fly all szn uses

[@camaslindbeck1985]

It is?

[@jasonrichards3373]

Should absolutely check out tight loops. Super informative and they are very clever filmmakers. Their video on the last remaining rare subspecies of charr in northern Maine is a masterpiece.

[@eddieb6042]

Haha such a great video. Truth! Love it. Totally agree about Fly All SZN. The worst fly fishing channel on the tube. Also agree about About Trout. James is a pro and a funny SOB. I’m on the fence with LookinFishy. Other channels I like from the Colorado and NM area are NMaktima Fly Fishing and High Hole Scramblers.

[@spencerthomason6558]

Red's Fly Shop, PhelpsOnTheFly, Jensen Fly Fishing and Huge. Have learned a lot from all of them, and they each have a different approach.

[@JeremiahGreco]

+1 for Phelps

[@edwardcowan7012]

Your entertaining and I get the impression that you know your stuff. I’m basically a bass fisherman and credentials are very quantifiable in bass fishing. I’ve just started trout fishing in the winter over the last couple years because I’m not really into ice fishing and since I live in PA just across the Delaware from the Catskills there are lots of trout streams. I’m trying to figure out if I need a fly rod and where to get the best information? You can sit in front of your cell phone and talk if your giving up the right information. Intuitive Angler will tell you the straight up Bassin info, has 100K followers and zero editing or production quality.

[@matfriske5548]

“You don’t need bear spray anywhere in Colorado, unless you’re fishing in a dumpster” f’ng priceless!

[@philipaaberg160]

Thanks, Huge. Good info. See if you can get your buddies to KEEP THE FISH IN THE WATER!!! The number of KZbin fly fishing shows is an indicator of how this sport is growing (and making NO stream safe from goofballs who think they have to show you how big their fish is.) Pretty soon, it'll be nothing but combat fishing, so the least we can do is help the fish survive by keeping them in the water.

[@aw00gaaw00ga1]

Don't forget to fish a Patuxent Special every now and then. Come back for the shad run! Hickories are starting to arrive at Fletcher's Cove.

[@philgrayson6573]

Hardman Fishing Adventures is one you might not know about. I've only watched a few videos from them (watch yours every week), but they seem fine?

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

Hardman is not a fly fishing channel.

[@creativeflyfishing998]

I don't watch fly fishing videos anymore, because most of them are from fantasy land as you appropriately put it. I fish in Scandinavia and all good places are either highly limited (need to apply for permits 1/2 year before you actually plan to fish, and then hope for the best) or private. And the third options is to fish places that are too remote for most other people and during times when most people don't have their summer holidays. But such fishing is definitely not accessible for most people as I normally go on solo hikes for 10-12 days in a row to achieve this which would classify as fantasy land as well. And now to the point of this comment; this was the first fly fishing video that I watched for a very long time, and I enjoyed it! I also post videos from my hikes and although I would like to have more views I'm mostly doing for myself, and sometimes I do think that I have actually something useful and informative to share. I have for instance a video on a knot that is actually 100% proof, i.e. the line will brake before the knot (and very fast to tie) which I almost never see other people using.

[@micahisaac]

unsubscribed. Poor sportsmanship

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

😢

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

That was a sarcastic 😢

[@lamoson]

Am I petty enough to go back and search through the comments just to like this? Absolutely.

[@williamrobinson4265]

this was absolutely CUTTHROAT (my channel will have lots of bad fishing puns)

[@turninflat]

how do you leave out slideinn and troutbittew?

[@thereallevel27]

I hope to be as happy as Alvin someday!

[@Paulpoission]

When someone is this big of a hater, it brings to question the insecurity of the OP. There is enough hate in the world without this crap. MRO has done so many great things for our sport. There is so much content you could focus on, this is a real bad look.

[@latedinn]

"They mostly suck" is Bens caption on this video. Have a hunch Ben wouldn't tell any of these KZbin creators that "they suck" to their face. And I doubt he would tell Drew LooknFishy, to his face, that there's something wrong with how he speaks. Theres a good chance Drew is self conscious of it and wish he could improve it (he said he was trying to work on talking slower in a video). Ben went for the low hanging fruit of the Internet: saying something here that you would never, ever say to someone in real life, face to face. Ben, you should stick to throwing a piece of plastic line with feathers on the end of it into water - and stop there. You dont have the emotional maturity to have any sort of public discourse.

[@thomasgallo7271]

I think that you referring to Drew as "low hanging fruit" is more offensive than anything that Huge said about him. Don't talk about Drew like that, he just talks a little fast.

[@MichealBacon]

@@thomasgallo7271 lol

[@m.b.h.c9543]

How come the FlyCraft videos didn't make the cut?

[@HugeFlyFisherman]

Is this a serious question?

[@jonlebeau1963]

Drew's channel is great!!!!