The man behind the fish

Just me rambling about my life this far and how I got to where I am.

[@RiverCertified]

Pretty badass you beat that shit man. I don't ever take anything for granted. Make a trip up here if ya wanna learn something.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks man if I ever get a chance I will definitely be there but not during winter. I’d be down to do some float campo for flat heads though for sure

[@kybooksandbourbon762]

Absolutely great idea and wonderful job my friend

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thank you man. I hope you except my challenge and give us your story I know you got a good one

[@ash-lm3mo]

Came through alot to get where ya are buddy! Its BJ...proud of ya man...your one fine Bass fishermen let alone Catfishing...but all around a GREAT Guy!!! 2nd and big bass on our first tourney together and we offered help tow another boat while in tournament.. shows what time of man he is.. the come back is always better than the Set back Ryan!!! Your story is a great one for others!!! You are a great Man and your story is similar to mine buddy...had to put the pain pills down at one point when younger...Fishing really helps and u Shouldn't give up on them Ditch Pickles buddy! Fish both buddy. We did wellnans u n Eric! AMEN brother.. nothing like praising lord looking all the beauty surrounding ya

[@chadnolte1546]

Thank you Ryan you've helped me a lot to open up to people about my story of traveling the ruff road. Been watching you fish on you tube for awhile just susbribed after watching this. Thank you

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Glad I could help brother. If ya ever need to talk hit me up on fb messenger.

[@FishinwithThaChad]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so glad you're winning the battle and am so glad you have found your way into our catfish family. Keep up the greatness my friend. You're more of a role model and blessing than you realize.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks man I try to be an example for others like me.

[@robwixom5201]

Man awesome story.. I think alot of some of us can relate to. That path is truely a rough road. Glad to see you here today. Let's see where this journey takes you. Fishing is my theropy. Thanks to all who has supported you. Good things to come brother.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thank you. Tight lines my friend

[@lindseywright6915]

Great job babe! You are an inspiration. You love and lead our family the way it should be led. God brought us together and we have never looked back. I love our little family and our life. I will always support you in all your endeavors just as you do for me. I love you all the bunches Ryan 💜

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks babe I love you and will always do my best for our family and support you the same as you do me

[@thesteadfastangler6724]

Thanks for the vulnerability brother, me too. 3 months in rehab and reconnecting with God saved my life after the military. Us recovering addicts got the will power to endure whatever it takes to get them fish.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

That’s for watching buddy. It’s a big part of my life and I hope my story can inspire just one person to get the help they need to live a better life.

[@coryweaveroutdoors4998]

Congrats on your recovery and turning your life around! Keep fishing!!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks man I fully intend to fish as much as I can for the rest of my life

[@rexsaye423]

Thanks for sharing some of your story with us so we could get to know the man behind the catfish. This is truly a inspirational story. I have a similar past.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Just keep on going buddy. Don’t let your story hold you back . Be prepared of what you beat so far. One day at a time.

[@Jims_catfishing]

Proud of you bud , I'm so happy to call you a friend.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks buddy same here.

[@CreoleCatfishing]

Takes courage to share a story like that. Much love and respect brother!!!! I believe this is only the beginning of a bright future.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thank you buddy. I just live one day at a time and try to be the best me possible.

[@MuskratAdventures]

Hats off brother for being so transparent! People can change. Great inspiration

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks buddy my goal is to inspire people to get the help they need

[@williammatthews2948]

@@ryanbortzbluecollarlife That's an excellent goal, one I'm sure you'll accomplish. Have a blessed day.

[@survivingwith812catfishing]

Let me tell ya my friend. I lost my wife of 15 years. Jim became my friend i became a worthless drunk. I did every drug under the sun. I got in trouble and it was jail or military. You know where i went. If it had not been for catfishing i would more than likely be dead by now. I am an alchoholic always will be i want it every day still. It is a constant battle. Dont ever back up. Stay true my friend damn proud to call you a friend. I am proud to say that and proud of you. Rock steady !

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

You should put your story on video buddy. I feel like people want to know all this stuff about the people they are watching I do any way. If you inspire one person to change their life it was well worth the effort. I think this is why we clicked from the get go we are a lot a like and have similar backgrounds.

[@survivingwith812catfishing]

@@ryanbortzbluecollarlife #wtm 🤝👊🤝👊

[@BrokeBackBob4559]

Congratulations Ryan for changing your life and finding out that you are better off without the bad things in your life. Thank you for sharing your life with us all. You said nobody loves fishing more than you do. Well I think you found your match when it comes to me. I’ve been fishing for over 50 years now and I’m still learning things on every trip I go out. Nobody never know everything when it comes to fishing

[@terrystratton2180]

Good job buddy its hard to talk about yourself i hope people find inspiration in your story an it gives them the want to change an live a productive happy life keep on keeping on. I know the outdoors has saved me many times from the temptation to go down the devils path. Im happy to have met an got to know you an look foward to fishing with ya for many years to come

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks terry and we definitely have a lot of trips to the ole mud hole left 😂

[@acouplecrosssfishing6468]

Way to go Ryan! Congratulations on turning your life around!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thank you I just hope to inspire someone else to do the same

[@williammatthews2948]

Being someone that's been clean for almost 32 years, and sober for almost 21 years, I want to thank you for sharing your story. If it helps one person, you'll be blessed. I think it'll help many people get through whatever they're going through. I want you to know that you'll get no judgment from me. I've been there, and if I can get clean and sober, and stay clean and sober, anyone can. I'm proud of you and who you've become. I'm sure we'll meet some day. Always remember that God is in control. He will never forsake you, or leave you alone. Tell Eric and Amy that Amy's Pops (that's what Amy calls me) said hello. Take care young man.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thank you buddy. I’ll tell them and thank you for leading the rest of us to a better life. If not for people like you showing me the way to a better life I would not be here.

[@williammatthews2948]

@@ryanbortzbluecollarlife Give God the glory. I'm just someone that God saved from destroying himself.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

@@williammatthews2948 amen

[@gethookedondeefishin9247]

Thank you for sharing your story! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

I fully intend to ms Dee

[@CatfishandCrappie]

Thanks For Sharing buddy!! The truth shall set you free! Fishing also saved my life! Happy Fishing!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Glad you encouraged me to go through with this thanks for being a friend and role model.

[@p-citysmittycatfishing7160]

Good for you Bud. Be proud of yourself. Tight lines.

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks I am just trying to live like I always should have been

[@Buck-mp4yi]

Keep on keeping on brother!! CONGRATS

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Fully intend to buddy. Thanks you for watching.

[@outandabout3335]

Appreciate you sharing this story, 👍🏻

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks for watching it bud

[@GreenwellFishing]

Loved the video brother!! Very awesome!!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks for watching buddy.

[@catfishinpappy1591]

Good video Buddy. Proud to know ya ! 👍🏻

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Proud to know you to buddy

[@getluckyfishing1060]

Congratulations on changing your life good luck and fish on!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thank you

[@JustinsFishinFetish]

Welcome to the catfish family! We're all here for ya! We got a great group of people!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks man it sure is a great group of folks I have made some great friends here already

[@scottyhillakacatfishnfreak]

Welp, joe sent me over and I’m glad I did. You are just like me brother, and you just made another fishing brother. Keep trucking and I’ll support ya!!!

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks brother I’m out here grinding now but unfortunately my camera died so I probably won’t get a video. Hit me up on fb we will try to get a trip in

[@scottyhillakacatfishnfreak]

I know that all too well. I sure will hit ya up. We practically neighbors. Lol. Good luck out there

[@shawnbell1482]

Wow lot of truth in what you had to say and glad I watch this .

[@ryanbortzbluecollarlife]

Thanks buddy I think it’s important for people to know where we come from to help them understand why we do what we do