THE QUEST TO CATCH MAINE'S RAREST FISH || For Wild's Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles | Episode 1

Join us for the debut episode of For Wild's Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles, season 1! A series which explores human beings relationship to the natural world, in hopes of gaining a better understanding of how and why we assign value to wild things and places. In a quest to illustrate rare and threatened species of wild native trout in watercolor, artist Chase Bartee and wife Aimee set off on a multi year, cross country adventure of discovery.
We begin our journey in the North Maine Woods, in search of one of the state, and country's rarest fish; The Blueback Trout (Salvelinus apinus aquossa). Long believed to be many different species, Maine's rare strain of landlocked arctic charr faces great peril in its struggle to hold on along the southern most margins of its range. Follow along as we uncover the past, present, and future of this unique species as well as ready ourselves for fill time road living in our 1985 VW Vanagon, "Bullwinkle".
Will we be able to find the Bluebacks? And if so, can we catch them with a fly rod? Notoriously hard to catch by fly fishing, these elusive fish live in cold, deep, and remote lakes in Northern Maine. We enlist the help of Igor Sikorsky, the grandson of an aviation giant, to transport us via his small Cessna float plane to Big Reed Pond, a small jewel, surrounded by 5,000 acres of old growth forest and protected by The Nature Conservancy.
Follow us on Instagram! @tightloopfly
See More At: www.tightloopsfly.com
Buy a piece of original art! www.tightloopsfly.com/store
Check out our wonderful sponsors!
Orvis:
www.orvis.com
Battleborn Batteries:
www.battlebornbatteries.com
JetBoil:
www.jetboil.com
Riversmith:
www.riversmith.com
Special Thanks to Igor and Karen Sikorsky, Bob Mallard, Frank Frost, and Maine IDFW for your support in making this project.
Stay up to date on Maines rare Arctic Charr at www.nativefishcoalition.org
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0:00 Every Story Has a Beginning
07:00 Intro
08:00 Troubleshooting Bullwinkle
09:45 Onwards to Maine
16:06 Munsungan
18:45 What's in a Name?
20:05 We're Part of the Problem
24:00 Arrival at Big Reed
25:16 Credits

[@TightLoops]

*HEY GUYS! Thanks so much for all the support so far, we're so excited to finally be sharing this series with everyone. If you'd like to support us further, please like and share this. More eyes on it, means more recognition, and in turn, more opportunities to keep making work like this! Also, if you'd like a highly limited and commemorative film poster from this series, you can purchase one here: **tightloopsfly.com/store*

[@BenStinnett]

Honestly just hard to believe that this quality of storytelling is available completely free on KZbin. You guys are absolutely crushing it!

[@TightLoops]

Thanks so much, Ben! We're doing our best. There may come a point were we aren't in a position to spend the insane hours we currently do on this stuff for little to no pay, but for now, we're making it work. The biggest reward is just being able to share it with everyone. Thanks for all the support!

[@milescomeau5084]

@@TightLoops Seriously, thank you!!!! Looking forward to the entire season!

[@Wilderness_Recon]

The series should go to Netflix or something other streaming service so you can make some good money off the effort AND help raise awareness. As has already been said this is so very well put together. Thank you for your time and effort for our benefit!

[@RD-zf3yb]

@@TightLoops you guys are really nailing it, this quality of content is above and beyond one of the best

[@flyfishinglondoner]

Pretty much the comment I was planning on writing!

[@jeffodabear]

Unbelievable video journalism. This is the sort of content the fly fishing, fishing, and society as a whole needs to make them aware of the damage we do to our ecology with things like fish stocking.

[@Case16710]

Man, this is so freaking good. Historical context, beautiful imagery, fantastic storytelling… Just amazing.

[@TightLoops]

Thanks! Should only get better from here!

[@Case16710]

@@TightLoops looking forward to seeing more!

[@olddude1953]

Aimee. We ran into you at Bow Street Market, in Freeport. We were the ahem, older couple who commented on your Westie and struck up a small conversation with you. If you need a place to work on the Van or shower, feel free to stop at our place in North Yarmouth, Maine. We have large organic gardens and you can use us as a place to camp. We were fisherman in another lifetime and love the first video! Jim and Jane Shavel

[@baggetja1234]

How am I watching such quality content for FREE? Not even a commercial….can’t wait for more

[@TightLoops]

Thanks Josh! We're doing our best to provide something for everyone we think is important. People having access to our films is often more important to us than getting paid for it. But then again, we're the type of people who enjoy living in our car...

[@kevinrussell1738]

This great work needs money and sponsors to keep going. Thank you Battleborn, Orvis, RiverSmith, Jet Boil! I will buy products from whomever sponsors this series. Wait, I already have. I guess you hit your target market!

[@jacobrohr5903]

what an observation

[@joshualanglais613]

You guys nailed it again. I believe you just made the kindest and most accurate depiction of the state of Maine, capturing its quiet beauty with such authenticity, to exist in the digital age and perhaps of all time. I believe the world would be a better place indeed if each person could know the power of nature in the way you displayed it here. Thank you for representing!

[@WildeFische]

Beyond stoked to see another masterpiece😁🙌🏼

[@elliottanderson4453]

Seriously, your storytelling is out of this world. Looking forward to more of your work.

[@ncbirdwatch5992]

What a breath of fresh air you guys are! I love what you are doing and I love why you’re doing it!

[@allenc5108]

Looks like I’m gonna repeat what everybody else is saying…you guys produce astonishing videos! When the C172 was lighting up it sounded like you had dubbed in a turbine starting, but after the landing, sounded more like worn out gyros in one or more flight instruments winding down. Good memories for this retired float pilot.

[@jonathanmccormack3973]

Inspirational. Thanks so much. As a Mainer I always appreciate how you represent my State. As a fishing junkie I always appreciate the fix.

[@jamesestinnett22]

Why am I just realiazing that Tightloopsfly has some of the best content on KZbin?

[@nickkolesnik5054]

You 2 are amazing. Absolute goals.

[@TightLoops]

Thanks, Nick!

[@tsegada256]

Wow, just Freakin" WOW!! You guys are so talented. I can't wait to watch every episode!!

[@Ccccdddddqqqq]

Hell Yeah that's for sure some great series you just started. Excellent work. Greetings from the mother country of Volkswagen, where we are fighting to restore natural river systems in an entirely cultivated country to bring back natural stock of brown trout and salmon. Besides the fact that our work was just spilled away by a gigantic flood we have great succes. If it works here it works everywhere. What's most important is to show that environment protectection does not end at the water surface. Your videos are tremendous contribution to achieving this. Than you

[@JasonYapp]

The time, skill, talent, effort and quality of these videos and the storytelling is amazing! In combination with a meaningful purpose. Keep it up guys! Thank you for sharing!

[@davebelk7329]

Can't say much more than others have already said... but in my opinion you all have some of the best content KZbin has to offer. Excellent videography, storytelling, music, history, human experience, and so on... very compelling and inspirational. Looking forward to this entire series.

[@nathanclark4674]

Met Igor at a flyfishing expo in Massachusetts 30 years ago, still have the Bradford Camp brochure. Really terrific guy, looking forward all these years later to chasing the Blueback with him soon.

[@jeffreybrown3603]

Outstanding. Great videos and stills. These stories should touch every angler.

[@laurafitzbee]

Great episode! So glad my father introduced me to this series- we used to go to Bradford Camps when I was a kid and Igor and Karen are two of the most kind-hearted, genuine people you can ever hope to meet! You also portray the Northern Maine wilderness in all of its stunning beauty and mystery. Gives me chills watching this footage and remembering the drive through those back-wood roads for miles and miles before opening up to the perfect little oasis that is Bradford Camps! Just subscribed for more and can't wait to watch more of your content: jaw-droppingly gorgeous filmography and imagery, well-researched history and subjects, and just absolutely incredible that you two are doing all of this AND SHARING IT... FOR FREE! Cannot thank you enough!

[@montanadude3135]

Just stumbled on your channel. Great work! My wife and I stayed at Bradford Camps almost 25 years ago and Igor got me into Bluebacks too. So glad to know the fish are still holding on and Bradford Camps is still around. Thank you.

[@kenkatkavich7039]

Big fan!!!! Love brookie fishing also...love Maine..love everything you two are doing!!!!

[@billysauerlandphotography8936]

Thanks for your guy's work and sharing your passion for this subject, Keep on keeping on,

[@patrickburling1849]

Sooo good‼️. Looking forward to subsequent episodes 👍👍👍

[@TheHillcityhobo]

I am completely blown away by the quality of this. You have really outdone yourselves this time. Bravo....and thank you.

[@TightLoops]

Thank you! And thanks for the support!

[@hamedia207]

This is so dang stellar! Such unique storytelling !

[@Embracingwanderlust]

Absolutely stunning work!! I fall more and more in love with what you two are doing every time I watch your work. I was born and raised in Maine so this one was great to see. We are west coasters (Utah) now but Maine will always have my heart ❤️. And I clearly remember being on a lake with my Grampy fishing on his boat at the age of 8. I had the job of gutting the fish we kept off the back of the boat. Hours were spent on those lakes with him and this last trip to Maine, my brother took me out and we caught some stunning little Brook Trout up in Eustis. Excitedly awaiting the next episode. Thank you for bringing awareness to this!

[@gagewilliams6737]

this is the first video i have ever watched from this channel. to say i’m impressed is an understatement. it is one of the most impressively put together videos (not on tv or a documentary) i have ever seen.

[@DumpsterMarcus]

What a great video!!! You guys are very talented storytellers….

[@patrick.l]

I am so inspired as an artist, a fisherman, a photographer, an editor... but mostly I'm inspired as a human. Thank you both.

[@blueman5924]

Simply awesome. I’m hooked. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@user-xx8tv2vb3h]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing!

[@reidkelly2730]

Super excited about this series!

[@jasonrichards3373]

The quality of these films is just absolutely stunning

[@juwright1949]

What an amazing video! Well done. 👍🏻

[@davidfreudenberger9390]

Great story, looking forward to more

[@MetlDOME]

Not gonna lie. With the long intro and the VW history i was initially like "wtf is this? Im looking for fly fishing videos not this" . I am so frekin glad I kept watching! This was so much more than i expected. This is truly phenomenal work. Thank you for sharing your work and adventures with the world!

[@TightLoops]

Haha thanks! And yeah, we try and tell fishing stories that aren’t just about fishing, because as we all know, the actual act of catching fish is usually the footnote to a larger adventure.

[@MetlDOME]

@@TightLoops So true. I love it!

[@TheAutoworks]

I don't comment that much, but I'm super happy to see some new videos coming from the two of you.

[@TightLoops]

We're the same, so it means a lot to see that you took the time!

[@davesmith7906]

Great job, great topic, keep em coming

[@MrBurtonboy14]

Been following for a little while and I'm beyond excited to see the two of you putting a series together! Always love more than just a fishing story, and the two of you are doing it right!

[@TightLoops]

Thanks so much, Joe! Should only get better from here!

[@corbeilyves5489]

Speechless your sight, thank you! Maybe one day more people of your gen and the coming ones are gonna do the right thing for the preservation of our special and fragile environment. Aimee, Chase you're a inspiration for the old man that i am and the gen responsable for the mess.

[@Asymmetrical-Saggin]

This is very well made and put together. Well done, Bravo. Def Subbed Being a lifelong Mainah and fisherman, outdoorsman etc.. I feel privileged and lucky to live in such a beautiful place. To be able to take advantage of everything it has to offer. The 100 mile wilderness is no joke. But it is one hell of a place to just get away from everything and everyone. Nature truly is a drug. Thank you for respecting the land and adventures Maine has to offer. Far too often i see tourists coming up here and just being horrible.

[@jamesshimkus7419]

Love to see the beautiful work tight loops ! Fantastic quality you guys are wonderful! Thank you guys for being great naturalist and talking about how important nature is and preserving our precious planet! Thanks for being such a fun group! thank you guys for everything yall got me into fly fishing 4 years ago and it's changed my life thank you! Literally just gearing up to make some adventures like these some day

[@thebradfordcamps]

Wow, a wonderful piece. I look forward to the next episode! You both are so true to yourselves, the story, quality news writing, and all of the moving parts of the Blueback history. Thank you for a fine portrayal of our Bradford Camps, and of the communal effort to successfully save the Blueback Trout of Reed Pond. You rock, keep the faith, come back anytime. Cheers! Igor and Karen Sikorsky

[@johnbmadwis]

You guys have transcended the good and become the important. Not mean in regards to conservation, though that too, but rather an important aesthetic. The patient and surpassingly well crafted quality of your work will not only endure and set a level of professionalism, it in itself is a conservation. Conservation of an aesthetic of creative quality and authenticity. You guys may be the next Attenborough. Netflix needs to give you guys a bag of money and some time to do your thing.

[@TightLoops]

Wow, thanks John! High praise indeed. We're just doing what we can to use our talents for good! Thanks for all the support!

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Good video! Thx for all y’all’s hard work!

[@jacobkrzciok4454]

You guys are killing it

[@ashcannon3066]

Amazing I love your videos , Ash England , Cornwall

[@deadfromnfh]

You guys are a miracle in our time. ❤

[@TightLoops]

Aw thanks!

[@CalledCollectiveMedia]

Let’s go!!!!

[@bengaffney2084]

Awesome stuff guys. Keep it up!

[@CoveringWater]

You two are beyond incredible. Your productions blow me away every time. I am turning 30 at the end of August, and i've really been thinking about where I am going in life because of it, and then hearing the pilot tell his story, that really hit home. I hope you guys get everything you desire in life, which i know isn't anything crazy like most, just a simple life I am sure. You deserve it! CANNOT wait for the next episode, and can't believe that I can watch it for FREE! Everyone needs to SUBSCRIBE! Cheers and be safe.

[@jamesmangiafico6498]

What a masterpiece! Beautiful country, great story with historical data and pictures to back it up. Those of us that take fishing seriously appreciate the exposure and attention your documentaries depict. Keep up the great work!

[@josephgrandpre1761]

This episode is litteraly the only light i have seen for a while, in this every day darker world. Cheers from France!

[@AidanFarrar]

Yes!!!! Thank you guys for helping people to recognize my home water’s native fish! I’m so excited to watch this series!

[@TightLoops]

Thank YOU!

[@johnmango6056]

wow man you 2 got some serious skills! epic video.

[@andyroebuck632]

Glad you guys are back, love your stories and videos- excited for the series.

[@TightLoops]

Thanks so much!

[@ejhom8931]

I love the videos you guys put out! Great work and incredible film

[@GregoryCornelius0101]

So inspirational.

[@zachchristiansen5952]

Great job guys

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Fantastic!

[@dakotamullins9978]

you guys kill it! hopefully see you out there one day.

[@MainelyOutDoors]

Beautifully told story! Great to see you back out in Northern Maine and glad to see you likely had better luck chasing the Blueback than I did last fall. Excited to see where the story goes!

[@brandonhopper4059]

Awesome!

[@user-sn4hj7sh4r]

Cool vid looking forward to more :)

[@hurrdurrimaburr]

Your videos deserve way more views.

[@saltefly1731]

Stoked.

[@Jasontraskca]

Ok soooooo..... Amazing video, big eye opener. The section on how anglers are part of the problem due to demand for the angling experience was HUGE!!!!!!! I practice catch and release so there will be fish there when I go, or take someone else to experience the joy of fishing, but never considered that most anglers want to keep a feed of fish, which is fine. However when you have more anglers wanting to enjoy the sport and this resulting in stocking of lakes and rivers with non native species, it causes a ripple effect. Something for me to discuss with my fellow anglers, Thanks guys. I look forward to your next episode. Jason

[@guscunningham]

just great

[@livefreeorflytrying]

Absolutely brilliant!

[@TightLoops]

[@drbsmokelake5564]

Awesome..... beautiful country, incredible cause and brilliant documenting. What an incredible treat.... thanks !!!

[@Choorbes]

I'd like to thank both of you so much for all of the videos, stills and stories that you produce. I find myself watching and re-watching every minute of each video y'all produce when I'm not able to be fishing myself. You two do an exceptional job bringing the viewer along for the adventure and are amazing story tellers. I can't wait to see the rest of the series. Thank you.

[@TightLoops]

Thanks so much!

[@merrinbrache6814]

Fantastic video

[@cowboyupland]

Thanks for doing such important work.

[@TightLoops]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@jakeford1016]

Truly amazing series idea, and great work. Can't wait to see you guys blow up these videos are top notch. good on ya

[@stratjammer80]

I've been fascinated by this trout for years... This is so up my alley. Thank you!!!!!!

[@ramoneroapleno]

This is amaizing, truly inspiring. The photography, the storytelling. Thanks you for keeping this completle free on YT. Greetings from Patagonia Argentina.

[@rebeccawellington-bakst1382]

So good! So good!!!

[@lambertsaldi1550]

Awesome can't wait looking forward 🎏👍👍 The Vermonter FFO ONLY

[@g.j.1100]

Thanks! Fantastic.

[@OMGAS]

Absolutely brilliant work! Awaiting “impatiently” 😁 for next episode.

[@NorthernRetreat]

Very nicely done. Well planned, researched, photographed, edited and presented. Have subscribed and looking forward to more excellent content.

[@mikev9257]

Incredible!!!

[@juddoutdoors7015]

Wow, that was so good! It has me so excited for the rest of the series! Can not wait

[@jamesshimkus7419]

YALL BE SO DANG SMART THANKS FAMO

[@HookAndAnvil]

I love getting swept up in the stories you guys have to share every time. Looking forward to seeing more.

[@TightLoops]

More to come!

[@lostcreekfilms1248]

Absolutely amazing. Can't wait for the rest!

[@BoundForNowhere]

A massive congratulations to you both! We are so proud of you and feel like you all were born to tell this story. Can't wait to bask in the glory of this series for a while!

[@TightLoops]

Thanks guyyyyssss. Can't wait for ya'll to be all up in it in the coming episodes

[@Weldcraftsyndicate]

Another outstanding piece

[@MV-Dan]

Thank you for more amazing work. You’re videos are timeless, I have watched a few series 3 or more times.

[@caseycravens7062]

Excellent work again, guys. Thank you for your art and heart.

[@sallyfrenette9643]

Awesome. I can't wait for the next episode of this one!

[@robertkerner4833]

Spectacular. Inspirational, informative. Beautifully shot and produced.

[@brycelabreche3061]

I can’t say enough about how enjoyable, engaging, informative, and down right impressive your videos are!

[@SouthsideFlyFishing]

Just breathtaking! Such compelling storytelling and what a labour of love this must have been for you both. I can't wait for part 2 🙏🏼

[@TightLoops]

Thanks! It's been quite a lot of work, and we're just getting started. Wish us luck! lol

[@michaelmartin1050]

My favorite channel on KZbin just got better. Thanks again for your incredible videos and fantastic storytelling! So humbling and exciting to learn more. Keep it up!

[@cedricgohkerharo3116]

Great stuff, looking ahead in sharing your adventures searching for the mythical artic char !

[@timdiekman]

Thanks for this, really appreciate your effort.