THE QUEST TO CATCH MAINE'S RAREST FISH || For Wild's Sake: The Rare Trout Chronicles | Episode 2

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Join us for episode 2 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've made it to Big Reed Pond, a 90 acre, deep water sanctuary tucked away in a pristine old growth forest in the middle of the North Maine Woods. Now the real work begins; trying to catch a notoriously hard to find fish with a fly rod. Though the fish are believed to be doing well in this Big Reed, that wasn't always the case. We discover that the population was almost completely lost 2 decades ago after a careless and uniformed angler introduced a non native and invasive species of bait fish. The recovery effort mounted by Maine IDFW was nothing short of miraculous, and today the fish are once again thriving.
But as we find out, saving the fish once may not have been enough, as these rare and precious Blueback Trout (Arctic Charr) are once again facing a great threat, this time from the very people who dedicated their lives to protecting them.
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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 Recap
0:48 Intro
01:46 Reclaiming Big Reed
07:00 But How Do You Catch Them?
11:40 Finding The Fish
15:20 We're Not Out Of The Woods Yet
18:47 Difficult Conclusions
20:43 Credits

[@TightLoops]

*HEY GUYS! If you'd like to support this series please consider purchasing a highly limited and commemorative film poster from this series here!: **tightloopsfly.com/store*

[@frogsnacks]

Next year you guys should come up to Canada and take a shot at some Aurora Trout/Char, if you really want a rare prize with a cool story.

[@WildeFische]

Your guys filmmaking is beyond anything I've seen! Glad you get to do such big projects. That's the direction I'm heading towards🙏🏼

[@by.purefilms]

😎🤘🏼 fully agree on that

[@brandonstewart4349]

Wow. Part of me was like “what exact flies did they use” 😂 but you guys are so much more than that. I am legitimately p****d off and now want to help anyway I can. Thank you for sharing in hopes of making the world a better place, period.

[@rayvivdurgan3060]

I was born and raised in Maine and have had the great fortune of visiting many of Maines hidden gems. I especially heart felt the comment by the guide that said just being on the water is all that is needed. Being in the element is priceless, it is difficult to understand the rational of the Maine government to put these areas and fish at risk. Seems they are oblivious to lessons learned. Great film Thank You

[@johncharlesvenrastrom]

Maine native and the only fish I haven't caught in these waters are blueback, lake trout and muskie, great and deeply appreciate the video and hope the best for the blueback population!

[@frenchbrit5098]

I might never get to fish for bluebacks in Maine but just knowing they are there is what is really important.

[@TightLoops]

Amen!

[@andrewschwerdtfeger5165]

Came for the fishing and stayed for the stories. Awesome production, can't wait to see more.

[@jeremiahgandy8447]

Such an underrated channel!

[@washguy5982]

Wow! You guys are phenomenal documentary film makers, this is far higher quality than most KZbinr’s

[@jimmynoname4089]

Honestly i think this is higher quality than most things on Discovery channel.

[@washguy5982]

@@jimmynoname4089 good call! I agree

[@jimmcdonald9244]

Beautiful story. Thank you from Australia. We are very familiar with non-native species invasion, the carp in particular.

[@how_nate_rolls4603]

Again…the cinematography and production is like nothing else out there right now covering this way of life and such good conservation effort story. Bravo for covering the efforts to restore and protect what we all here love. Very well done.

[@xiao6826]

Thank you for providing all these that are so special and recalled my respossibility of protecting the wild.

[@evanwilliams382]

Never expected some Arctic Char to make me emotional of all things

[@willmaynard9016]

I know what you mean Evan, I think it's more the situation than the fish though.... Think I've got something in my eye.

[@ryanbaisden1288]

This is fly fishing, it isn’t a numbers game but a deeper connection to nature around. These folks aren’t shoving their gear in your face every second or constantly looking for our approval but instead documenting what drives so many of us being the desire to see nature in its purest form with leaving no trace. Conventional tackle may catch more fish but there is no connection like the slow pace and natural imitations of fly fishing. Wonderful video, truly inspiring.

[@williambushey1977]

I have been following Tight Loops from the beginning and as a Mainer this series brings me so much joy

[@mattokeefe691]

Great piece. Restoration of something precious. A labour of love and chance. Not about catching but celebrating. Thanks very much

[@Matt-TheFinChaser]

Well, that's something! You're definitely one of my best inspiration since the beginning, and every time you release a new content I'm like "How do they even do that? Always stepping up?!"

[@nathanrains9292]

Hands down, the best YT channel. I can only imagine the effort it takes to bring these stories to life. Thanks for taking us along

[@ALYSSUMS_SHOW]

Love the trout illustrations, they are works of art, same with the words - Mark

[@sunsetszn2953]

This video is much bigger than just fishing. Thank you for sharing!!

[@mikedoherty3563]

I hope you guys are as happy and real as your films are totally captivating and technically pleasing . Keep going, please.

[@mattgauthier7216]

I agree that you should not be able to keep them, as well as using trebles, but I think being able to use single hook artificials would make it best for all involved, the fish and the fisherman. Great video guys!

[@drewc8065]

“That experience is really what people remember.” This is the reason to be respectfully to the natural environment. Great video guys. It was really beautifully done. The shot of the white berries against the yellow maple leaf is great. I paused the video just to look at it. You capture moments while telling a story. Thank you.

[@mjbaerwalde]

I dig these videos. And the outro song is pretty sweet.

[@vanlifeish5465]

Absolutely loving this series! Not too many fly fishing channels are this good, keep it up!!

[@justinbergmann1967]

Satisfactory!!….

[@patagoniadrifters8369]

Thanks a lot for this new movie, and thanks for your thoughtful vision of nature and so much care! Love d once again how you expressed. Looking forward for more!!

[@williamemmons8816]

Powerful video document. I have been fortunate enough to stumble into 9 of our blueback lakes/ponds. This has given me a great deal to think about. Thank you!

[@jamesbutler6261]

Another amazing film! I think you made the right choice naming the pond. It’ll allow the public to hold Maine accountable.

[@haroldconner2645]

“ living the adventures “ through your films. Thank you.

[@tomaszclifford]

You are great!!! Love your movies guys :)

[@j.p9655]

You guys are incredible. Always just perfect films. I wish the PNW would consider utilizing these strategies to save its fisheries.

[@mattsweet7918]

Beautiful video, gorgeous char. Thanks for sharing this great video. Best of luck on your continuing journey. Keep the wonderful videos coming.

[@lisamejorado2028]

It was such a pleasure (and shock lol) to meet you yesterday Aimee! I can't wait to watch more of your adventures. You inspire us all! If you ever need to plug in or a place to park, shower...27 Center is always available for you two!

[@blueman5924]

Great series in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your world.

[@yujinny1999]

Even as a single fly-fisherman, the more I watch, the more I think about my own place in the fishing industry and how even my actions and/or inaction impacts the environment and therefore the sport that I love.

[@NorthernRetreat]

Another beautiful episode of professional proportion. It has NG quality all over it. Love the artwork too.

[@sampoultney7373]

As a fisheries biologist here in the UK, with an Arctic charr (some would call it, obsession) passion, the points raised about just the fact they are there in the first place and don't need to targeting or personally fishing for them, strikes a particular chord. Glad they got them back from the edge. P.S. Glad you spelt charr correctly 😉

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

We share a passion for Scottish charr!

[@livefreeorflytrying]

Keep it up! So good. I didn’t know y’all were dropping “Planet earth season 5” lol

[@c-nigh8091]

This video, just has the two previous episodes you posted, is the highlight of my week... Your work is just gorgeous ! Merci beaucoup

[@jimm5119]

I continue to be amazed by the quality of your work and the clarity of your message. I can't wait for the next episode!

[@arnoldzilban8274]

Incredible doc. And what a fish and illustration this char!

[@timk4809]

Great film! Your videography, imagery and illustrations are simply masterful, but perhaps the most important part of your work is the knowledge and research that you bring to your topic. Your respect for the natural world is so very much needed today, and it's wonderful to see how you and your work reflect that respect. As a photographer, fly-fisher and conservationist, you push all my buttons! Please keep up your great work, and thank you.

[@CalledCollectiveMedia]

This is just awesome. I am back and commenting again because you guys are fantastic. Your story telling is impeccably great! Like wow.

[@rickricky5626]

a beautiful fish.....a real char.....a landlocked jewel.....a canary in the coalmine,,,,,an important indicater species,,

[@GilbertRowley]

The timelapse waterfall to pool was such a sweet shot! Great series guys, keep it up!

[@mattw897]

you guys are doing an amazing job, raising awareness to an issue so often over looked and understood. As an avid fisherman 15 mins from your base and a lifelong summer home in central Maine, i sympathize with your plight and would love to help in any way i can!

[@nolanrodarte5997]

Loving the series🤙🏼 As a new fly fisherman and a nature lover, I can’t wait to see what you guys have in store for us all. You both truly have a talent for your work. Coming from California, thanks for all the great videos. Inspired.

[@IntoTheWildFlyFishing]

Like always, these videos are breathtakingly beautiful, well done, and as perfect as can get. I look forward to each one. Thank you for doing all you can to help those native fish. In the Upper Peninsula, we try to do the same and protect our fisheries. Once again, keep up the amazing work!

[@grahamkay8711]

You guys are awesome so much looking forward to the next one 👍

[@tightlinepursuit-samfetzer7809]

Another well documented video! Thanks for spreading the word on the delicacy of these fisheries. I look forward to each episode that comes out!

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I'm so grateful to the organizations in my area here in the Adirondacks. " Trout Unlimited" has done a lot in designating certain areas as catch and release, no treble hooks and promoting barbless hooks.

[@TightLoops]

Absolutely. Check out “Trout Power” sometime if you get a chance. They’re doing super cool stuff establishing genetic baselines for various heritage strains of brook trout in the ADKs!!

[@DANIELMILNOR505]

Well done filmmaking. Good story, camera work, etc. And the illustrations are outstanding.

[@StrictlyDriesProduction]

As always, extremely high quality movie! I love all your stuff, it's a great blend between fishing, outdoors, artistic, poetic and road trip stuff. Nailed it as always! Thanks for sharing with us 👍

[@ColmMullally]

What a fantastic documentary, wonderful skill telling an important story. Brilliant, thanks from Ireland

[@flyfishnewengland]

Really enjoyed this series. Care deeply about Maine and preserving native species. Plus, our friend Darrell is a handsome chap. ;) Keep ‘em coming!

[@chrisr3555]

Thanks for coming to Maine and filming! Excellent video and narrative.

[@TitusLivy777]

Excellent! A real pleasure to watch.

[@ncbirdwatch5992]

I don’t like the concept of loving something to death. Thanks for bringing this fishery problem to light and for naming names.

[@laird770]

Great job narrating Steve Rogers

[@Itztheadventurez]

Best Fly fishing content by far just saying!

[@ghostflow9029]

You guys make amazing videography. Your work is next level. As a photographer I’m inspired by your work, keep it up 👍

[@nathanclark4674]

Thanks for this video. Maine should take a lesson from Lake Sunapee in NH where I live. Sunapee also had an indigenous population of arctic char that were so abundant that the shoals they spawned over each fall turned golden with the color of the fish stacked up. Through overfishing to supply NYC restaurants a hundred years ago and the introduction of lake trout and Atlantic salmon, the remaining population of native char were eventually consumed or cross-bred out of existence. A needless and tragic result from lack of foresight and natural resource management.

[@patricknoveski6409]

Ive watched from that first trip to Montana. Its amazing how you've both grown into this very cool Journey we are all on with you now. Cant wait for the next one. As for the political regs, just follow the money 💰. Grrrrr. Thank you for including us as you Go. Peace. P.j. Calif.

[@glorifyhymn]

Fantastic production quality and story telling!

[@billanderson2134]

Educational, enlightening, inspiring,beautiful Well Done!

[@adventuretimefishinghunting]

What an amazing story! Totally captivating! Great Video series!

[@CrazyAboutFlyFishing]

Stunning and informative. Loving your films

[@erinmichaud9111]

Love! Great job. Looking forward to more!

[@OlufsWaterview]

Great stuff. Hope the bluebacks stick around

[@danieltyler2225]

Great info and awesome film!

[@richardsousa2625]

Good luck you two!

[@tacticalflyfisher3817]

I did my master’s project on a population of introduced Arctic char in Colorado. During that time I researched the distribution of char extensively and thought a lot about the imperiled remnant populations in Maine. Thank you for beautifully sharing part of their story and highlighting their value and plight. I look forward to the rest of this series. It has had an incredible start. Good luck to you both in MT.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

How is the CO population doing these days?

[@criagfurness8305]

world class documentary

[@darrenjackson8721]

Love love love!!! Great job and thanks for sharing such passion! Darren/Nashville

[@healerondemand3464]

If anyone is going to catch ‘em. You know it’s going to be Amy. She’s like a fish magnet.

[@TightLoops]

it never fails!

[@mitchelldexter1901]

Snagging trebbles would work great

[@backpackingireland8624]

I’m hooked 🤩 Great story . The task seemed impossible, certainly wouldn’t happen in my next of the woods ! Loving the content, 1st class 👌Atb Tony 🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@juddoutdoors7015]

Another amazing video! You do an awesome job at story telling. Nice work. Enjoying the series a lot. Thanks for putting in the work!

[@BlueLinerMedia]

Amazing as always!!!

[@CalledCollectiveMedia]

That right there is what it is all about let’s gooo! Thanks for your hard work you are doing import things! Aimee has a reel knack for those still images!

[@andrewcyrus785]

Lets go! So stoked!

[@jacqueline7118]

Wow, what a fantastic episode 2. Very informative and creative, thanks very much for sharing. :) :)

[@TheAutoworks]

Nice, super pumped.

[@ejmedvecz9319]

You guys are fu*king rockstars. Dope sh*t I love it!

[@chrisyork3709]

Loving the series and as a Maine angler, thank you for helping to bring public attention to the situation of arctic charr in my state. I am mostly a spin fisherman and do much of my angling for smallmouth bass in central/ southern Maine rivers, but native species need to be protected (even at great cost). There is a place for other sportfish in Maine waters (brown trout, northern pike, bass, etc) as many are just too warm to support wild populations of species like brook trout and charr - but fly fishing only/ catch and release only regulations on places like Big Reed are a good thing and absolutely must stay in place (for the foreseeable future at least). If the fish rebound fantastically then maybe allow a bag limit of one or two but I fear that allowing all artificial lures will not just pose a problem with increased pressure/ likelihood of fish not surviving release after being caught on treble hooks but also that it will increase the chances that someone will do something incredibly stupid and engage in "bucket biology".

[@davidfreudenberger9390]

Very thoughtful

[@thebradfordcamps]

Way to go Chase and Aimee..... The best comment we have heard yet from one of our guests is "well, fantastic stuff but the soundtrack misses... when you get into Igor's plane there are only two choices: Jimmy Buffett or Jerry Garcia..." HAHAHA. This is very very well produced and has a message from the heart. Poetry in video format.

[@er8434]

I heard you guys are the ones who pushed for less restrictive regulations for this body of water. Can't say for certain but that's what was said. I hope it's not true.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

@@er8434 You have much to learn of ecology. I suggest studying what happened in the Kamloops area of BC when they stocked barren lakes. Then you will begin to realize the dynamics of the ensuing generations and their problems.

[@er8434]

@@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists I suggest you read more about this body of water before you starting spouting off. I don't really care what happend at some body of water in western Canada. The proposed/new regs are too liberal at this time. Every body of water is different.

[@er8434]

@@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists You probably aren't even familiar with this body of water outside of this video. Fisheries like this one are extremely rare in the the US. Inland Fisheries didn't put enough thought behind these new regs.

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

@@er8434 How many habitats have you ever managed? How many have you enhanced? Like I said. You have much to learn.

[@coolcatswearinghats]

Love it!:)

[@baggetja1234]

Great video I hope it gets 1 billion views

[@4amwaj]

so good

[@B1GE2]

Wonderful video, I think you guys should go after aurora trout.

[@rudyruiz9521]

Agree with the State doing what they said they were going to do. Start breeding more now.

[@ProbablySkunked]

This is fucking amazing. This is the content we all need. Especially loving that its East Coast content

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Just getting caught up 👍 Awesome series 👏 Thanks for the great effort you put into this

[@TightLoops]

thank YOU! More to come!

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Wow......what an awesome trout species!!

[@patrickpenton3429]

Char

[@hemop8752]

awesome

[@choquedoday]

Amazing videos, interacting with me😊😊😊💓💓💓

[@ericarchey6271]

I truly love your videos, movies really. The production is far better than anything I’ve seen. Chase’s narration and Aimee’s angling prowess is a blast to watch. I know you’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but how is your production company not called “ChasingAimee” ?!😂😂 I know. I know. You’ve heard it all before. But seriously…. Keep up the amazing work.

[@ctowndrippnw1926]

Such a great video I love this series! I’m gonna need you two too hurry up and get over here to Washington State, and for you to check out the elwha river it had the largest damn removal in the United States and by 2022 natural salmon fishing and steelhead fishing will be aloud!