AWARD WINNING WILDERNESS EXPEDITION FILM | "BIG LAND" | Brook Trout Fishing In The Heart Of Labrador

*If you'd like to support us by buying an ad free version of this film, you can do it here: vimeo.com/ondemand/bigland*
And if you'd like to see more images from our trip, check out our recent blog post for a photo retrospective! tightloopsfly.com/notesfromth...
4 friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime in search of a wildness seldom found in the urban sprawl of the Anthropocene. In an effort to better understand America’s first sport fish, and the eastern seaboard’s only native trout, filmmakers Chase and Aimee Bartee lead a canoe expedition into North America’s last great and unexplored frontier; Labrador. There’s only one problem, they’ve never even paddled a canoe before.
Driven by a 15 year old rumor of an untouched and forgotten Brook Trout nirvana, Chase and Aimee, accompanied by Chris Sinclair, a Nova Scotian fishing guide and Dylan Markey, a registered Maine whitewater guide journey into the unknown. Injuries, bear encounters, hordes of bloodthirsty insects and dangerous weather force the team to adapt quickly to their new sub arctic home, or risk returning empty handed. With the fish proving to be as elusive and fleeting as the dancing Aurora above them, the crew soon discovers that their experiences on the Labrador tundra are bigger than any one fish, person, or adventure. They find themselves journeying through culture and time, trading in the shackles of the modern world for a life lived more deliberately, aligned with the rhythms of the river.
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[@TightLoops]

*If you'd like to support us by buying an ad free version of this film, you can do it here:* vimeo.com/ondemand/bigland *And if you'd like to see more images from our trip, check out our recent blog post for a photo retrospective!* tightloopsfly.com/notesfromtheroad/2020/6/7/big-land-the-photos

[@notuntilyoublessme]

Thank you so much for the time and energy spent on creating these wonderful films. I admit, they make me emotional with such a strong desire for, as you called it, "wilderness immersion". I was wondering if you'd consider throwing together some of the footage you might have of the full fishing process (raw), from cast to net and everything in-between. Thanks again, and I pray you all would stay healthy and be blessed to go everywhere you desire.

[@TightLoops]

Thanks so much! Unfortunately we don't have a lot of footage like that. Its not really the way we shoot. But maybe in the future we'll try and incorporate some of that!

[@marktschannen2519]

Pl@kp

[@368degreefishing4]

You NEED to upload this to fly fishing film tour it’s AWSOME it’s like a big screening for every trout fisher in Wisconsin and there are vids from everywhere in the north and South America they choose the best 10 vids and upload them all the money made from the event goes to fish conservation and stopping the gravel pits in Alaska!!!!

[@vincentchristiano8547]

I bought one right after it came out? Watched it a lot. Watching this one also to help support guys. Where next?

[@saginawdan]

When I was a young lad, this was my fantasy. Now I'm an old man and it's just a dream I once had. You have given me the great pleasure of seeing that it's real. A huge thank you from an old Brook Trout fisherman in Northern Minnesota. 🌲❤🌲

[@gregmillert8911]

I am 70 years old. When I was in my early 60s I did a two + week trip on the DePas River, a tributary of the George, out of Schefferville. Your film beautifully captured not only the magnificent scenery and raw ruggedness of the land, but also the feeling of awe that I experienced, and you experienced, in such beautiful country. I will go back to that part of the world someday just to experience that awe. My thanks to you.

[@blancheb3533]

I was looking to trash and hate comment fly fishing because I couldn't understand why my boyfriend loves it so much. I ended up crying seeing this film. Thank you for making this beautiful, adventurous film. I probably still can't do fly fishing, I am not just into it and scared of many adventurous things but at least now I understand the feeling of being addicted to it, the nature and the experiences.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

You CAN do it!

[@tanner6112]

From a Newfoundlander, truly, thank you. Thank you for displaying it so well while being extremely respectful of the land, and hitting the nail on the head in the last segment on land use and abuse. Great film - I’ll be sure to share it.

[@judsonl8990]

I spent a week in Newfoundland last year on my way home from Afghanistan. It is truly a beautiful place. I loved the people - most of them were very friendly - and the countryside is breathtaking. One of my buddies got screeched in and now he prides himself on being an honorary Newfoundlander haha

[@joywalsh6012]

The amazing respect shown to their surroundings by this team is remarkable. A beautiful and informative video!

[@troydesbiens8605]

I'm now 60 years young today and I LOVE fly fishing and the GREAT OUTDOORS! What an EPIC trip you had!! Keep Exploring! LOVE you ALL!

[@brucejordan7918]

I had the indescribable gift of several trips to The Big Land in the 1970's, including a year and a half of teaching a summer of commercial char fishing with Inuit friends in northern Labrador, and a month long kayak expedition there as well. Your beautiful film brings it all back to me in a way that is profound, but beyond expression! Thank you so very much! You are gifted film makers. More, please!

[@nolanbrahosky5908]

i’ve watched this countless times but i’d like to come back and say i’m confident this video has changed my life for the better, thank you aimee and chase

[@WildeFische]

I'm so greatful you got to live such an unfathomable experience! Thanks for letting up all be a part of it by sharing this masterpiece.

[@618Fishing]

Two thumbs way up! Thanks for making this, I can tell you guys poured your hearts into it.

[@marlinavila8775]

Thanks for recommending, Nick. This is fabulous!

[@snopuncx15]

Love your videos Nick! - yours have a similar feel to this. Would love to see a longer movie type one someday!

[@billsherk9198]

I work in film industry as a painter and I know what it takes to put out quality work. I am amazed at what you do with such a small crew. Can’t wait for the next one. Tight lines

[@jamesthompson2705]

I’m so glad to have grown up in Maine and caught Maine native brookies. Nothing fights harder than a true native.

[@steveparker8851]

The brookies in northern central Pa. are a true testament of adversity! I have been fortunate to fish them all of my life....all most fourty years later still having a blast! great flick! thanks for caring ! time changes everything

[@DBWELDER100]

For me as an avid sportsman/outdoorsman/fly fisher you captured the 2 best elements of flyfishing. 1) The take, the magical moment when the fish shows it's self and eats the fly. 2) The water, every stream, river, lake has its own personality and beauty. Keep up the good work!

[@MrTIMpersonGUY]

I can’t believe how much this short film exceeded my expectations, what a joy to watch , and what amazing footage. Seriously thank you for sharing this

[@RumiSupertramp]

So great how you released them with such love and the ones you had to eat you thanked for feeding you, this is the love and respect for nature that we need to preserve what's left

[@MissionaryInMexico]

Growing up within spitting distance of the Canadian border on an enormous farm my parents worked their asses off to keep for us... This film brings a certain amount of joy, knowing that something like this place existed in my childhood and I got to enjoy it, fishing rod in hand from age 6. Well done, beautiful imagery and soul-stirring music. 👍

[@LostLakes]

When you see something so stupidly beautiful, like a starry night or the love of your life, it almost hurts. That's what your films do to me. You guys have a rare gift and I hope you continue to use it for the rest of your lives. No crew or amount of money could've executed this better. You're already masters and soon to be film Jedis. Absolutely exceptional, exceptional, *exceptional.* P.S. That blue halo at 32:32 was brilliantly superimposed.

[@michaelelling5439]

It's interesting to read your comment...as I watched the video, the shear remarkableness (is that word?) just kind of came over me and I found a welling up of emotion I wasn't expecting.

[@isaiahnorton7952]

Seriously!!!!! These people are amazing, the chills I got during that were unreal

[@JeffWinter1]

A trip like that puts life into perspective. You can't come home and still think the same. Everyone should do one, the Earth would be a better place.🌎

[@cspark0]

I can't believe content this good is sitting here, for free, just waiting to be discovered by the mass of outdoor enthusiasts. Cinematography, post production, editing, storyline and narration all working together to make this more than the sum of it's parts. (And the soundtrack is stand alone fantastic!) Clearly the creative mind behind this has a gift. I hope that Tight Loops becomes the Warren Miller of my generation.

[@lagginswag]

I got that same miller feeling for sure from this. Just breath taking!

[@drdwgmd14]

I agree!!!

[@TheSkiffWanderer]

One of my favorite films! I've lost track of how many times I've watched this!

[@jwright9639]

X, Y, Millenials, etc. emerging from their parent's basement clad in typical soiled skivvies is truly an anomaly. Embarking upon an epic adventure trumping even the most courageous and adventurous is nothing less than epic. You Guys Rock! 26:04 in and I'm beginning to reestablish hope for the destiny of mankind.

[@alexisdetocqueville9964]

ok boomer

[@craigcrawford6749]

I grew up in Saskatchewan, hunting and fishing. Worked way up north at fly-in camps. Been in Asia last 20 years so my life is a lot different, but my experiences in the bush and wilderness will always be with me.

[@44musher]

Woven now in the tapestry of my mind, no doubt etched deep upon your souls. Thank you from the heart. Travel well, till next time.

[@katherinehunter9526]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us Beautiful!✌💞🇨🇦

[@stymiedagain]

So glad you found the large trout at the end and the Northern Lights was the cherry on top.

[@makailahudson2577]

From a Labradorian (Labrador West), I’m happy you appreciate the big land as much as we do

[@brentrudderham3060]

Beautiful. In the wilderness and on the lakes and waters I feel the presence of God. It is good for your soul. Thank you for making this video. Tight lines!

[@buckalov9]

I can see how this film has won so many awards. It is a very well produced and directed piece of art. The cinematography is impeccable. Well done. I will recommend it to all my fly fishing friends, and any who just love a well made film.

[@SlabDynasty]

This right here is why we got into KZbin. To create art like this. Amazing 🔥🔥🔥

[@wwechs2006]

I have grown up with a brother who loves fishing and would drag me out fishing as his good luck charm. That love never grew on me, but I do have a love for whitewater and outdoor adventure. I started watching more for my brother, but quickly fell in love with this film - 5 stars for narrative, cinematography and music, not to mention location of course. What an incredible film - would be a worthy contender at the Banff Film festival if you haven’t already entered.

[@angrycalculator5285]

The narration is amazing. The end when he speaks of the unthought of spiritual and cultural ties between humans and the land. The loss of words for the type of growth that occurs when immersed in nature. Fucking amazing.

[@masonbuck3657]

Literally the most hooking film I've ever watched. This is amazing, and it's sad that only 300,000 people have watched it. This video perfectly represents so many of us who want to take a life-changing trip like you all. Great Work!!

[@4amwaj]

I cant get my head around how there are 20 dislikes... This is a masterpiece.

[@user-zr6ny2wj2e]

Haters always have to be...

[@dougyanez1710]

I think a ton of dislikes come from bots missing their true targets.

[@Amazinggrazing]

I can't wrap my head around why I can't give this more likes...As you put it, "This is a masterpiece."

[@SlabDynasty]

People are probably just jealous

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

Miss leading title. I didn't come for guess facts. Read the title of my channel & realize this guy is a desk job dude.

[@IdiotWithEducation]

I'm going to start brewing my own little adventure, a seed of freedom, thank you for you're eye opening experience, and respect for the land

[@MrBogombo]

Great film. Being from Newfoundland and having worked in the Torngat Mountains in Labrador, you represented the big land very well. Unreal place.

[@bbejbe]

I have just watched it completely random. I love it. From 1 to 5 - story 5, music 5, picture 5. Great trip!

[@WesleyWong-wm1fl]

This is just absolutely the best film about flyfishing and wilderness exploration for 'just plain Joe's'....No yuppies with guides tying on their flies for them. No hardcore 'extremist' having to show off their latest stupid conquest. It was just an absolutely great film in so many ways. The cinematography was gorgeous and beautifully shot. The storyline and voiceovers were just enough to be informative but not annoying background mumbling. Really loved how you showed all the preparation which went into creating such a trip. It's the kind of film which is truly inspiring for 'ordinary' people who want to create an adventure of their own. Thanks again for showing this on KZbin and you can be sure I will be buying a Vimeo version of this film.

[@tedhoubaer6582]

What an epic movie! It touches the heart of an true fly-fisherman. Exploring and leaving no footprints in the wild. The nature decide when and why. The scenery and the details of the journey is fantastic. Regards from Sweden

[@jeffcameron3180]

I was compelled to watch this again today. This film was so incredibly well done. The story line is excellent, the filming technique is second to none and the editing is incredible. Just a masterpiece of a film!

[@brianhenson5643]

Hard to believe there are still places like this. I was glued to the screen from start to finish. Really well done.

[@kathryndamron3238]

Beautifully written and photographed. Thank you.

[@SuperiorAngling]

Very fine storytelling. Fantastic camera work. Most wont realize the challenges of filming in an environment such as this; Battery management, keeping cameras dry, getting shots in the rapids, constantly taking cameras in and out of pelican cases, the bugs. my god. Great fish too! some of those were true studs. fun watch. tight lines!

[@benendetto]

I know there is plenty to talk about with how beautiful and interesting this is, I feel like most people have covered it all. No one however has commented on how there is a few frames of Dylan tying flys on a moving train, how has no one else commented on this superhuman feat of composure. just wow

[@sing1ebeam]

Upon seeing this I instantly shared with those friends that tie. What a hoss.

[@OutThere5]

I’m from Newfoundland and spent a couple summers in Labrador. I did a lot of fishing and one day caught a 6.9 lbs brook trout. About 24” long. It was a beautiful fish.

[@skullace3136]

I LOVE THIS. Such emotions, I felt the sadness of departing such an awesome adventure. The footage, pacing, music choice and knowledge spoken was truly a masterpiece. Thank you for taking us along your journey!

[@123marlo]

The people who gave this video thumbs down must be living on another planet I come from Glasgow,Scotland and have fly fished most of my life and I am 70 and have fished in Alaska , Canada in BC and a few places in Europe and in Northern Scotland where we still have a bit of wilderness and I have loved every minute of it so if you can get out to these wild places it’s a real bonus so you guys keep doing what you’re doing so we can still enjoy these wild places with great fishing. Peace and love from us Jocks over here in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍✊🎣🍺🙏

[@farmerbob4554]

Trips like this become addictive. Memories of earlier trips and planning new ones just get better and better. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@jacquezghardy]

I came here to learn about fly fishing for a trip to Arizona. I left here with a newfound favorite channel. The work you and your wife put in does not go unnoticed. I pray that the Lord blesses you both.

[@kenwhittaker8197]

Thanks for the video , my grandfather ran a Hudson Bay trading post in Labrador and told us stories of the fish . Got his split cane fly rod hanging on the wall

[@ontothewilderness9082]

This is a masterpiece of a film. I hope one day we can revive the parts of the continent we already destroyed and bring back the beauty of nature. I wish we could find a perfect combination of civilization and wildlife.

[@OutdoorWarrior]

Thank you so much for visiting my province and capturing the beautiful Labrador country. This video was absolutely amazing.👏👏

[@tristanmay5605]

One of the best exploration films I've ever seen. Everything you guys make is top notch, but this was truly flawless. Thank you for showing us this truly wild and beautiful place that so few have the fortune of seeing in person. Maybe one day I'll have the privilege of exploring an uncharted river up there.

[@joewilson2020]

Brilliant in every way. Love and respect from New Zealand

[@colbanjo6277]

Thank you guys for this great film,, absolutely mesmerizing,, i didn't want to blink,, eyes glued,, what a beautiful native fish and wild country.

[@briggs13a]

Great that you explain the destruction of trout. I am 60 and I can’t believe how the western rivers have been degraded by pollution.I fear for the future.

[@user-xx8tv2vb3h]

Outstanding. Simply outstanding.

[@BigWaveDavey]

Amazing film journey. Thanks for sharing your incredible adventures. Brook trout the size of steelhead!!!

[@robertbotta6536]

So absolutely fantastic. Beautiful. Thank you. The size of those monsters is unbelievable.

[@Anthrax809]

I love that it was about the journey and the land, not the people. Amazing job, well done. God speed

[@tmjump96]

The landscape, the storytelling was breathtaking. So impressed.

[@jolssonusa]

Wonderful film by great humans. Let’s hope the land can stay untouched by human intervention. Being an avid fly fisherman from Sweden I can only imagine the joy of spending time at that wonderful place. Thanks for sharing this beautiful film.

[@daveboise9868]

Wait, what just happened? Can't believed I got lost for a while in this wonderful film. Awesome.

[@johndoelman1301]

This is beautiful. My Dad did a lot of Brook Trout, Salmon and Arctic Char fishing in Labrador and I love canoeing in the Canadian wilderness. I’ve experienced that great fishing outside of Kuujjuaq where the smallest fish are 2 lbs, though they don’t get to the 7-8 lbs you see up there. Guys, this was wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes. I wish I was with you. BTW: I also began my lifelong affair with paddling on the Allagash, but in the 60’s as a kid. Thank you. Awesome job!!!!!

[@paulodeboer9121]

Absolutely great this. You guys really captured the magic of wild places and show their importance as well as their fragile existence without focussing only on the threats (that are inevitably there). Great work!

[@marcberman5642]

Wow, what an incredible adventure and an amazing place filled with the Brookies of my dreams.

[@swampwhiteoak1]

A polished and beautiful movie in all manners of filmmaking. No redundancy and no describing in great detail what is happening in the film. The dialog and images complimented each other to tell the powerful story. Especially good were the transitions. One of the best was the conclusion. About 20 minutes before it was said, I was already thinking “where next”.op A very complete illustration of the passion for fishing and seeking the wilderness, and what is necessary to do accomplish both. Combining the two yields supreme satisfaction. My wife and I have done 40 years of what we call “chasing the wilderness” for the epic fishing and what the wilderness offers by its inherent existence. So I am very experienced and wise about this topic. Please consider - There is no way to preserve the wilderness. Preservation means the non-use of the resources. Most people do not care. and will not support something which seems only academic or theoretical. However conservation of the wilderness works very well. Conservation means the wise use of the resources. When people can somehow experience that the wilderness is real, precious, unique, fragile, and possibly fleeting, most people will support conserving the wilderness with money and their votes. So show the wilderness to a small representational group of “average and interested” people and film their experience. Add in images and statements of general interest “ecosystem” so it is not just about fishing. When that film is shown it will powerfully motivate viewers and their friends to support the wilderness. Thank you for having the courage to thank the Lord and have a fish dinner. Thanking the Lord for his gift of the fish to us in Genesis is absolutely necessary. The meal is reality. Do you need a consultant?

[@SuperWoodsy007]

.Brook Trout, such beautiful fish. Had dreams of Labrador once back when I was a Kennebec and Dead River whitewater guide in Maine. Allagash and St John Rivers will have to do as age has caught up with me at 63. But, well done film my watery friends, very well done.. Reading the ill fated Hubbard expedition was my introduction to Labrador decades ago.

[@dannyb.9721]

Unbelievable!!! Truly a masterpiece.

[@mikeybraun6361]

One of, if not, the best trout documentaries ever.

[@TightLoops]

Aw, thanks Michael! That's very kind of you.

[@tristand.3164]

This gave me goosebumps the whole way through. I have been dreaming for a couple years now of going up to Labrador and I can say that this has solidified my desire.

[@BMC-hl2uh]

Stunning. The production, the setting, the story. the people, the music...perfect.

[@__z4ne__823]

I cannot believe how you've put together such a beautifuly undiscribable documentary of an equaly indescribable land.

[@jwhitsta]

Loved it. Amazing country there, glad you could share it with us.

[@desocratic]

Simply incredible.

[@BabyBilly1989]

A 6lb native brookie inhaling a mouse pattern is something you wont soon forget....that is just incredible.

[@iTkGaming20]

I’ve rented multiple times. Thanks for releasing for free. Love love love this film.

[@Tokyoflyfishing]

Such stunning beauty of the wild... Great film!

[@saxon6749]

Please never quit what you two do. Ever.

[@joestegmann4339]

Absolutely incredible! Well done doesn’t do this justice!

[@trout3115]

Absolute best, most inspiring, greatest outdoor/expedition film of our generation. Pulls us back to the good ol days, plugs in to the tech of the modern era, makes us starry eyed and craving that trip for ourselves. Well well done y'all. That was EPIC and you guys killed it in every way. Thanks for sharing the experience with all of us.

[@CanadianSledDog]

Watching this again now during pandemic is even more moving than the first time. I want to go to Labrador so bad it's making me upset! Well done.

[@wild_goose_0285]

I'm 6 min in and, as a Smallmouth guy, this makes me all the more exited about my trip to Algonquin later this year. Early mornings walking the river for savage Bass is truly when I'm most relaxed

[@wild_goose_0285]

Most relaxing video I've ever seen. F for Chase and company.

[@davebergin342]

The land aligning its rhythms with yours?? It was apparent expectations were surpassed. Admire your courage and loved the documentary. Thank you!

[@kmayer303]

Just a great film. What an expedition! Thanks for making it available.

[@patrickdowd8709]

Beautiful film guys.....Sunday morning on the couch in New Zealand.I spend a lot of time hunting here and there is some outstanding trout fishing here too. Thanks Patrick Dowd

[@westernoutdoors7736]

Never met a kiwi that wasn’t cool. Have many friends there and would love to visit to hunt and fish. Hopefully when this craziness comes to an end 🤞🏽

[@chrisperia3920]

2021 - I am just watching this. I honestly didn’t want it to end. Thank you for sharing!

[@scottdore9799]

I'm from Maine and I too have a love for the wild Brook trout great video that place is on my bucket list my uncle went there and he caught massive humpback s Christmas and thanks for the video

[@crazytoypeople1158]

Blown away! What a beautiful film! Inspiring: can’t say enough nice things so thanks for sharing.

[@cmcer1995]

I found this video amazing. I love the wilderness and all it has to offer us. I especially love Brookies. Most here is Colorado are rather small, but once in a while you can find a bigger one. Thank you for sharing your adventure.

[@nvm6078]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this trip of a lifetime.

[@N1CKAND0]

Just beautiful. Props to you for taking on such a challenging trip

[@aidanhottes5469]

Stunning. Just amazed 🌲🎣

[@mdf6774]

This is by far the best video on KZbin this deserves way more hype. I enjoyed every second

[@aid_goz949]

You can tell it’s an amazing film just by reading the perfectly detailed and engaging description

[@perrymurphy4100]

What a wonderful job you did on this film. Felt like I was a part of the journey. I'm from Newfoundland and Labrador but have never gotten to the Big Land in any meaningful way. Thank you so very much.

[@NHall-ne6gs]

Man u guys have a gift for filming outdoors in a special way.wow is all I can say

[@braydenbell4854]

This is the best video/story I've ever watched. Incredible, beautiful experience.

[@blakemyers2304]

One of the best edited and filmed fishing videos i've ever seen, truly inspiring.

[@erinmac4750]

YT bots gave me a gift! Who knew I needed to experience this exquisite, eye opening, soul healing expanse of pristine nature. Now, I see why people fish and how amazing that adventure of discovery can be. A beautiful piece! Thank you for sharing this quest! 💚🌎🏞️🍀