With the new Redington Element's Videos coming out over the past few weeks, I've been thinking a lot about the components of fly fishing that get me most fired up. Unfortunately, I've been doing a LOT of work lately and not much fishing. With that, I've had to sneak in some fly tying after 14 hour days or sleepily watch a fly fishing video before getting out of bed at 5:30 in the morning. An addict needs to get their fix somehow, right?
This turn to the internet for my fly fishing fix got me thinking about my ten favorite fly fishing videos. It's a dangerous proposition to do a list like this. I know some of you are going to disagree, but it's MY list, not a definitive list. My hope is that you can find some inspiration from the video's below and turn to this list for that fly fishing fix you might be in need of. But...get out on the water at all costs if you can. Staring at a computer, watching others catch fish is not the answer!
As you stroll through videos below, feel free to comment and add to the conversation. I'd love to hear more about your favorites.
#10 The Deepest Valley
Ok, I'm kind of cheating on this one. It's a sentimental favorite because I'm actually in it. That aside, Octave Zangs and Jason Fitzgibbon of Zangs Films are a super creative duo. With outstanding videography skills and conservation knowledge, these two are in the process of making some outstanding content. They care deeply about the environment, are super creative, and love the outdoors. When guys like that create video content, you better take notice! Oh, and the Owens Valley may be one of the most beautiful places on earth.
#9 Metalhead
An oldie but a goodie. This one captures an element of steelhead fishing that other videos don't. It's clear the guys from AEG Media (They did the Geo Bass thing too) are crazy about fishing and steelhead. They go to any length to chase these fish. Pouring rain, snow, sunken tents...none of it matters. That's why this one made the cut, it shows how crazy we can get about fishing. On the flip side, the videography and music are less than ideal.
#8 Fly Fishing Eh'?
This is one of Redington's "Find Your Water" videos that came out last year. I thought this was a brilliant idea and I love how the Redington team highlighted some really cool people, fish, and places in the series. If you haven't seen them, you have some work to do. They're all really neat. This one made the cut because it highlights three of my passions. Amber and Brendan (really cool people to boot) are all about fly fishing, tying, and photography.
#7 Eastern Rises
Although this is just the trailer, the full length video is solid too. I've probably watched it 173 times by now. We all have those bucket list places we want to fish before we die and this video documents the place I hope to visit before I'm six feet under. The Kamchatka Peninsula is desolate, filled with fish, and has a huge potential for adventure. The music, videography, and plot leave something to be desired but the location is second to none!
#6 Hooke 2013 Souvenirs
My list doesn't have a lot of fish porn, but I had to make an exception for this one. The guys over at Hooke made a really great compilation of their adventures back in 2013 and put it to a great remix of one of my favorite Arcade Fire songs. This one got the nod for music and the sense of friendship. These guys are alway having a blast on the river and you can tell they're constantly stoked, regardless of who's catching fish.