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Welcome to another edition of the OrvisNews.com Friday Film Festival, in which we scour the Internets for the best fly-fishing footage available. This week, you’ll discover all the ways that trout can break your heart; you’ll witness the magic of a fishery that we Americans still can’t (legally) experience; and you’ll learn the secret to making a fire with wet wood. From Norway to the tropics, New Zealand to Ohio, we’ve got the good stuff for your viewing pleasure. Remember: We surf so you don’t have to. Enjoy!
No fish…? from Snout Stalker on Vimeo.
Here’s a video that proves that the language of despair is international. Shot on the Hemsila River of Norway, it’s a veritable feast of failure, a cornucopia of catastrophe. I’m sure that none of the things shown here have ever happened to you, right? Kudos to this filmmaker for his willingness to explore the dark side.
mayfly from Matt Dunkinson Photography on Vimeo.
Part of an ongoing project filming the River Test in England, this edit by Matt Dunkinson shows riverkeeper Jon Hall strutting his stuff. Shot with a keen eye and gorgeous evening light, the video does a wonderful job of capturing the magic of a good angler fishing a fine hatch.
Fly Nation Season 2 Trailer – Cayo Cruz, Cuba from Fly Max Films on Vimeo.
The secret of Cuba’s fantastic saltwater fishing has been out for awhile, but this trailer for the upcoming season of a Canadian television show offers a glimpse of the treasures we Americans can only dream about. This is not a political statement, just some awesome footage of big fish and sumptuous flats.
Beattie Outdoor Productions Fly Fishing Demo Reel from RA Beattie on Vimeo.
If you’ve been watching the FFF for awhile now, R.A. Beattie needs no introduction. One of the best angling filmmakers out there, he know how to cut to the chase and bring us the action we crave. This sample reel offers highights from several of his films. No fast-forwarding required; this is just the best stuff.
BONES from The Fly Fishing Nation on Vimeo.
This is a cool, albeit strange, self-shot video of an angler on the flats. The exposure seems a bit dark and there are weird flares of light, but the bonefish action is worth it. Lots of cool underwater footage and healthy releases give you the sense of exhilaration that comes from a successful day in the sun.
Ohio Steelhead Drifters- Spring Days 2011 from Ohio Steelhead Alley on Vimeo.
On the other end of the weather spectrum, we’ve got this video about spring steelhead fishing in Ohio. Cleveland may have lost LeBron, but they’ve still got some of the biggest runs of steelies coming out of the Great Lakes. Your teeth may chatter a bit as you watch this, but seeing those chunky, healthy fish will warm your heart.
Finally, we’ve got a quite long (15 minute) video that chronicles a trip into the New Zealand backcountry in search of big brown trout. This one doesn’t have fancy camera work or soaring soundtrack, but it offers an authentic look into the rigors and rewards of such a trip. Crappy weather and tough fish don’t dampen the spirits of these anglers, who are fully aware that they have arrived someplace very special. Have a great weekend!