Welcome to another edition of the OrvisNews.com Friday Film Festival, in which we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing footage available. In this week’s collection, Europe takes the lead, as we focus on France, Sweden, and the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Italy. But don’t fret, the Land of the Free is represented by films from Alaska, Oregon, Montana, and Florida. If you’ve ever wondered what the perfect excuse is for why you lost the tarpon you had hooked, we offer the answer. It wasn’t your fault: the darned thing was armed! Remember, we surf so you don’t have to. But if you do stumble upon something great that you think is worthy of inclusion in a future FFF, please post it in the comments below. Every week, I am amazed by the fresh crop of excellent videos that showcase stunning fish. See you next week with a fresh set of films!
For the second week in a row, we kick things off with a short film from France. If you are not aware of the country’s fly-fishing culture, you should know that the most decorated angler in the history of the World Fly-Fishing Championships is a man named Pascal Cognard, and the French team is currently ranked #1 by the International Fly-Fishing Federation. This video features great shots of Mediterranean brown trout (sometimes called “zebra trout”), which sport dark stripes on their sides.
This is just awesome footage of fly-fishing for tuna on the Adriatic Sea. The first thing that will blow you away is the violence of the surface blitzes; it looks like Godzilla is about to emerge. Then just listen to that reel scream as one of these undersea bullets takes off away from the boat. (Hat tip: Moldy Chum.)
The Trifecta from Yukon Goes Fishing on Vimeo.
It’s been a couple years since I’ve been to Montana, and videos like this make me wonder why I don’t live there, for Pete’s sake. Our old friend Yukon hits a trio of southwestern Montana waters for excellent fishing and wildlife viewing.
En dag med Johan from Hans Johansson on Vimeo.
There’s a new character in the ongoing saga of Sweden’s Frontside Fly. Our favorite dry-fly fanatics, Rolf and Stefan, have been joined by Johan, who stars in his first film. He seems more pensive than the other two, and this video opts for beauty, rather than the usual hijinks, shenanigans, and tomfoolery we’ve come to expect.
Fly Fishing Ascencion Bay – Cozumel from Alfredo Mimenza on Vimeo.
Here’s a great video of tarpon fishing among the mangroves in Mexico’s Ascension Bay. This starts off with some photo montages, but the real video kicks in at about 1:40. There are some great tarpon leaps, as well as rockin’ soundtrack.
For the River from Outside Bend Productions on Vimeo.
I have always wanted to fish Oregon’s Metolius River for bull trout, but this gorgeous solo-shot film focuses on the great action for rainbows. The filmmaker walks past the crowds casting by the road and finds solitude and his own water, which is a good lesson for all of us.
Alaska Fly Fishing – Silt Line Style from Chris Maher on Vimeo.
I guided on the Talachulitna River in southcentral Alaska a few times back in the day, and this video does a great job of capturing the experience of a fly-in: from the landing on the Skwentna River, to the jet-boat ride up “the Tal,” to the river’s fine rainbows and salmon. It’s cool how the camera’s rolling shutter turns the plane’s prop into horizontal lines, too.
Farrow’s Tarpon Surprise from Daniel Ferraris on Vimeo.
Finally, I always like to go out with a bang. Here’s one angler’s attempt to explain how his tarpon got away. Have a great weekend!