Welcome to another edition of the OrvisNews.com Friday Film Festival, in which we scour the Web for the best fly-fishing footage available. This week’s collection is quite eclectic, with submissions covering the worlds of fresh water, salt water, warm water, and very-cold water fly fishing. We’re coming to the shoulder season, where the Southern Hemisphere fishing will begin to taper a bit, and the rivers of the Northern Hemisphere will begin to thaw. I expect to see a similar shift in the videos we’ll see over the weeks to come. 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. See you next week with a fresh set of films!
Casting At Shadows – New Zealand’s South Island from Casting At Shadows on Vimeo.
We kick things off with a gorgeous trailer for an upcoming video called “Casting at Shadows: New Zealand’s South Island,” which follows three anglers setting off on the trip of a lifetime, battling against some of the worst weather in 25 years.
Bones & gt’s from Squidman Productions on Vimeo.
Christmas Island is known for two great game fish, bones and GTs, and this video highlights both species, as well as adding some local flavor. The editing here is quite well done.
Second Wind from Ronnie B. Goodwin on Vimeo.
Here’s a great short video from Ronnie Goodwin, and it features a twist at the end that will make you rethink all you’ve just seen and heard. It’ll make you think about what it means to be on the water for some people.
NEI Fly Fishing_White Out from DRIFTLESS EXPERIENCE on Vimeo.
From perhaps the most famous fly-fishing state, Iowa, comes this brief look at some tough winter conditions. This is fly fishing for folks who REALLY love it.
Gold Run from Fly Fish the Mitt on Vimeo.
Lots of swings and misses here, but the payoff at the end probably made it all worthwhile. Pulling streamers for big browns is a lot of fun, especially when you’re moving big fish.
Spring is in the Air from Colorblind Media on Vimeo.
Some killer tarpon-fishing shots and a kicking soundtrack make this an exciting and engaging video. Plus, leaping tarpon always add that certain je ne sais quoi, right? It’s not all fly fishing, but who cares?
Chasing Waters Trailer from SouthFace Media Group Inc. on Vimeo.
Chasing Waters is a journey through 13 rivers and streams in Arkansas, showing all of the opportunities and species of fish that are available within a day’s drive of most of the residents of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kansas, and Missouri.
Fly Fishing Trip in New Zealand from Julien Barret on Vimeo.
While I can’t approve the soundtrack choice for this video from New Zealand, I have no complaints about the action sequences. I need to get my butt down there in the next few years.
This video makes Washington look like the most beautiful place to catch a steelhead, and that fish at the end is stunning. Some of the casting shots are downright majestic.
Some folks might not understand the joys of winter fly fishing, but this video does a good job at making it seem attractive and even elegant. All for a lovely little grayling.
Winter is when Colorado’s tailwaters really shine, producing gorgeous trout, even in the coldest weather. When you need the tug, the fish are willing.
15 Second Steelhead Documentary from Steven Foreman on Vimeo.
Many fly-fishing videos are simply too long. Here’s an example of what you can accomplish by telling a story in a quarter of a minute. Brevity is the soul of wit, right?
Everglades Bass Fishing from Will LaCalle on Vimeo.
It’s still winter up here in The Great White North, but it’s nice to know that someone can catch largemouths at this time of year. I’ve fished some of those canals, and I remember the gators as much as the fish.
Donna’s First Fish of 2013 from Shannon's Fly and Tackle on Vimeo.
We don’t get a lot of video from the Garden State, so it’s nice to see this footage of a woman catching her first trout of 2013 on, I assume, the South Branch of the Raritan. If that’s how she’s kicking off the season, she’s gonna have a lucky year.
Vest Issues from Joshua Ott on Vimeo.
Family is always there when you need them. Or when you’re doing something humiliating. Good thing we have video cameras and smartphones.
Puerto Rico from Brian Elward on Vimeo.
Finally, here’s some cool video of a saltwater trip to Puerto Rico that features plenty of action, if not the most exotic scenery. If I have to cast to a dock to catch a tarpon, I’ll cast to a dock. Have a great weekend!