On days I cannot fish or be outdoors, an outdoor video short is generally a good way to put a smile on my face. As such I am going to begin posting a few videos from time to time that I really enjoy and think you guys will as well. I hope some make you reflect, some inspire, and others laugh. To begin, here is one of my favorites entitled, "Where the Wild Fish Are" from Bobby Foster on Vimeo. Enjoy.

This is the film that started me on my addiction to "fish porn" and in many ways highly influenced the subsequent wave of fly fishing films industry wide. From Confluence Films in 2008, Drift is still a great film and if you haven't seen it or own it, it is worth picking up. The film travels first to Oregon's Deschutes River in pursuit of Steelhead on a Spey Rod, then moves to Belize for Permit, to a variety of Western Tailwaters, the Bahamas chasing Bones, and finally to the unlikely Kashmir Mountains. Had you told me in 2008 I would travel to two of the locations featured in this film (Abaco, Bahama's & The Frying Pan), let alone be confidently fly fishing I would have thought you were crazy. Watching now I look at these places with longing for my return, but until then I have the film and its a damn good one. Here is the link to the trailer. 

Black Tailed Devils, is a film about Permit fishing in Key West. Overall its a good movie but I do have a few reservations. But first to the good: the film does a really good job showing the frustration which is inherent to flats fishing and in particular--Permit Fishing. I admit I myself was a little spoiled in that I caught a Permit my second time out, we will call it beginners luck. Having seen many then and since I can attest that they are incredibly spookish, difficult to catch (your presentation must be precise and close), and once you catch one they are incredibly strong. As the film emphasizes: you will remember each and every Permit you catch. Secondly, the film offers a strong conservation message. Several individuals talk towards the end of the dichotomy facing Permit: to flats anglers they are highly treasured and sought after; perhaps even more so than Tarpon and Bonefish, but to commercial fisherman and reef anglers they are simply a food source. A great organization: The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, which I have linked on the side of this blog is doing great conservation work tagging these fish to get an idea of the numbers and longevity of the species. Third, the film includes a lot of quality fish porn. You get plenty of action shots of guys landing permit, casting to them, and superb runs, I promise you will look dream of your own Permit after viewing this. Now to the negative. Firstly, the film tries to present itself as edgy lots of rock and hip-hop background music but then bleeps out any curse words. I mean come on, if you fish you are bound to either have a pirate mouth yourself or be surrounded by those who do. In general we are not a saintly bunch. If they wished to not include curse words then I wish they would have just edited those shots out rather than bleep them, it just serves as a distraction. Secondly, the film is just too short, 27 minutes. Just as you are getting into the action it cuts you off. I really would have appreciated the movie more if it would have spanned 45 minutes to an hour. That said if you like flats fishing and dream of Permit I would say this movie is a must have. It will definitely bring a smile to your face. 

Following ground breaking movies Drift, and Rise, Confluence Films has brought us a new fly fishing film named, Connect. Quite simply I think this is the best yet from Confluence. The locations are exotic, the anglers superb, and most markedly--dynamic cinematography. Simply put, Connect is eye candy sure to make any angler weak in the knees.

The documentary travels to Africa for Tigerfish, Yellowstone for Trout, Maine for Stripped Bass, Cuba chasing Permit and Tarpon, Yamame in Japan, and Pike in Alaska. 

Again I cannot, emphasize enough how beautiful this film is to watch. Fishing aside, you want to be where the anglers are just to be able to take in the scenery. Further I felt this film focused less on the personalities of the anglers themselves and more on the locations and angling than the previous films. This means less talking and more eye candy. 

Great film, easily one of the best I have seen. Do yourself a favor and watch it. You wont be disappointed. Below I  have posted a link to the trailer.