Die Fliegenfischer Szene wird seit kurzem mit einer Flut von DVD's überschwemmt und darunter hat es auch sehr gutes Material, wie z.B. "Cracking the Code", der sicher beste Lachsfischer-Film. Sehr gute Filme gibt es auch über schöne Fischgewässer und interessante Destinationen für den Fliegenfischer. In Sachen Fliegenwurf-Technik scheinen die Filme der Hebeisen-Fliegenfischerschule heute noch das Mass der Dinge zu sein, kommt doch diesbezüglich seit vielen Jahren nicht einmal mehr eine brauchbare Andersversion auf den Markt. Lesen Sie was der internationale Fliegenfischer J.P. Kauthen zu diesem Thema zu berichten hat.
Flyfishing media explosion by Jean-Paul Kauthen
We are currently witnessing a flyfishing media explosion. Indeed the interested flyfisher and the general public today have numerous possibilities to inform themselves about the various aspects of our sport, about flyfishing destinations and, due to the channel Internet, can actively participate in the ongoing discussions and development.
Time therefore to write a review about what is currently going on. I have subdivided the media contributions into five categories and will mainly review some of the videos and DVDs that are currently on the (European) market. I will give a brief overview what the interested flyfisher can find on the Internet as well. That this review cannot be complete and closing and that only the tip of the iceberg can be discussed is obvious. I try to give you my personal opinion on what I enjoy most.
In this review I have classified the Videos and DVDs into four categories:
1 - Flyfishing introduction
2 - Instruction
3 - Destinations
4 - Documentary
At the end I will discuss contributions that can be found on the Interent in category
5 - Internet
Beyond the scope of this article are flyfishing books and contributions about flytying.
I would not like to start this review without mentioning THE MOVIE that every flyfisherman and -women should and probably does know, namely Robert Redford's "A River Runs through It" based on the celebrated story by Norman Maclean. This movie introduces flyfishing to the general public and triggered a boom in flyfishing activities all over the world. It is the story of a family in Montana, more precisely of two brothers who grow up with flyfishing as part of their daily lives. The flyfishing scenes in this movies are very spectacular and the story is very touching.
So, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy ...
1 - Flyfishing introduction
I grew up - flyfishingly speaking - with the videos of the flyfishing professional Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen. His contributions "Eine Lebenseinstellung" (A Way of Life) and "So fängt es an ..." (This is how it begins ...) give a good view of what it means to be a flyfisherman - repect of nature, the environment and the creature fish - and how the basic techniques - dry fly, nymph and streamer fishing - are applied to catch trout. With the third volume about "Lachsfischen in Irland" (Salmon fishing in Ireland), this series has been produced by a professional TV crew and the results show.
In his DVD "An Introduction to Flyfishing", the flyfishing legend Mel Krieger explains the joys of flyfishing in a very charismatic way. He is able to expertly inspire the viewers who are definitely thirsty for more after this film.
The collection "Fly Fishing Volumes 1 - 3" by Arthur Oglesby give a nice overview of the diversity of flyfishing: it contains "An Introduction to Fly Fishing", "Trout, Grayling & Salmon" and "Stillwater Fly Fishing". A scene with Hugh Falkus, the great salmon fisherman, in Volume 2 is worth mentioning.
2 - Instruction
Today there are many good instruction videos and DVDs on the market. They usually explain the different casts in detail step by step. However, it is not always easy for the student to leave the TV behind and practice the casts on the lawn or at the waterside. Such instruction movies are very valuable and make advance our sport, however they can never replace a flyfishing course or casting lessons with a good instructor.
A good start are the "classic" videos of former casting world champion and flyfishing instructor Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen. In "Fliegenfischen für Anfänger" (Flyfishing for Beginners) Parts 1 and 2, he gets across the basics of flycasting to an absolute beginner. In the more advanced video "Hohe Schule des Fliegenwerfens" (Advanced Flycasting) he shows numerous special casts for the advanced flyfisher. With all those casts, a flyfisher should be able to cope with most of the fishing situations.
Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen has been inspired a lot by one of his teachers, the legendary Hans Gebetsroither, riverkeeper of the Gmundner Traun. Hans Gebetsroither, also known as the "inventor" of the Austrian or Gebetsroither casting style, joined the flyfishing school of Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen as an instructor as can be witnessed in the two videos "Gebetsroither - Der Meister lehrt" (The Master is teaching) and "Gebetsroither am Meisterkurs" (Master Class). These contributions now have historic value and should be a good reference for the next generations.
In the further more recent video "Faszination Fliegenwerfen" (also available in English "Fascination Fly Casting"), Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen explains the advantages and disadvantages of the different casting styles and hand grip positions. He documents why the natural hand grip position and the casting style of his flyfishing school are best in most situations. This video also contains casting scenes with some of his students and I am proud to have been part of this production. All videos of Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen are now also available on DVD.
Mel Krieger's DVDs "The Essence of Flycasting", "The Essence of Flycasting II & Spey Casting" and "Flycasting Faults & Fixes" are an important reference too. The master explains in a very playful and intuitive way the basic and more advanced casts. Everything looks easy and good and indeed it is!
The DVD "Lefty Kreh on Fly Casting" by yet another flyfishing legend, namely Lefty Kreh, is destined to a more advanced flycaster. Lefty explains his four basic principles of flycasting and laws of physics and nicely and clearly demonstrates with the help of a shelf why a straight line is all important in flycasting.
Instruction videos and DVDs were dominated until recently by teachers of one-hand rods and casting techniques. This is about to change. Many very good instruction videos for techniques for two-handed rods recently emerged and many of these techniques, in particular modern Spey casting, can be applied with a one-hand rod and give a lot of fun.
One of the first contributions in this field is the DVD "Hugh Falkus on Fly Casting for Trout & Salmon" by Hugh Falkus. Hugh Falkus is mostly known for his famous books "Sea Trout Fishing" and "Salmon Fishing". This DVD now has historic value.
The DVD "The Art of Spey Casting" precisely shows how two-handed rod casting techniques can be used with a one-hand rod without any problem whatsoever. This movie is hosted by Lani Waller. Seventeen of the world's best casters, including Simon Gawesworth, Ian Gordon, Bill Drury, Knut and Trond Syrstad and many more, show their styles and skills. This DVD is a pleasure to watch, it is very entertaining and contains a lot of interesting bonus material.
"RIO's Modern Spey Casting" contains three DVDs with Simon Gawesworth, Dana Sturn and other expert casters. This is a very well done collection which every salmon fisherman and -woman should be aware of. All Spey casts - classic or traditional Spey casts, scandinavian style underhand casts with shooting heads and the Skagit style which has become very popular in the Pacific Northwest - are explained step by step and can be watched from different camera angles. Unique biokinetic footage is also included. A true reference!
The newest contribution to the two-handed instruction videos is the DVD "Scott Mackenzie's Spey casting Masterclass" by three times Spey casting world champion Scott Mackenzie. This movie contains majestic views of the rivers Spey and Ness in Scotland. Scott also adds a historic dimension to his DVD by telling the story of Alexander Grant, one of the greatest Spey casters of all time. He nicely explains his very effective Mackenzie style of distance Spey casting. Fishing scenes with a few wonderful Scottish salmon are also included in this great DVD. Lovely Sottish accent as well!
3 - Destinations
Great and exciting flyfishing destinations can be found all over the world. Many well made videos and DVDs that show these magnificient destinations are available to the flyfisher.
My absolutely favorite DVD collection is "A River Somewhere" by Australian TV men Rob Sitch and Tom Gleisner. Although this collection was produced in 1997 and 1998, it contains brilliant images of top flyfishing destination all over the world: Australia, New Zealand, Bhutan, Scotland, Italy, Venezuela, Belize and the USA. Sitch and Gleisner travel to these destinations in twelve half-hour episodes and comment in a hilarious way about people, culture, history, flyfishing, -casting and -tying and the troubles getting to these places. My favorite line is by Tom Gleisner: "There are stretches of this water where trout won't rise to a fly unless it is presented by someone wearing a jacket and a tie". Of course he is talking about a trout stream somewhere in England. The soundtrack is by Liam Bradley and there could be no better match to the images and situations in the episodes. Today it may be difficult to find this collection, but I highly recommend buying it. As a matter of fact, it will make you addicted and you will start watching the episodes over and over again. Trust me!
Other favorites are the DVDs of the Sporting Fly. I became aware of these great productions on the Internet and these guys had to change their billing system so that I could order the DVDs with a European credit card online. In the first two DVDs "Kenai River Alaska" and "Fremont River Utah", host Dave Long flyfishes with guides and thus uses local knowledge to improve chances of catching extraordinary fish. The newest DVD "A Bamboo Artisan on the Ruby River with Jerry Kustich" is different as it contains a healthy mix of presenting a personality - Jerry Kustich - and his ideas and books, of flyfishing the Ruby River with bamboo rods and, on the lighter side, of relaxing at the campsite. One does not see trophy fish, but instead it is shown how to fish a nice river in a great environment and how to have great pleasure doing so. All episodes are shot in outstanding quality and are very realistic. A must have!
Now it is time to have the "enfants terribles" of the business make their entry. Like no other productions, those of AEG Media (Angling Exploration Group) are shaking the industry. "The Trout Bum Diaries Vol.1 - Patagonia" and "The Trout Bum Diaries Vol. 2 - Kiwi Camo - A New Zealand Adventure" show how young American lads explore trout streams in Patagonia and New Zealand. In a totally unconventional and authentic way, these guys show how they fish for trophy trout. These DVDs are refreshing and reflect the high frequency and new rhythm of the new age we live in (Internet, YouTube, ...). Spectacular scenes of giant trout taking dry flies from the surface can be seen. The guys also initiated a Fly Fishing Film Tour all over the US, where they invited fellow filmmakers to present their productions. Now, in spring 2008, they are back with yet another outstanding episode, "Fish Bum I: Mongolia - River Wolf". This time they are in search of the giant taimen, the largest trout species of the planet. Well done guys!
A more traditional art of presentation can be found in "Destination Trout New Zealand" by intrepidangler.com. Trout waters of the north and south islands of New Zealand are presented in detail.
Mel Krieger also has a DVD about Patagoina, "Mel Krieger's Patagonia". Here he shows a great flyfishing destination and summarizes forty years of flyfishing in Argentina.
Hans-Ruedi Hebeisen has produced two videos on Patagonia, "Streamerfischen in Patagonien" (Streamer Fishing) and "Fliegenfischen in Patagonien" (Flyfishing in Patagonia). He is fishing for large brown, rainbow and brook trout. A good meal with a nice piece of meat and a good glass of wine often ends the day. In his video "Lachsfischen in Irland" (Salmon Fishing in Ireland) he shows how to fish for Atlantic salmon. The video contains nice scenes from the Screebe System, Lough Corrib, the Galway Weir and the Ridge Pool in Ballina, all in western Ireland.
Let's come back to Europe with the nice productions of the Mountain Media company around Jussi Sjölund. The episodes "Fly Fishing in the Yukon Canada" (Dalton Trail Lodge), "Mörrum", "A Fly Fishing Adventure in Lappland", "Springers from the Spey", "Orkla - A Norwegian Salmon Adventure" and "Flyfishing in Mongolia", the authors take us to extraordinary locations and make us witness flyfishing for beautiful fish.
The french team of Stonefly Production around Alain Morizot also created a very nice collection with the title "Destination Mouche". It includes episodes on the Green River, Henr'y Fork, Silver Creek and Madison in the USA, the Gmundner Traun in Austria, Cayo Largo in Cuba and the south island of New Zealand. Here too, local knowledge of local guides enables the team to catch extraordinary fish. Very nice films with audio in French, English and German!
Martin Falklin's videos "Brown Trout - The Last Kingdom" and "Atlantic Salmon - The Last Kingdom" produced by Ecofilm and the WWF take you to the Kola Peninsula and show you how rich an environment mostly untouched by human hands may be. These are two wonderful movies that show the history of the Sami people, life cycles of salmon and trout and the sustainable fishing environment that is being set up. Beware of mosquitos!
Other videos and DVDs I like are "Die schönsten Fliegenstrecken in Österreich" (The Nicest Flyfishing Stretches in Austria) by Sepp Prager, the film "Soca der smaragdene Fluss" which contains the history of the Soca river and its indigenous marble trout, and the film "Cracking the Code - Hooking a Salmon" by Henrik Mortensen.
4 - Documentary
A lot of material is available on flycasting and flyfishing destinations but less footage is available about the flyfisher's main object of desire, the trout itself.
In the collection "The Underwater World of Trout" Wendell "Ozzie" Ozefovich corrects this lack on footage about trout itself. Volume 1 "Discovery" and Volume 2 "Feeding Lies" take the viewer underwater with the trout. He can watch trout feeding on drifting insects and surface flies and find out all about trout behavior. An absolute must have seen!
In the documentary "Trout Grass", David Jones Duncan nicely shows how bamboo, a grass species in China is transformed into a split-cane fly rod. Very nice images of the other side of the world!
5 - Internet
The real flyfishing media explosion is currently taking place in the Internet in social networking sites like YouTube and MySpace and in fishing forums all around the world. Thousands of pictures, blog and discussion contributions and short movie clips can be viewed online, which make it impossible to review everything.
I would like to point out only very few contributions that are of a high enough quality to be mentioned in the same breath as the videos and DVDs mentioned above.
First there is the Fly Fish Radio Podcast that was started by Wylie Thomas and Mike Overton in October 2005. Since then they produced 40 high quality podcasts with such illustrious guests as Norm Albiston, Leftry Kreh, the guys from AEG Media, Dave Long and many more. Check out www.flyfishradio.com or search for Fly Fish Radio in the Podcast section of the iTunes Store. My favorite episodes are those with Norm Albiston where he talks about the five things you can change in flyfishing to become a better fisherman or -woman, the three "C's" and how to become a fish predator.
Another great Podcast is produced by Zach Matthews on the very classy Itinerant Angler website www.itinerantangler.com. In his 39 episodes so far he also interviews well known people like Rick Pope of TFO, the guys from AEG Media, Simon Gawesworth, Lefty Kreh, Jason Borger, Peter Morse, Charles Jardine and many more. Zach also has a blog, photoblog and hosts a discussion forum. Check out his website or search for Itinerant Angler in the Podcast section of the iTunes Store.
The very first podcast episodes on flyfishing in German and French can be found in the Podcast section of my website. Wylie, Mike and Zach have inspired me with their work and I hope to be able to produce as many high quality episodes as they did. Keep your fingers crossed!
Again, this was only the tip of the iceberg. Nevertheless I hope that you liked this review and I would greatly appreciate if you could leave me a comment. Thanks a lot! Cheers and tight lines ...
Have a look at my other blog entries at www.flyfisherjournal.com
Picture with kind permission of AEG Media