Cutthroat trout--BC Kootenays edition

Cutthroat were my first fly fishing quarry and will always hold a special place in my heart.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Costa Rica Tarpon--Pain Edition

Tarpon have always looked like a ton of fun to fish.  This piece might make you think twice about that.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Trout Montage

Some excellent trout video and photos in this piece.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

BC Steelhead--Thompson River Edition

Or should I say lack of Thompson River steelhead.  One of the world's most fabled steelhead rivers is a shadow of its former self.  Some years it's open, others it's closed.  I still long to fish the huge water of the T as it's called by many and hook up on a big, powerful steelhead.  The combination of fish and river give you a chance to get spooled like few other places.  Wouldn't that be a story to tell.

Dry Fly Steelhead--Olympic Peninsula Edition

This is my kind of steelheading.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Rod Reaction--Christmas 2011

Believe me, I get giddy when I get a great new rod or reel.  But not quite this giddy.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Bow River Trout for Christmas

The Lo Fi Fly guys spit out a little bit of bow river rainbow and brown action for us on the Eve of the big day.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Alaska Rainbows

Dreading Alaska?

Don't fall for the stereotypes of guys with dreadlocks being uneducated.  There're insightful discussions about right angles and many other topics in this piece that brings back cold, painful memories of trying to put on frozen waders on winter steelheading trips.  Brrrr!

Big Bull Trout--Metolius River

Outside Bend Productions brings us an awesome bull trout fishing vid.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Paid in Full DVD Arrival Tomorrow

After hearing many requests for Paid in Full to be released on DVD in addition to being a web hosted video, I came to my senses.  The DVD's are in transit and are scheduled to arrive tomorrow.  If you want to see over an hour of incredible dry fly steelheading action, the DVD's are $29.95 and should be available for shipping by Friday.  For a taste of what you might see, check out the official trailer below.


To order, send an email request to info@flyfishingfantasies.com and we'll make it happen.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

New Zealand Browns--Mountain Bike Style

The mountain bike.  Most of us have one but don't realize it has huge benefits for fishing.  We often use them to bike up away from the majority of foot soldiers.  We also hide one in the bush quite often when fishing a long stretch of river.  At day's end a 5 minute bike ride back to the truck saves your legs a ton of walking and let's you feel a lot more rested for the next day's fishing.  Give it a try.

Topwater Redfish

Hot eats--torpedo style--set to Jay Z's tune Big Pimpin'.  What more can you ask for?


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Louisianna Redfish

Bonefish, Permit & More in the Seychelles

More Carpy Footage

Not sure why I passed over this video at the time but it was probably the title.  Love the editing.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Northern California Steelhead

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Monster California Rainbows

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

2011 East Coast US Surf and Inshore Fishing--Stripers

Some very cool scenes in this piece.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Spey Day--Montana Trout Edition

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Florida Keys Tarpon

Killer tarpon video!

Skeena Steelhead 2011

Big, beautiful Bulkley River BC steelhead at Frontier Farwest.

Chile Flyfishing?

One of the greatest fly fishing, rafting and kayaking regions on earth is threatened by massive dams.  A lot like BC only we're threatened by so called "green" dams.  BC's low elevation dams will still sacrifice much of the fish and wildlife and the ecotourism that depends on them.

Montana Trout

Very sweet fishing--incredibly beautiful scenery and trout.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Missouri River Dry Fly Trout Fishing

Louisianna Redfish

Big Russian Leopard Rainbows

18 minutes of surface fishing for bows.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

The Very Best of Kamchatka from Will Blair on Vimeo.

November Steelhead in Idaho

Bamboozled

The history of fly fishing started way back when with the handcrafted bamboo fly rod.  It's pretty nostalgic to see a bit of what goes in to fashioning one.  Check it out.

Huge Brown

The brown at the close of this video is an absolute "pig".  Hopefully Einar will invest in a new HD camera for his future videos but the quality of the fish is awesome.

Wyoming Trout

Oregon Steelhead--November 2011

Atlantic Salmon--Iceland

Wyoming Brown Trout--Laramie & Platte edition

Sweet scenery and brownies.

Australian Permit, Sailfish, & More

Although there are some slow bits, the sailfish portion is worth the wait.  See what you think.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Steelhead, Golden, Bonefish Montage

Todd Moen puts together some of his best bits of 2011--fishy, scenic,...sweet!

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Atlantic Salmon Norway

Big Bow's & Browns

Plus some great scenery as well.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Deschutes River Steelhead Fly Fishing

Ever listened to an angler with decades of experience and been mesmerized by their comments?

The Graphite Anniversary

My First

Not sure exactly when I bought my first Sage rod, but it may be over twenty years ago.  It was an eight weight (896-4 RPL) intended for fishing winter steelhead.  Sage rods were among the very best of rods at the time and still are.

Completion

My next purchase was a five weight (590-4 RPL +) that I bought in 1996 in preparation for five months in New Zealand fishing trout and playing rugby.  Okay it was also my honeymoon.  This was intended to be the rod that, like my wife, completed me.  I had a steelhead rod and a trout rod and being a river fanatic in the Pacific Northwest, I needed nothing more--or so I thought.

The Graphite Anniversary

For our tenth anniversary, I got my wife's ring redone.  She loved it and wears it every day.  I on the other hand, got a Sage 9140-4 two handed rod.  Funny how you never regret spending a sizeable chunk of your disposable income on things you love--yes, I mean you honey.  Honey can refer to multiple things right?  Apparently the rod that completed me ten years previous didn't.  How was I to know the two handed revolution would change the face of steelhead fly fishing.  Some of those formerly nasty to fish places have become great producers.

Living the Dream

Fitting that this blog entry is just days after our fifteenth anniversary.  When I play it all back, there seems to be a link between anniversaries and great gifts.  Somebody obviously knows me well.  Last year I had a taste of the dream.  I've been working hard the last couple of years to complete a dry line focused steelhead fly fishing video.  I put myself out there at a fly fishing symposium in Victoria and happened to cross paths with Sage's Western Canadian rep, Peter Morrison.  In response to seeing excerpts from our video,  Peter offered me a Sage sponsorship arrangement where I could purchase Sage products at reduced rates--kinda the employee family pricing type of deal.  As a friend said, you're living the fly fisher's dream.

Starving Artist

Although money is very tight being a start up operation with a dream, I still managed to squeeze out enough money to purchase two new rods to test drive in our video.  I've wanted a lighter two hander for summer run fishing ever since I realized the massive benefits of the two handed rod for winter steelhead.  Although the 8129-4 Z -Axis I purchased is also a sweet rod, the rod that gets all the work these days is the 7119-4 TCX.  It's light but easily handled the biggest steelies we were able to throw at it this year.  It's also a dream to cast with a dry line.

The Ultimate Dream

I've always wanted to fish the Dean River.  I'm hoping a wealthy donor will come my way soon, purchase all the filming, editing, and fishing equipment my little heart could desire and cover the cost of a trip to the Dean for me and a few buddies.  The donor is of course invited too.  Although the lodge experience would likely be awesome, I'd be overjoyed to be heli-dropped on the bar of a great run with my camping and fishing gear.  When it comes right down to it, it'll likely be the fishing, scenery and time with great friends that I remember most fondly.

Jerry Siem

I know Jerry Siem is Sage's legendary rod designer but can he talk to the powers that be and have them man up the designs of anniversary gifts a little.  I propose the tenth anniversary becomes the graphite anniversary.  Of course we'll need the aluminum bar stock anniversary, the drift boat anniversary, etc., etc.
Happy anniversary honey!

More Steelies!

Steelheading Oregon

Some great scenery and fish by Marty Sheppard.

Peeler

After a slow start to the video, this chrome bright steelie picks up the fly and peels a fair bit of line.

Silver King vs Golden Dorado

Could it be that golden dorado's are more fun than tarpon?  Watching the dorado chase a surface presented fly was a ton of fun and the reels were losing line at an extreme pace.  Check it out and see what YOU think.

Huge New Zealand Browns

Spent some time in NZ in 96 & 97.  Awesome trout fishing.

Olympic Peninsula Steelhead

The mossy trees, the steelhead, the spey casting...it all reminds me of home.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Big Brown Redefined

Brownies like this don't come along very often.  When you splash it like the big boss man to make sure it doesn't get outa yer net it makes the video that much better.  Why didn't I think of that?

Next Cast

Dry fly steelheading piece created for one of our awesome sponsors, RIO Products International, makers of outstanding fly lines.

Big Skeena Steelhead

Some specimens here.

Oregon Steelhead

Styria Lane

No, I didn't watch that show...much.


Incredibly pretty Austrian water, taimen, grayling, etc.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Holy Carp

Who knew carp could be a good gamefish?


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Big Brown Trout & Lots of 'Em

Although brown trout can't match steelies for speed, when they get as big as some of these Argies they're pretty awesome.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Ultimate Steelheading AVAILABLE NOW

Fly fishing for BC steelhead is as good as it gets, especially when they're swirling at skated dries or when you're sight fishing for them.  Fly Fishing Fantasies' video, Paid in Full, follows four fishermen attempting to get a piece of this made in BC goodness.  There's over twenty rises to dries in this video and many other incredible sights as well.


Check out the official trailer below--you won't be disappointed.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Go to flyfishingfantasies.com to purchase.

Boldly Go

Boldly go, or just dumb___?  When it comes to videos, DVD's look to be on their way out.  Can Blu-ray be far behind?  Fly Fishing Fantasies has chosen to host their new release, Paid in Full, online.  What're the benefits to YOU?

Benefits of Online Video Hosting versus Disks:

1. better picture quality than standard DVD’s
2. cheaper than Blu-ray
3. internet hosted so you never have to worry about damaging or losing (aka your fishing buddy lifted it) your DVD/Blu-ray or worry that you can’t play it once disks and disk players are totally phased out
4. you can purchase from home and be watching your video the same day in some circumstances (ie we are not out filming)
5. you can watch from any computer with an internet connection
6. more money goes to the filmmaker and less to production costs, shipping and middle men making it more likely that the “starving artist” will live to tell another story
7. more environmentally conscious than printing and recycling of disks and packaging

I'm sure there are other good reasons.  Please, fill me in.

Steelhead Rising in Huge Numbers

ETA


Paid in Full boasts over twenty dry fly steelhead rises and they're coming your way in a matter of hours.  If all website work goes according to plan tomorrow, our steelhead sight fishing and dry fly fishing masterpiece, as voted by me, will be available for purchase by late tomorrow.  I'm ecstatic with the final product and given the feedback we've received from several fly fishing industry insiders, many other people will be just as impressed.


The Difference


Unlike some fishing videographers, we keep the camera running by packing lots of batteries.  The result?  You get to see the rise, the take, the hook set, that initial frenetic run and all the incredible surroundings that steelhead call home.  You also get to see steelhead approaching twenty pounds that fell victim to a well presented dry fly and the xxxx-eating grin on the face of the guy that presented that fly.  In addition to carrying lots of batteries, we also use wireless lapel microphones to bring the authentic sounds of a screaming Islander Reel.


I can't wait!


Take your last look at our previous trailer below if you choose as it'll be replaced by Paid in Full's official trailer within hours.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Islander Reels Reinvests

After viewing Fly Fishing Fantasies' dry fly steelheading video Paid in Full, which is due out in a matter of days, Islander Reels gives a vote of confidence by agreeing to a substantial future sponsorship agreement.  Islander staff characterized the video as "Awesome!!!!!".


Right back at ya Islander, your reels are also awesome!!!!!  Just ask Rory whose previous reel melted down and seized on two separate steelhead the year before Islander sponsored Fly Fishing Fantasies.  Trust me, a steelhead can move out when it wants to.


To order Paid in Full, contact info@flyfishingfantasies.com.

Atlantic Salmon Lithuania Style

What a quiet, peaceful river for salmon fishing.  Awesome!

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Rod & Gun

Sweet Utah trout of all the major varieties--cutts, bows & brownies.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Ohio Steelies

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

300 Days of Sun

A real estate advertisement that'll get you thinking about moving and bringing your rod along with you.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Cure for Short Days

As fall and winter push in and the days shorten, a guy (or gal) can't help but wish for a little time down south in the sun.  Throw in some bonefish and you even keep the fishing crowd happy.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Oregon Steelhead

Great landscapes and a lot of steelhead.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Best Online Fly Fishing Retailer?

Why Buy Online?


If you want the lowest price, you don't live near a fly shop, your local shop doesn't carry all the brands you prefer, or you prefer shopping online period, click through from our blog (top right side) or website to Fishwest.  You'll get the guaranteed best price and support Fly Fishing Fantasies at the same time.


Reasons Fishwest is the Best Online Fly Fishing Retailer For You


Top tier and price point fly fishing equipment combined with a lowest price guarantee, secure shopping, 30 day no questions asked/satisfaction guaranteed return policy even on sale and closeout items, free shipping for all US orders and for international orders over $300.


Why Fly Fishing Fantasies Chose to Affiliate with Fishwest

1. Lower threshold for free international shipping than other online retailers.
2. 30 day no questions asked/satisfaction guaranteed return policy.  If your waders don't fit or the rod wasn't the perfect match for you, back it goes.  This makes shopping with Fishwest no risk.
3. Ability to return closeout and sale items.  You don't find this one often.
4. Thousands of products available to match every budget.
5. Lowest price guarantee.  Can't get any lower than lowest.
6. Secure shopping.

How to Use

Simply click on the Fishwest logo on our blog (top right side) or website and you'll be taken to a page listing all subcategories to help you quickly find what you're looking for.  These subcategories include rods, reels, lines, wading gear, fly tying, etc.  Fishwest accepts PayPal and all major credit cards.

Added Benefit

Your click through business will help Fly Fishing Fantasies further the fight against Run of River Hydroelectric and other projects detrimental to our environment.

PNW Fall Steelhead

South west Washington has a few nice summer run steelhead to chase in the fall.


If you're into steelheading, watch for Fly Fishing Fantasies' Paid in Full official trailer and the full length video due to be released within a matter of days/weeks.  Biased source says it's gonna be good.  It not only features some incredible steelheading, it also contains Skate U--a dry fly steelheading tutorial, some hilarious outtakes, and tons of awesome scenery.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Head & Tail

I usually like what the frontside fly boys have to offer--dry flies for trout in secluded spots.  And this time a great cast to a head and tail rise from a nice brown trout.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

G'day Mate

Sweet landscapes to fish in.  I like.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Brown Baggin'

Fast action streamer fishing for browns in Colorado.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Rainbow Warriors

Multiple nice rainbows in fall conditions.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Sail

New Orleans redfishing set to my favourite tune of late--Sail by Awolnation.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Nookie

Plenty of chinook on the fly.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Harrrr! Poons

Awesome tarpon eats among other things.  Check it...


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

St. Mary's River Nymphomaniac

All this Alberta attention lately should keep a few people out of BC for a while at least.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Off The Grid

RA Beattie's film Off the Grid is finally off the presses.  Here's the trailer.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Cutt Me

Fishing beautiful Montana wilderness rivers for cutts.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Spaghetti Western Meets Fly Fishing

These Scandi's get more than they bargained for when they attempt to explore the wilds of the great white north.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Double D Ranch

By Double D, I mean Double Diamond River Ranch.  Minds out a the gutta people--I'm talkin rainbow trout fishing for "toads" in Colorado.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

ET

As in, eatin's treatin'--tarpon style.  If you're like me and like to watch big fish eat in plain view or maybe right off the surface then go ballistic, this one delivers.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

St. Mary's Hog--Alberta Rainbows

Head guides usually have a bit of character that spills out periodically.  Check out Cam Jensen's words to live by.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Ride 'em & Rope 'em

Or play 'em and net'em in this case--Alberta Canada style.  Incredible river rainbow fishing on the fly.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Hos

And by hos, I mean Cohos.  Awesome filming and editing show BC off in the best way.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

_ _ _ _faced!

Some beauty Alaskan rainbows and well...some other stuff too.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Alberta Flyfishing 2011

Amateur video it is, but in some of the most majestic mountains.  There's also a bunch of buddies having a great ol' time on a fly fishing trip.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

More Steelies!

Although a little too far for a day trip from BC, the boys in Ohio are poppin some nice steelies.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Light Tippet

I must say at first glance I didn't expect much from this piece.  However it delivered in ways that were very sweet--many different big trout boiling on dry flies.  Heavier tippet or a softer strike would've capped off the events but hey, we've all been there.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Fast Steelheading Anyone

Kodiak Island Alaska is home to G-bars and apparently quite a few steelies.  See what ya think...


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Well Fed

Here's the match pair for yesterday's post.  More rainbows with bellies that are chocka.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Football Season

Football shaped rainbow trout that is.   Them thar Alberta boys got some good fishin.......mmmmhmm.

If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Time for a Caning

Some pretty streams to flick your bamboo rod about.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Grand Scenery and Grandsons

I'm a sucker for watching neophytes get turned on to fly fishing and for incredible forests, mountains and rivers.  Yosemite is something.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Two in Da Bush

Fly fishing with single handers often involves peeling your fly out of the trees behind you.  That said, the frontsidefly gang often impresses for rising trout.  See what you think...


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Norwegian Grayling & Brown Trout

Stunning scenery while driftboating a huge river.

Cuba.....Sea

Tarpon, bonefish, & permit.  I smell grand slam breakfast at Denny's.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Black Canyon Brown Trout

Float trips look like an awesome way to do a multi-day trip.  Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison River looks like an awesome place to do it.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Victoria November 1

I may take a crack at the Fly Fishing Film Tour for 2012.  If I get the rest of my work done, that is.


The 2011 tour is showing at Robinson's Outdoor Store in my home town of Victoria on November 1.  See you there???


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Fear the Eared

Don't try piercing your ear yourself unless there's plenty of saline around.  I especially don't recommend trying to pierce it with your fly.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Ahhhhh, Skeena Steelhead

Beautiful fish.  Chrome with a little pink blush.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Mountains, Moose & Moraines

And, oy yeah, a few high mountain cutthroat trout in pretty Colorado.

Bow River. Buggers.

These guys usually make me laugh and they usually make me want to fish the Bow River.

Fish Look Fat in those France

I didn't say do you want to dance.

Metolius

Drove by the Metolius a few summers ago but never had the time to wet a line.  Looks like pretty tidy flyfishing for some sweet bows.

Nice Tri

Montana.  Nuff said.

What a Cracka!

I know, it's spelt cracker, but that's not how an Aussie pronounces it.  I must say this is the first time I've ever heard of an Australian Murray Cod.  It's a freshwater fish very similar in appearance to a bass.  These fish apparently live to be 70 years old and 250 lbs.


For something a little different than the normal fare and especially for those into freshwater bass type fishing, check it out.  If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Best Story 2011 Drake Fly Fishing Video Awards

"Doc" had to give up practicing medicine because of Parkinson's disease.  Through the help of a dedicated and very helpful guide, he has immersed himself in a new passion.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Chile Flyfishing

These guides look to be able to deliver the goods when it comes to duping large trout.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.

Redsides

Not sure why a rainbow in the Deschutes got elevated to the status of being called a Redside, but hey, why worry about it.


If you can't see the video link, go to flyfishingfantasies.blogspot.com.