F3T is back *froths*, with a line up that looks better than my current Netflix suggestions. The range of species, the beautiful locations, and the diversity of anglers is ticking many boxes (except African ones). It seems that the Fly Fishing Film Tour 2024 judges have drifted away from the mildy yawn-inducing dominance of US-Midwest trout films, and given us a more varied buffet this year. Keen!
WHAT LIES ABOVE
South African film maker Simon Kay is making headway with his debut Fly Fishing Film Tour feature ‘What Lies Above‘. Read more about Simon and his gear in Issue 43’s “What’s in My Bag”.
“What Lies Above is a film that tells the story of a unique change in feeding behaviour of permit along the Yucatan Peninsula. An increase in the amount of a floating seaweed called Sargassum being driven into the coastline is creating havoc with tourism and the environment as it piles up and rots. However, a crab that the permit in Xcalak, Mexico have learnt to hunt as a regular food source lives in this floating mass. Join Chase Looney and guide Raul Sanchez on the hunt for permit on the surface in this extraordinary town.”
RIO GIGANTES
“Peacock bass unquestionably stand out as one of the most intriguing catches on a fly in the Amazon, and Rio Marie is an exceptional location. Helmut Zanderer had previously targeted various peacock bass species but landing a trophy fish, one exceeding 20 pounds, was uncharted territory for him. Follow him and his team as they venture deep into the Amazon jungle as they chase Cichla temensis, the largest in the family of the peacock bass.”
TRANSITIONS – THE BOW
“This short film features Kate Wilson, her husband and friends, as they seek out to make the most out of the spring ‘shoulder’ season in search of large brown trout, in between turns up at the local ski hill. This film showcases what taking advantage of your backyard can look like and how two passions can overlap within the same season, spring!”
VISIBILITY
“Lael Johnson, Steelhead guide, navigates Washington waters while unpacking challenges faced throughout his youth and present day. And how these experiences effected him, shaped him, and ultimately saved him.”
MARLIN FLY PROJECT
“The project, which took place in Southwestern Baja, Mexico, December 2022, stands as the ultimate culmination of community and conservation. Led by Costa, it brought together Costa Pros, leading billfish scientists, conservation organisations, and community partners to pursue this mission in tandem with local captains, guides and the San Carlos community.”
RODS, ROLLS AND REALITY ON THE SOČA
“Swapping paddles for rods, this crew of kayakers attempt to learn how to put the hook in the right spot. Under the emerald waters of Slovenia’s Soča River hides an endemic trout, creating both a classroom and a playground for misadventure.”
ONLY THE SALMON KNOW
“For the past 15 years, Fred Campbell has traveled relentlessly across eastern Canada to fly fish for Atlantic salmon. In the rich territories of Nunavik, Labrador, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Quebec, he has discovered beautiful rivers where these mysterious fish come to spawn. After all these years, his passion and curiosity are still strong. His desire to get in touch with the fish of a lifetime has grown over the years, pushing him to continue learning and exploring. Stories of great salmon have been heard, but for them to take the fly, many factors must align.
This year, to celebrate Hooké’s 10th anniversary, Fred went on a trip to three rivers where he had never fished, in search of the fish he had been dreaming of all these years. Accompanied by local guides and good friends, he ventured out on the Causapscal, Patapedia and Restigouche rivers for the trip of a lifetime where only the salmon know why they take the fly.”
A LINE IN THE SAND
“The island of Andros is a pristine ecosystem, with the largest freshwater source in the Bahamas, massive mangrove shoreline, of the world’s largest barrier reefs, and a legendary bonefish habitat. Now, a small group of anglers and activists are raising their voices in an effort to stop a 5,000-acre limestone mine threatening its future.”
TRIPLE TROUBLE
“For MB, it’s time. She’s long dreamed of going to the salt to chase a new species on a fly rod, and now, it’s her opportunity. But there’s a hitch. She’s not interested in the A-list of fly fishing species. Permit? Not right now. Bonefish? Might be nice. Trevally? Well, that’s a long plane ride. No, MB wants to do this her way. She wants… a tripletail. For Danielle, saltwater species are home. From the Eastern shore of Mobile Bay, all the way to the Florida Keys, she’s cut her teeth on every saltwater species imaginable. She’s passionate about protecting tripletail and raising awareness for the species. Together, they’ll travel across the south, deep into the Alabama River delta to try and catch what many consider one of the most unique fish in saltwater.”
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