2025 F3T Behind the Lens: Left Field

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January 22, 2025

The 2025 Fly Fishing Film Tour is fast approaching, bringing another exciting lineup of captivating stories from the water. To get you pumped for this year’s films, we’re sharing an exclusive look at the filmmaking process through our F3T Behind the Lens series. Be sure to check out the full 2025 schedule HERE and grab your tickets today!

In this Behind the Lens article, we sit down with filmmaker Tyler Soares to discuss his newest documentary, Left Field. The film delves into the unique story of the Iorg family, a tight-knit crew of anglers who left suburban life behind to embrace a journey of growth, healing, and connection on the open road. From heartfelt moments to life lessons learned on the water, Tyler shares the creative process, profound themes of fatherhood, and why this story is about so much more than just fishing. Check out the full interview below!

Family Celebration. Photo Credit: @lc_real

Flylords: Tyler, tell us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been making films, and what is your personal relationship with fly fishing?

Tyler: I’ve been making films for the last 6 or 7 years, but fly fishing films more recently in the last 3. I’m living in Florida at the moment and love the documentary space. I actually met Camden, my partner on this film, at last year’s F3T. He’s a real salt-of-the-earth guy, and we became best buds. We went from Instagram messaging to bunking together in London 5 months later, where I first pitched him on this film.

I really suck at catching fish, if I’m being honest, but I show up!

Flylords: What was it about this family’s story that grabbed you, and at what point did you realize it was something that needed to be told on film?

Tyler: One day, I was scrolling the internet, and this 8-year-old girl with a massive personality popped on my Instagram feed. It was obvious that she was fishing better than most grown adults.

And then you realize there’s a second tiny human on the same path as his sister. To see a 7 and 8-year-old rowing the boat and overcoming fear at that age was very special. You just want to see this family win together.

What I was watching felt very authentic. Like something you can’t manufacture, and that’s what really caught my attention.

Flylords: How did you first connect with the family, and what was the process like of getting them comfortable enough to share their lives and struggles on camera?

Tyler: I slid into Eli’s direct messages. A modern day love story. The way Eli describes it, I reached out a few days after he and his wife were thinking about sharing their story. But they were waiting for the right person to help tell it.

I’ve stopped trying to make sense of this world and how timing works. But it lined up perfectly. From that point on I was really just trying to make a friend, keep up with him and keep the line open. I was super transparent from the beginning about the type of storyteller I am and my intentions. And from there it was all about showing up, being a friend, and building trust.

As far as getting comfortable, the minute we arrived at the RV Park where the Iorg family was staying, they welcomed us with open arms. We met the kids and immediately got along. S’mores around a campfire was the bonding moment. When you can have fun with the kids, and they genuinely want to be around you, then it’s never forced. We were there for five days, that’s five breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and all that time on the boat too. We became comfortable very quickly, to the point when we were leaving it was like saying goodbye to family.

As for some of the sensitive topics, Nina, Eli’s wife, was very open to helping me navigate the best way to communicate with Eli and what to focus on.

Even though they’ve been around the camera for a while, a big cinema camera is different from their “set it and forget it” Insta-360. We showed the kids the gear and got them used to it, then they forgot all about it when they were fishing on the river.

Flylords: The film dives into some heavy themes—family dynamics and learning how to feel whole again. Was it challenging to address those topics while keeping it a “fishing film”?

Tyler: As far as addressing these topics and keeping it a fishing film, no, that wasn’t challenging. Fishing and the outdoors have been the center of gravity for the Iorg family.

The most challenging part of this film was the baseball scene that we filmed on day four. Camden and I showed up that night as friends, not the director and DP. After spending so much time with the family, we were so sensitive to their feelings and listened instead of over-directing.

Flylords: The idea of leaving the suburbs for a year and hitting the road is a big leap. How did their decision to do that resonate with you or speak to any bigger cultural shifts you’ve noticed?

Tyler: The Iorg family is paving their own way to live, completely leaving behind society’s ideals for success. Generationally, the blueprint has been to have a job, feed your family, and then you can explore when you retire. I’ve come to reject the idea of finding time for fun things later. With remote work in today’s world, it still takes a level of trust and risk to make a big decision like this.

It’s inspiring to see them take advantage of the now and as parents to live their lives in a more creative way, and also give their children an entirely untraditional childhood.

Flylords: The father’s approach with his kids is really unique—he treats them like equals, doesn’t sugarcoat things, and trusts them with real responsibilities. How did you go about capturing those dynamics naturally, and why do you think this approach worked so well for their family?

Tyler: I think the approach works for their family because it’s what he and his wife decided on. I’m not a father yet but after speaking with Eli, he’s the first one to say it’s not a one size fits all model.

As far as capturing that, Camden and I wanted to show up and first immerse ourselves in the family dynamic. No cameras. We didn’t want to introduce something new to them that would take them out of their groove or force some unnatural behaviors.

Eli has his own way of filming on the water, so we just followed them from behind and had them mic’d up. The family kept business as usual and did their chores and errands. We didn’t want to manufacture anything, and we didn’t want to impose on private moments that the family wanted to keep for themselves.

Flylords: What was the best, worst, or weirdest part of creating this film? Take your pick.

Tyler: The best part was the southern hospitality. The Iorgs treated us like family. Camden and I were fully prepared to eat ramen noodles, sleep in his camper van, and dirtbag it. But we were welcomed with open arms, home-cooked meals, and genuine quality time.

The second best part was watching Isla teach my wife how to cast a fly rod and then putting her on her first trout. You can’t beat that.

Flylords: This story is incredibly personal but also feels universal for anyone who’s struggled with finding—or re-finding—themselves. What kind of impact are you hoping the film has on audiences?

Tyler: We went into this film thinking it would be about a family on the water and it became so much deeper and turned out to be more of a story about fatherhood. I hope it inspires people to show up and be present for their kids. And that life is fragile, we aren’t owed anything, and we all have a lot to learn.

Flylords: It’s clear that fly fishing and time spent outside were major turning points for Eli. What do you think it is about fishing and the outdoors that has such a healing effect?

Tyler: From what I saw, the healing comes from experiencing the outdoors through his kids. And seeing how they handle that environment. The curiosity he sees in them, the thrill they get, the frustration, and the growth. Eli is an incredible teacher, but his kids, in their own way, are doing a lot of the teaching as well.

Flylords: Is there anything else you’d like to mention about the filmmaking process, the Iorg family, fly fishing in general, or other details you think people should know about Left Field?

Tyler: This is a fatherhood piece, but Nina, Eli’s wife, played such a vital role in his journey to recovery. Nina and I had a lot of conversations together; she’s a very kind soul, and he’ll be the first one to praise her. I thought that was incredibly special.

At its core, Left Field is a story about showing up—showing up for your family, for yourself, and for the moments that make life truly meaningful. Tyler’s film peels back the layers of a family charting their own course. It isn’t just about casting flies; it’s about casting off societal expectations and embracing a life well-lived. Give it a watch—you’ll be glad you did.

Photography courtesy of Lexi Soares (@lc_real).

Article by Flylords Food Editor Kirk Marks, an angler, photographer, and culinary aficionado based in Kent Island, Maryland. Give him a follow at @kirkymarks.

2025 F3T Behind the Lens: Bumpyland

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When It Snows in the South, You Go Fishing…

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Katie Cahn

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January 22, 2025

It rarely snows in the South, but when it does, we Southerners act as though it will never snow again. My husband Daniel and I have two vehicles—one’s a truck, and the other is a mini-van—both lack four-wheel drive. Today would have been a good day to have something that would get us to the river without slipping, sliding, and having me grip the “oh s***!” handle the whole ride up there. I just assume that adding another element of adventure to my chosen sport amplifies my feelings toward it. It usually takes us a short 10 minutes to get to this section, but we stopped multiple times to clear limbs and whole trees from the road. By the time we get to the pull-off, Daniel smells like bar oil and gas and is covered in sawdust.

At the river, we are the only ones there. My favorite—any angler’s favorite, I know, but today especially. The snow insulates all the sounds of the woods around us as we dress for cold water. Sounds of cardinals dashing from limb to limb, ice-laden branches creak as they sag and sway. The ripple of the river, still a few hundred yards away, hums like it’s running underneath my feet. This is what it’s all about, I think to myself: the resonances, the land, the river. And off we go.

I see fish rising for snowflakes. “Yep, that’s pretty damn cool,” I say to Daniel as he laughs at the excitement of throwing dries during a snowstorm. Never knowing what to expect before hitting the river, I take this as a sign from the fish gods that today is going to be fun and easy. Opening up my fly box, I choose the smallest, whitest fly I’ve got, which happens to be a size 18 Light Cahill Dry, Catskill style that my friend Ed tied for me 2 years ago but has never been used. My fingers take their sweet time with the small fly. I blame my eyes, for they’re not as keen as they used to be. People always told me that it would come… it is here.

First cast, boom, fish on. I look over at Daniel and see he is using a big black and red Royal Wulff, and right as I am about to say, “You aren’t gonna catch anything on that fly,” a brown trout sips the Wulff down right before our eyes. I swallow my words, and we both bring our fish to the net. An hour or two into the session, we have caught a healthy number of fish as the snow starts to lighten up. The sun is out, and the snow is melting. Just like the South… you can have the snow, but you can’t have it for long. Our feet are frozen, and our hands don’t work well enough to tie on anything else. We succumb to the elements and call it. It’s still early, but there is firewood to split and a list of other irregular chores to complete since we haven’t had power for two days.

The ride home is shorter. We know where the fallen trees are hiding around the corners, and there is more road than snow this time. With the dog in the back curled up and asleep, Daniel and I listen to the only station that will come in on the radio. With CCR as our background music, we take in what’s left of the snow. Daniel pulls into the country store for a little gas; he never fills up, just puts in $20 at a time. He comes back out of the store with two bags of Zapp’s kettle style voodoo flavor and a 12-pack of Miller High Life. This is the life.

Katie Cahn is a fly fishing guide out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, check her out on Instagram @katiecahn

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Airlite Fly Rods Announces U.S. Launch Backed by Industry Veterans

By

Max Inchausti

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January 22, 2025

Airlite Fly Rods is the brainchild of Mayfly Outdoors, the legacy brand behind Abel, Ross, and Airflo. Today, Airlite Rods are available for any angler looking for an affordable, performance-based fly rod. Crafted with modern aesthetics and performance materials, Airlite offers six rod series and two reels. In our time testing, impressed is an understatement, but more on that later. For more information about Airlite and its newest offerings, check out the release below and www.airliteflyrods.com:

From Airlite Rods:

Montrose, CO (January 22, 2025) – For over two decades, Airlite has quietly honed its expertise in fly rod design for the United Kingdom market, drawing on a combined foundation of more than 50 years of experience. Officially launched in the U.S. market today, Airlite introduces a unique range of affordably priced, high-quality fly rods designed to make fly fishing accessible to all anglers. Backed by the innovators behind Ross, Abel, Airflo, and other leading brands, Airlite solidifies its position as a trusted name in the industry.

“Designing fly rods has been one of my true passions for over 20 years, and few things in the world of fly fishing excite me more than crafting quality rods that elevate the casting experience,” said Jeff Wagner, CEO of Airlite Rods and Mayfly Outdoors. “It was a pleasure to collaborate with our UK team and Gareth Jones, our GM of Airflo and fly line designer, who also brings nearly 20 years of experience in rod development. Together, we refreshed the rod line to bring it to the U.S. market—and beyond.”

The Airlite rod lineup combines modern aesthetics with precise functionality, offering designs tailored to specific types of fly fishing. Each rod is crafted to create a seamless, natural connection, enabling anglers to focus entirely on their presentation. “We aim to design fly rods so exceptional that casting becomes second nature, where the rod feels like an extension of your arm,” Wagner added.

Airlite currently offers six rod series and a variety of models, two reels, and a complete combo kit, with additional products planned for the future. From delicate presentations in mountain streams to battling saltwater giants, Airlite’s versatile range caters to all skill levels and pursuits. The Adventure Fly Rod series, for instance, provides a lightweight, balanced option perfect for beginners exploring new waters, while the Versa Trout and Vitesse rods deliver versatility and speed for more seasoned anglers. For those tackling streamer fishing or saltwater challenges, the Cargo and Salty series offer the power and precision needed for demanding conditions.

Each rod is designed with distinctive aesthetics, featuring earthy matte finishes, color-coded reel seats, alignment arrows, high-quality cork handles, and durable machined aluminum reel seats. Triangular rod cases with stitched descriptions and color-matching components ensure easy selection and preparation for any fishing trip.

Airlite’s commitment to the angling community extends beyond product design. With growing strategic retail partnerships and a focus on supporting fly shops—the lifeblood of the industry—Airlite is dedicated to fostering community. As the exclusive rod sponsor of the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), Airlite celebrates the stories that unite anglers. The brand also offers a robust warranty and customer service program, including seamless rod section replacements and flexible policies tailored to individual needs. Like all brands under Mayfly Outdoors, Airlite stands firmly behind its products and the anglers who rely on them.

Airlite products are now available at www.airliteflyrods.com and select dealers.

About Airlite

Founded on a 50-year legacy of fly fishing innovation, Airlite Rods combines industry expertise with a passion for performance and accessibility. With a focus on design, functionality, and community support, Airlite elevates the fly fishing experience for anglers at every level. Part of Mayfly Outdoors, a Certified B Corporation dedicated to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, Airlite upholds the highest standards.

For more information, visit www.airliteflyrods.com.

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In Search of “The Fish”

By

Andrew Braker

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January 21, 2025

In the world of alpine lake fishing, knowledge and understanding of an area is everything. The information you’re working with is either first-hand experience after visiting a spot previously or second-hand information via blurry photos, Google Maps exploration, potentially outdated information from books, stories from your buddy’s buddy, etc. You can do your best to compile these pieces of second-hand information together, but in the end, you never know what you’re going to find until you put in the miles and get out there for yourself.

As the old adage goes, catch A fish, catch MANY fish, catch THE fish… Catching your first alpine trout is an amazing experience that should pique the interest of any angler. But, after a certain amount of days catching countless pint-sized brook trout and cookie-cutter cutthroat, you begin to shift your attention to “The Fish.” You start to think about what else might be out there: bigger fish, new species, new drainages, new Wilderness areas, or any number of other ways to keep things fresh and interesting.

In line with this thinking, I have been trying to mix things up as I seek out new and unique alpine fishing experiences.

This summer, my friend pointed me towards an old book that cited a particular lake with a history of mackinaw (Lake Trout – Salvelinus namaycush). Considering the age of the book and the fact that fisheries naturally change year to year, there was no telling whether these fish were still in that lake. But, our sliver of information, combined with an itch for a new experience, led us to a new trailhead. Alpine lake landscape Upon arriving at the lake, it seemed like yet another classic Colorado alpine lake filled with brook trout that were eager to snap at any fly to hit the water. While these fish were beautiful in their own right, and the thought of catching brook trout on dries was intriguing, I had a different plan in mind.

So, rather than reaching for the floating line and dry flies for a day of sight fishing, I reached for the sinking line and leeches, and prepared for the delayed gratification of blind casting to “the fish.” The fish that may or may not live in the depths.

After a few hours of witnessing the rest of the group experience lights out fishing, I stayed strong with my method. Casting into the deepest sections of the lake, changing up leech patterns, and experimenting with different stripping speeds—I kept my sights on the intangible concept of hooking into a massive laker.

On one particular retrieve, I felt my fly stop in its tracks. The initial bend of the rod was enough to make me think that this was either the lake trout that I was after or it was the biggest brook trout of my life. The first round of head shakes led the fish to the surface—revealing a silvery body and large fins. It was at that point that I knew I had an alpine lake trout on the line. After a few minutes of fighting the fish—trying to use every bit of strength from my 4wt rod—the fish made its way to the net.

After a few pictures, a length measurement, and a quick revival, this fish was ready to swim back into the depths.

Whether catching a big lake trout in the alpine is considered “the fish” is up for debate. In my book “The Fish,” is simply the mentality of continually searching for new experiences that inspire and excite me. On this day, this fish was “The Fish.”

Angler Story of the Week from Andy Braker — be sure to follow his adventures on Instagram at @andybrake.

Check out these tips to catch your own alpine fish:

Fishing Tips: Alpine Lake Fishing

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Captains for Clean Water Urging Big Sugar to Drop its Lawsuit Challenging the EAA Reservoir

By

Will Poston

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January 21, 2025

In the last few years, Everglades restoration saw real progress, but not without the sugar industry’s stiff resistance. Captains for Clean Water and other expert organizations have long touted the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir as the “crown jewel” for restoring the Everglades, as it would return the natural southerly flow of Lake Okeechobee water instead of east and west out to the coast. This project, however, threatens the sugar industry’s access to irrigation water, and the industry is putting up a legitimate fight–potentially stalling one of the single most impactful projects for South Florida’s clean water future.

The EAA Reservoir, which broke ground in February 2023, is a 16,000 acre project designed to store and naturally clean the nutrient laden excess water from Lake Okeechobee. Before this project, when Lake O became too full, water was diverted east and west, to the Callosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries, fueling harmful algal blooms, ecological disasters, and millions in lost tourism dollars. Once complete, the EAA Reservoir would reduce these harmful discharges by 55%. While there is broad public support for this project and cleaning up Florida’s waterways, the sugar industry continues to put up a fight to preserve its status quo.

“This lawsuit gets to the core of the fight, which is who’s in control of the water in Florida and how is water being prioritized? Are we prioritizing water for the benefit of our residents, economy, and environment? Or, are we continuing to prioritize the irrigation supply for the industrial sugar industry, which is exactly what got us into this water crisis we’re in right now.” —Capt. Daniel Andrews, Executive Director, Captains For Clean Water.

For the last several years, the sugar industry has worked through the US legal system to stymie or flat-out halt tangible everglades restoration efforts. Specifically, the sugar industry is suing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the EAA Reservoir. Most recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Eleventh Circuit heard oral arguments. Captains for Clean Water was there in Atlanta to cover the hearing–recap here.

Captains for Clean Water continues its education and advocacy efforts to defend the EAA Reservoir and end big sugar’s death grip on achieving generational progress towards a restored Everglades and clean South Florida waterways. Make your voice heard through this Captains for Clean Water action alert and stay tuned for continued updates on this critically important fight for clean water!

Cover picture from Captains for Clean Water.

Continue

Emerging Podcast Season 4: Fresh Perspectives, Bold Conversations

By

Joe Tardif

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January 17, 2025

Sometimes, the drive to the river is short; other times, there is a long journey ahead. Whether it be a long ride or a long session at the tying bench, a good podcast is a nice way to shake up the mood. Emerging, the official podcast of the Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers program is the best way to do that. Our goal with Emerging and 5 Rivers is to create positive change within the fishing community and beyond by amplifying intelligent, diverse, and positive voices. We are excited to share conservation experiences, fishing stories, outdoor adventures, and so much more.

Season four of the podcast focuses on community, inspiration, and the ethics of our natural resources, all through the lens of fly fishing. Throughout this season, we will speak to guests of varying backgrounds, genders, races, and ages to highlight the broadening community of the fly fishing world.

Sometimes, all you see on YouTube or Instagram is the same old cast, catch, and hero shot cycle. Don’t get me wrong — we love all that, but season four of Emerging will be different, with conversations about the science behind Tenkara, the ethics of harvesting fish, Sri Lankan cuisine, and natural disaster relief for North Carolina anglers.

Joe Tardif, the new TU 5 Rivers Podcast host.

Emerging has a history of being passed down from intern to intern within the 5 Rivers community. This history of change is what makes Emerging unique. It has been evolving through schools and hosts for years. Season 1 emerged with Joseph Berney as the host, following Cliff Watson behind the mic on season 2, and Linnea Turner mixing up season 3. Now, in the 4th season, I (Joe Tardif) will carry the flame as the Emerging Host. As an angler, hunter, student, and cook, I strive to broaden my horizons at every turn. I will use the podcast as a way for myself and my listeners to understand new and different perspectives.

My approach with Emerging will be a journey into the heart of what makes fly fishing a transformative experience. As I mentioned, everyone loves fish stories, and there will be plenty to come with this season. Some of the folktales come from Central Park, Alaska, the Florida Keys, and more. Along with harrowing fish stories, each episode will include a message of learning, community, and conservation. These are a must if you ask me. To inspire is the most important thing for the fly-fishing world because to inspire is to grow, and to grow is to conserve.

Want to listen to Emerging? The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Podbean. To learn more about the 5 Rivers program, check out this article by past host and Fly Lords Director of Brand Partnership Joseph Berney. To stay updated with 5 Rivers, follow us on Instagram!

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Angler Story of the Week: Getting High Holed by a Seal?

By

Tripp Nazziola

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January 17, 2025

A Note from Kai (@kaitroutnz):

“Was definitely a shocker at the time! Was working my way up a usually productive pool wondering where the fish were! A whole seal in my honey hole was the last thing I expected to see”- Kai

Angler Story of the Week from Kai, be sure to follow Kai’s instagram at @Kaitroutnz!

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First Look at the Turtlebox Grande

Reel of The Week: Dog That Loves to Intimidate Fish

First Look at the Turtlebox Grande

By

Max Inchausti

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January 16, 2025

Built tough, Turtlebox created the ultimate outdoor and adventure speaker—fully waterproof, drop-proof, and with incredible volume and clarity. We first heard about Turtlebox back in 2020 when we took a look at the Gen 1 speaker. Since then, we saw the release of the Gen 2 and Turtelbox’s rise into a household name in the fly fishing, water sports, and hunting communities. We’ve been putting the speakers through the wringer—saltwater, rain, snow, and more. With a bombproof design and a community of passionate consumers behind them, Turtlebox was off to the races—so much so that the brand experienced 200% year-over-year growth in 2024. That begs the question, what’s next for a company pushing the bounds of outdoor speaker technology?

The Grande nearly doubles the size of the existing Gen 2 speaker.

Recently, Turtlebox has been teasing its customers with a new, bigger version of its already popular waterproof speaker. The day has come when that speaker is finally here: enter the Grande. The Turtlebox Grande takes inspiration from its standard speaker and upsizes everything. This means a bigger woofer, bigger sound, and, of course, a good time on the water. We’ve seen this speaker pop up since AFFTA in 2024, when we got a first look at it, and have eagerly been waiting for this moment. In this first look, we dive into the new Turtlebox Grande and where we see this new speaker fitting in.

Turtlebox Grande Tech Specs:

TurtleBox

Grande

Buy Here

Key Features

Speakers: 10-inch waterproof subwoofer, two class D amplifiers, and a 1.25-inch titanium tweeter
Max Output: 126 decibels
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4 (“Party Mode” pairing with up to 100+ devices)
Battery Life: 158 Watt-hours
Weatherproofing: IP67 waterproof rating and ABS crush-proof rating
Price: $699

Turtlebox took everything the original speaker does well and upsized it in the Grande. The result is a 10-inch woofer that produces up to 126 decibels of crisp and clean sound. In addition, the Grande’s release sees the much-anticipated Bluetooth 5.4. This technology allows users to seamlessly connect and enable party mode, connecting 100+ speakers simultaneously (previously, this was two speakers). With a bigger speaker comes increased battery life. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, users can expect 158 watt-hours, nearly double the Gen 2. Lastly, it wouldn’t be a Turtlebox without reliable weatherproofing. The Grande comes with an IP67 submersible shell and an ABS crush-proof exterior for rugged reliability.

First Impressions:

Over the past few years, seeing and playing with the Turtlebox Grande and its prototypes in the wild, we’ve come to a few conclusions. The first thing is size. The Grande is big, essentially double the size of the Gen 2. While you will get better volume and sound out of the Grande, if space is limited, choose carefully. That said, this is the only downside we see. The sound quality and output create an incredible user experience. With the added “Party Mode” pairing, you can create surround sound-like effects with a handful of speakers. In fact, it is so seamless we’ve found ourselves walking between speakers to make sure they were all connected—a good problem to have. The bigger size also comes with a much larger battery. While the Gen 2 has decent battery life, we anticipate no issues with the Grande. Just like its predecessors, the Grande comes ready to battle the elements. We’ve put Turtlebox speakers through the wringer—salt, sand, water, and ice with zero issues to speak of.

So, where does this beast of a speaker fit in? After careful consideration, here is where you’ll be seeing us with the Turtlebox Grande.

On the Boat: Whether a drift boat, flats boat, or offshore boat, good tunes between spots can make a trip. We all know that one guy who has a knack for playing the right song at the right time. On boats with an engine, the added size and volume output have a crisp sound over engine noise.
Camping Trips: Heading into the mountains with some friends to chase fish? We never leave home without a Turtlebox, and the Grande fits that bill. Nothing goes better than good music, laughs with friends, and some storytelling. With that said, the Grande does get loud, so be considerate of others.
Backyard BBQ: If you want to be the king of backyard BBQs, a Grande should be on the top of your list. Its extended battery life and sound output mean you can set the tone for the entire event. Just make sure you have your playlist dialed in beforehand.

Final Thoughts

Turtlebox’s expansion of its product line is a refreshing site to see. The new Grande is certainly a beast of speaker, which is what it was designed to be. Users get impressive sound quality, output, battery life, and the same rugged design Turtlebox is known for. With a price point of $699, it is certainly an investment. However, there are plenty of speakers on the market with similar price points that are not waterproof and dropproof. All in all, the Turtlebox Grande is an exciting addition to the line-up and one we can’t wait to get out in the wild with.

2025 F3T Behind the Lens: Bumpyland

2025 F3T Behind the Lens: Bumpyland

By

Wills Donaldson

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January 15, 2025

The 2025 Fly Fishing Film Tour is just around the corner! Before the films hit the screen, take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of each film in this year’s F3T Behind the Lens series. Plus, don’t forget to check out the 2025 tour dates HERE for the full schedule and to grab your tickets!

In this Behind the Lens article, we catch up with Helmut Zaderer in his newest film, Bumpyland. We discuss the intricacies of fishing for Bumphead Parrotfish and Zaderer’s world travels in this exclusive interview. You won’t want to miss this one! Check out the full interview below!

Flylords: It sounds like the Seychelles are a frequent destination for you. How many times have you been? When did you take your first trip there?

Exploring the Seychelles with a mothership is as remote as it gets.

Helmut: “The Seychelles definitely hold a special place in my heart. I took my first trip there more than ten years ago. Since then, I have been regularly fishing and exploring the Seychelles. If I add everything up, I have fished for 25 weeks across the various outer islands of the Seychelles.”

Flylords: What is “Bumpyland,” and why did you choose that to be the name of the film?

Helmut: “We thought the name Bumpyland was fitting for the film. It’s all about fishing for bumphead parrotfish. After all. where are there more bumpies on the flats than on Providence? Nowhere else in the world. There is a flat in Providence called Bumpyland, so the name came fairly naturally. We just wanted to make a film about bumpies because there was hardly anything on video, and these fish deserve a little love.”

Flylords: Tell me a little about the Bumphead Parrot Fish. Why did this become a target species for you?

Large schools of bumpies are a common sight in the Seychelles.

Helmut: “This fish is simply fascinating. It is extremely beautiful and ugly at the same time. It also seems prehistoric somehow. Just watching these schools on the flats is a wonderful thing. The way they move over the turtle grass and feed is fascinating. I had hooked 2 bumpies on Providence years ago but never landed one. At that time, there weren’t many bumpies on the flats. In 2024, the year we shot the film, a US group was in Providence for 2 weeks before us and saw absolutely no bumpies. When we arrived, it was full. The biggest schools we saw were more than 100 fish. So it all started happily.”

Flylords: What was preparing for this trip like? Did the knowledge that you’ll have cameras following you around on this mission make you nervous?

Gear prep is crucial for trips like this.

Helmut: “I have so much experience in saltwater that I more or less have a tackle list ready for every destination. Despite this, I always spend a lot of time packing. Too much, actually. For bump fishing, I tied orange and white Flexo crabs with strong hooks. I fished with a 10-weight floating line on 10-weight rods. The fight takes place via my Mako reel anyway. You can’t stop bumpies when they go off. You can only make it not too easy for them and hope that they don’t pull off too much line and reach deep water. Because then the fight is usually over. Like a triggerfish, bumpies look for a cave, a hole, simply a place where they can find shelter. As for filming, I don’t mind cameras at all. In fact, I’m used to it. I have my friend Vaidas with me on almost all of my trips as a filmmaker. We’re a close-knit team.”

Flylords: It wasn’t long before we saw some bumpy action in the film. How long did it take before you guys were able to find some schools of the target fish?

Helmut: “There is hardly any other destination with bumpers on flats, and your only chance of targeting and catching them is on a flat. I only know Providence myself. We fished for two weeks in a row in 2024. There were lots of bumpies to be found every day. We hooked a lot of them, and everyone in our group landed their bumpies. So it was easy to get enough material for the film. As I said, we were lucky with everything in the 2 weeks. Lots of fish and almost always good weather and good visibility made things fairly easy for us.”

Flylords: What makes these fish so difficult to catch as opposed to some of the other species that inhabit those flats?

Shallow water bumpies are critical to successfully landing a fish.

Helmut: “Bumpies aren’t particularly hard to fool. That said, the big difference is simply the size and power of these fish. If you find schools on the flats in wadable water depth, you have a very good chance of getting one to eat. It is important that there is enough distance to the deep water and that you can stop the fish on the flat. Then the chances of landing it are good.”

Flylords: How was working with the guides on the trip? You all seemed to have a lot of chemistry.

Helmut: “We have known all the guides for many years. I have known Cameron, the manager, since I first fished in the Seychelles ten years ago. All the guides are super professional and are happy for every fish you catch. I think sharing these emotional moments is wonderful and is part of fishing. I like to think this came across in the film.”

Flylords: Was there a moment after you lost that first fish that you were afraid that may have been your only chance? How was your mental state after that first loss…?

Helmut: “Haha… it was actually the other way around. The first cast was successful. But I generally never put pressure on myself when fishing. The important thing is good weather and good conditions, then success usually comes by itself. What is even more important is spending such holidays with my friends and being privileged to fish in such places. I am grateful for that.”

Flylords: What is the actual process of casting and hooking up on a bumpy? (paint a picture of the emotions and physical sensations experienced)

Helmut: If you have a school of bumpies in front of you, then you hope that you can get close enough to them without attracting attention. Often, you can sense that they have already noticed you. Because they always keep so far away that even with a good cast it is hard to make it close enough. Then, when the moment comes, consider casting into the school. That can often result in the surface of the water exploding and all fish running away. Sometimes, they stay calm, though. That’s why I fish with a long 11-foot leader. It gives you a better chance of not blowing up the school. Then, you let the fly sink briefly and strip very slowly. The bite often feels like a snag for a short time, but only briefly, and then the train takes off. If the fish are very shy, it’s better not to cast into the school but try to cast in front of the lead fish.

Flylords: Once you finally landed that big fish, what was going through your mind? Were you worried about losing it, with it being such a violent fish even in the net?

Helmut: “Personally, I always get excited when I catch a nice fish. Especially when I see lots of coral and dangers in the area. The guides often help and walk along the fly line and hold the line up so that it doesn’t get tangled in corals. It’s not easy for a big bumpy to fit in a net. That particular fish jumped out not once but twice. That’s when the nerves really started to set in.”

Flylords: Looking back —was the hype worth it?

Helmut: “Yes, definitely. These two weeks were perfect in every way. We had lots of fun with good friends and a paradise-like environment. The fishing was simply a bonus. The stars really aligned for us in terms of conditions, and everything just came together. The end result was another one of our films that made it into the cinemas.”

Flylords: Who are some of the people who made this film possible? Any “Thank-yous” or dedications you want to make?

Helmut: “We always get support from our cross-media partners, and for that, I would like to thank Cortland and CTS Custom Rods made by Vstick and Ahrex. I also have to give special thanks to my friend Vaidas Uselis. He is simply a brilliant filmmaker and is always there when there is action. Thanks also to my good wife who allows me to spend a lot of time on the water.”

Flylords: What’s next?

“Since filming Bumpyland, I’ve actually been fairly busy. I just finished up a trip to Magbay, Mexico, exploring the incredible marlin fishery there. This coming February, I’m actually off to fish in Cosmoledo. I can’t wait to go there again. As far as films, you’ll just have to wait to see what’s next.”

F3T Behind the Lens: “Echoes in the Tundra”

2025 F3T Behind the Lens: Iconic Rises

New Report: A Quarter of the World’s Freshwater Species at Risk of Extinction

By

Dan Zazworsky

-

January 14, 2025

Image courtesy of USFWS

A new report reveals a sobering reality for freshwater ecosystems: nearly one-quarter of the world’s freshwater species are now at risk of extinction. Released in Nature, the study highlights how habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation are devastating rivers, lakes, and wetlands—ecosystems that support a staggering diversity of life. From fish and amphibians to mollusks and aquatic plants, the loss of these species could destabilize ecosystems that millions rely on for water, food, and livelihoods.

Freshwater species are declining at a rate faster than their terrestrial and marine counterparts, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. Among the hardest-hit regions are South and Southeast Asia, home to vital rivers like the Mekong and Ganges, where human pressures are accelerating biodiversity loss. The report calls for immediate global action to address the root causes, including implementing sustainable water management practices and reducing pollution.

For anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, the health of freshwater ecosystems directly impacts the fish populations and habitats we hold dear. Protecting these waters isn’t just about preserving biodiversity—it’s about ensuring future generations can experience the magic of thriving and intact fisheries.

Read more about the report here, and dive into the original study in Nature here.