If you are longing to put on your waders and get out there in a cool stream, what do you do if you can’t? What if work, family, weather or budget is getting in your way, and all you want is the serenity of getting out there in nature with the fish?
Try one of these great fishing movies. Most of them will transport you to the sea or a river, with characters who understand your need for the peace that comes with communing with the natural world and the primordial struggle that occurs when you feel a tug on the hook.
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1. A River Runs Through It
The quintessential fishing movie, “A River Runs Through It” captures the lure of an idyllic stream and the act of the fly fishing as an escape from family drama and worldly events.
An Oscar winner for Best Cinematography, this film was directed by Robert Redford and boasts a stellar cast including a young Brad Pitt. It showcases the beauty of Montana and put fly fishing on the map for its reverent depiction of the sport.
2. Jaws
While you can find plenty of live-action fishing excitement from watching this fishing channel, you can also do a deep dive into this classic fish tale when you are looking for some maritime thrills.
Based on the best selling novel, Steven Spielberg directed “Jaws” and went on to become wildly successful at merging cinematic suspense, great characters, and action sequences.
Although the shark (known on set as ‘Bruce”) is far from realistic, the urgency of the men to capture this creature evokes the timeless struggle of man against the sea.
And who can forget Robert Shaw’s chilling rendition of the tale of the Indianapolis, when the ship that delivered the atomic bomb in World War II was torpedoed and many of the sailors succumbed to sharks?
3. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
If you are looking for a romantic fishing tale to watch with a loved one, try “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.” This rom-com was made in 2011 by Lasse Hallström.
Some of the big name actors in this sweet film include Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott Thomas. McGregor plays a fisheries expert who is recruited to recreate a sheik’s dream by bringing fly fishing to the Yemen desert.
We won’t give it away whether he is successful in this pipe dream, but who doesn’t relate to wanting to fly fish anywhere, at any time?
4. The River Why
This movie was based on a Sierra Club novel of the same name. It follows a young man named Gus in his quest for self-knowledge, which is symbolized in his search for an elusive species of trout.
Gus thinks that his true essence can only be found when he removes himself from the turmoil of his family and submerges himself into the routine of eating, sleeping, and fishing. It sounds perfect, doesn’t it?
However, real life has a way of intruding- as it often does. Gus eventually reconciles with his family and finds true love, while still managing to maintain his connection to solitude and nature.
This existential movie captures many of the timeless needs that fishing can fulfill and the ever-present longing for an ideal life.
5. Low & Clear
This movie is the only documentary in the bunch. Field & Stream called it “the best fly fishing movie ever.”
The movie follows two old friends who have grown apart. Their differing approaches to life are reflected in their different approaches to the sport, with one racing against time to catch what he can and the other seeing the pastime as something more spiritual.
Filmed in British Columbia, the movie is a meditation on friendship, the passage of time, the disappearing Western frontier, and, of course, fishing.
6. Captains Courageous
Fishing aficionados of all ages will enjoy this black and white film made in 1937 from Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale.
The story of a wealthy and spoiled boy washed overboard, “Captains Courageous” follows Harvey Cheyne as he is rescued from drowning by a gruff old Portuguese fisherman, Manuel, played by Spencer Tracy.
The child demands to be returned to shore, but the crew expects to fish in the northern Atlantic for another three months. The boy is taken under the wing of another young man, played by Mickey Rooney, and learns to tricks of the trade.
Of course, Harvey learns to love the fishing lifestyle and gains some insight and maturity under the old man’s tutelage. Manuel dies tragically, but Harvey emerges from his adventure wiser and more chastened by his encounters at sea.
Packed with adventure, great acting, and a tear-jerking ending, this is a great movie classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family seeking an appreciation for the sea, fishing, and classic film-making.
7. Towed in the Hole
Another old-time classic movie, “Towed in the Hole” stars comedy greats Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Made in 1932, this laugh-out-loud funny film follows two fish salesmen who decide to build themselves a boat so they can catch fish themselves. Of course, hilarity and pratfalls ensue.
While it may not depict a realistic or appealing look at fishing, this movie will make everyone chuckle as the two hapless leads engage in their inimitable slapstick routines. For example, when Ollie kicks a bucket at Stan’s head, it rebounds and knocks him backward into a boat full of water.
This kind of comedy never gets old!
Fishing Movies: When You Can’t Get Into the Stream Yourself
Of course, we all would like to spend endless days by a body of water, ruminating on the meaning of life and waiting for the big one to take a hold of our line. But there are times when getting away from it all is simply not possible.
Why not curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea (or something stronger) and enjoy a cinematic depiction of the reasons we love to fish with one of these fishing movies? Whether it is the beauty of the surroundings, the bonds created between fellow sportsmen (and women), or the simple pleasures of catching your own dinner, these movies will keep you satisfied until you can get out on the water again.
Keep checking back for more tips on the best movies for all interests.