THE CRAFT - " The Feather Mechanic - A fly tyers philosophy" a film about Gordon Van der Spuy

The Craft presents a film about Gordon Van Der Spy, “The feather mechanic”, a master fly tyer who gives us his thoughts and philosophy on the craft of fly fishing and his passion for fly tying. Shot on location at the African Waters, Makhangoa Community Camp in Lesotho a country in the highlands of Southern Africa. The film is the seminal story on the small mouth yellowish of the Bokong river. Beautifully shot by Owen Bruce, with a stunning soundtrack by Alun Richards, it will take you on a journey into the majestic mountain rivers of Lesotho, home to the incredible golden slabs of small mouth yellowfish who inhabit the crystal clear waters, always ready to eat a well presented fly.
Gordon Van Der Spuy hosts trips to this spectacular venue. If you would like to experience this epic fly fishing experience please contact either Gordon himself through his instagram @the_feather_mechanic or @AfricanWaters or the links below.
africanwaters.net/camps/makha...
gordon.vanderspuy@gmail.com
To download the soundtrack please click on the link below.
distribute.avid.com/share/MTA...

Пікірлер: 123

  • @ethandrahi2358
    @ethandrahi2358 Жыл бұрын

    hello this film is for me the maximum level of perfection. I am a young 16 year old fly fisherman a bit lost in my thoughts. I live on an island and I don't know anyone who is fly fishing. everyone calls me crazy and it makes me sad 😔. this film made me cry with happiness. a huge thank you to Gordon Van Der Spy and the creators of the film. thank you to everyone who reads this message.

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    We were all 16yrs old and misunderstood, that's why we took up fly fishing! Keep at it its a great sport, its all consuming and people will always tell you that you are mad throwing feathers at fish, until you catch the most and the biggest!

  • @sheldonlipschitz5952

    @sheldonlipschitz5952

    Жыл бұрын

    Follow your heart and ignore the knockers. Fly fish and be happy.

  • @WimVoeten

    @WimVoeten

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Ethan, . . . I learned to fly fish as a kid and I caught a big walleye on the first fly I made then. I stoped fishing for about 20 years, and now I have picked it back up again. What a wonderfull sport. I am already fishing again for 10 years. This last season was my best ever. Keep at it ! . . . . it's the best thing to do, there's nothing like it. Fish barbless and learn the stripstrike. Greetings Wim.

  • @milobookout267

    @milobookout267

    Жыл бұрын

    Ethan, invest in books that suit your fishing opportunities. Gear comes and goes, but the knowledge from books lasts. Good luck out there! If you fish, you will find your community.

  • @simonpowell2559

    @simonpowell2559

    Жыл бұрын

    I was about your age when I started to make my own flies, shop bought were too expensive. It takes you into a world of nature, science, art, rivers and mountains, entomology, birds, feather and fur. You will discover that you can make your own version's to ",match the hatch" which are only found on your water. There is no better feeling than catching that trout you have been observing for weeks, on a fly you have designed. Tight lines mate.

  • @tiesflies
    @tiesflies6 күн бұрын

    Gordon is a genius, and a godsend to the fly tying community.

  • @DawidMalan-rt7dy
    @DawidMalan-rt7dy Жыл бұрын

    "You don't choose fly fishing, fly fishing chooses you..." Well done, Gordon!

  • @rickfernandez3780
    @rickfernandez3780 Жыл бұрын

    Who is this guy? He is simply awesome. Fly fishing is much more than fishing. It is an art and philosophy. It is a way of life and a connection to nature. This gentleman and fly angler fills the description 100%.

  • @roscoepetroff7431
    @roscoepetroff7431 Жыл бұрын

    A very accurate depiction of the love that grows within the flyfisher. A beautiful film.

  • @Sloughape
    @SloughapeАй бұрын

    Beautiful, Perfect, Gorgeous!

  • @williamparadis3058
    @williamparadis3058 Жыл бұрын

    An absolutely stunning video. Gordon accurately expresses something here that for most of us is ineffable - the confluence of art and science and passion that for some of us is as near to affliction as avocation. I have a similar devotion to fishing, and a library that reflects that, but I count The Feather Mechanic as one of the most influential books on my shelves for the exact reason that he states - the essence of a good fly is that each material has a purpose, and perfection, if you intend to fish that fly, may not always be an advantage. What a pleasure to come across such an uplifting and resonant film - well done all, and thank you.

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching the film, glad you enjoyed it.

  • @robgreen6697
    @robgreen6697Күн бұрын

    The books are great, a real inspiration. The issue for me is I don’t take the time to really think about the flies I’m tying, too often I follow a recipe and as well look to emulate the pictures of flies tied by others. The books help a lot though, watching KZread is a great resource for guides on tying flies, the books help with the Realisation that the fly should do a specific job well enough to influence a fish. Quite like us it seems fish are drawn to certain things that are not natural but are bigger better versions of what occurs in nature, we get it from colours in food or the shape of a banana. The books are great reading and I can only highly recommend them to any tiers out there.

  • @Paul-yv5yj
    @Paul-yv5yj Жыл бұрын

    Damn I love this video. Infact the video meant so much to me, it made me go and buy the book tonight. Thank you Gordon!

  • @walterengelke1887
    @walterengelke1887 Жыл бұрын

    This was a beautiful film which accurately articulated the way many of us dry fly tiers and addicts feel. Beautiful work by Gordon.

  • @ValtteriMikael
    @ValtteriMikael Жыл бұрын

    Well done! Fly tying is very important to me in fly fishing too. The first time a trout or similar type of fish takes your fly out off all the natural food is just so amazing feeling!

  • @ThomasDennett
    @ThomasDennett3 ай бұрын

    thank you very much for a beautiful and inspiring video. the scenery and story were just wonderful

  • @brianinsole9911
    @brianinsole99113 ай бұрын

    An amazing video on the thinking of why we fly fishing this video allows an insight into this sport and way of life . More please ....!,,

  • @scottgenius9189
    @scottgenius918910 ай бұрын

    Gordon's approach and fly tying are amazing ,I first fished Lesotho and Bokong in 2005 and 2006 it was for free ,amazing times ,yearning to go back 💓

  • @fxn8236
    @fxn8236 Жыл бұрын

    I don’t fly fish or tie flies but I do fish for bass quite often conventionally and I’ve really come to love pouring the lead and tying up my own jigs whether it be silicone, rubber, hair, feathers or flash. Seeing some of the flies that these guys tie, the materials used, and how they fish them is really an inspiration.

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you found it inspiring!

  • @marshallbaldwin8960
    @marshallbaldwin8960 Жыл бұрын

    This is an outstanding perspective film. Thank you Gordon for reminding me that I need to relax my tying spirit and just breath,tie then fish with my handcrafted flies. A great film!

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @outdoorfan12
    @outdoorfan123 ай бұрын

    Love Gordon’s books. He’s pushed me to become so much more proficient and changed the way I think about my bugs.

  • @MainelyFlies
    @MainelyFlies Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful film and a well-told story! Well done; looking forward to more!

  • @andrewgregory5362
    @andrewgregory53623 ай бұрын

    Absolutely fantastic! Love everything about it but especially the origin story and the passion. Books aren't bad either :)

  • @Tjk186
    @Tjk1863 ай бұрын

    Fly tying just calms me down …I tie 2/3 flies every day…it’s the best therapy I know … this film is amazing and one day it will help explain to my kids why I tie and fly fish…for that alone, thank you Gordon

  • @HometownWoodsman
    @HometownWoodsman3 ай бұрын

    That truly was a beautiful video and captures perfectly what fly fishing really does to your soul.

  • @Morenofly
    @Morenofly4 ай бұрын

    Lovely film Gordon!! I agree about art and flyfishing!

  • @DevinRossHerd
    @DevinRossHerd3 ай бұрын

    Beautifully said. Outstanding production.

  • @prolificnorthwest
    @prolificnorthwest3 ай бұрын

    What a beautiful film! Well done.

  • @janosnemeth8344
    @janosnemeth83445 ай бұрын

    This film and thoughts are beautiful. Thank you!

  • @thistoshallpass395
    @thistoshallpass395 Жыл бұрын

    I always try out the flies I am least happy with and am always amazed when they work. Have some flies I tie on the regular now that started off as "this is a total mess".

  • @skypieper

    @skypieper

    Жыл бұрын

    Thx for sharing. Im pretty new to tying and have a lot of flies that are a total mess. Haven't had the chance to get out on the water but ima put on my bad ones first lol.

  • @est9662
    @est966211 ай бұрын

    wow great vid storytelling edit photography beautiful. Great story too!😎👍

  • @canadiangemstones7636
    @canadiangemstones76363 ай бұрын

    First I’ve ever heard of fly fishing on the dark continent; love it!

  • @danielnapenas2157
    @danielnapenas2157 Жыл бұрын

    Wow. Now that’s film. Gordon is good too.

  • @ryanharradine8780
    @ryanharradine8780 Жыл бұрын

    This is one of the most beautiful, spiritual things I have ever watched. Why we fish, why we tie, so beautifully explained. Thank you

  • @skypieper
    @skypieper Жыл бұрын

    As a young fisherman I never thought I'd want to go to South Africa to fish for yellow fish. But its now on my list lol.

  • @fishonlinesa
    @fishonlinesa11 ай бұрын

    Stunning Visual to drive an exceptional story! Wow!

  • @justin81011776
    @justin810117765 ай бұрын

    What a great treatise on fly tying and fishing.

  • @bruceallen6377
    @bruceallen6377 Жыл бұрын

    Gordon that was an awesome film! Thanks for your channel!

  • @motocross6539

    @motocross6539

    Жыл бұрын

    Definitely bruce wayne allen.

  • @oldsmugglerflyfishing
    @oldsmugglerflyfishing Жыл бұрын

    Great documentary. This guy knows what is doing.

  • @MegaJezza75
    @MegaJezza756 ай бұрын

    Wow just wow! I have just started the tying journey!

  • @johnread2250

    @johnread2250

    3 ай бұрын

    Enjoy it my friend its so addictive

  • @criagfurness8305
    @criagfurness8305 Жыл бұрын

    Epic beautiful and spiritual - visual story telling at its finest !

  • @jonahsorensen9009
    @jonahsorensen9009 Жыл бұрын

    This film was expertly done. Thank you.

  • @milobookout267
    @milobookout267 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this beautiful story! I had a similar introduction to fly fishing. A family friend mentioned it, but passed before he could teach me. Coming from a family that didn't fish, it was purely my motivation and their willingness to support me that taught me to fish. Before every trip, I tied flies based on the books and magazines I had read, and after every trip, I tied flies based on what the stream, the fish and the insects had taught me. It's a wonderful way to live.

  • @schadik
    @schadik Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic.

  • @ariel3292
    @ariel3292 Жыл бұрын

    Really appreciated this video! Fellow South African expat over here with the same feeling Gordon. I love chasing a tight line and tying up an imaginative fly. The creative pause is almost as strong of a craving as the hook up that hopefully follows when on the stream. Looking forward to reading your book! Nice to know that fellow likeminded SA anglers are out there!

  • @dutchflyfisher
    @dutchflyfisher Жыл бұрын

    Hello Gordon, I liked your vid. I listened all the time. The words you did say,....you are absolutely right. Keep on moving like this way. Tight lines and greetings from The Netherlands

  • @desmondhall1020
    @desmondhall1020 Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful piece of work Gordon!! Your comments about stream fishing encapsulated perfectly why I fish. Only one I take exception to is your inclusion of gardening......sorry for me it's the absolute antithesis of flyfishing😄. Tight lines brother!

  • @johnconnolly3635
    @johnconnolly3635 Жыл бұрын

    A wonderful piece. Great information About being a person ty

  • @biggreenfish3267
    @biggreenfish3267 Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful film, great story, and inspirational message. Gordon did a wonderful job of explaining something I have been unable to. I find peace at the vise and catching something on my creation is just the icing.

  • @joziflyfishing
    @joziflyfishing Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic work Owen…. WOW!!!

  • @benjaminsmith6897
    @benjaminsmith689711 ай бұрын

    I still need to fish the Bokong I'm in such love with Lestho the fact that I live in Clarens and Lestho being rite on my door step 🔥🔥

  • @pierangelocanton
    @pierangelocanton Жыл бұрын

    This is a wonderful video, Gordon! I recognize myself in every word you say, every feeling, every sensation, even if I fish in the other emisphere, it''s unbelievable. We even have the same barbel migration dynamics here in the south of Spain. Great job my friend👍💪🎣

  • @Inkwaziflyfishing
    @Inkwaziflyfishing Жыл бұрын

    Well done Gordon and Owen, beautifully filmed, that view of the Skate Park just makes my heart sing..

  • @GaryP747
    @GaryP747 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome! I love it when people can describe what most of us cannot put into words! From thse of us we appreciate greatly; your help! ✌🙏 Please keep your insights available to us 👍

  • @junglejim8mm
    @junglejim8mm Жыл бұрын

    So very well done.

  • @Rugby4life713
    @Rugby4life713 Жыл бұрын

    Loved it

  • @markgass3844
    @markgass3844 Жыл бұрын

    Loved it, you have a great way with words Gordon!

  • @alwynwatkins1955
    @alwynwatkins1955 Жыл бұрын

    That is one of the best fly fishing themed videos I have seen. Chapeau,

  • @vernonvandyk772
    @vernonvandyk772 Жыл бұрын

    brilliant!!

  • @Fly_Revive
    @Fly_Revive Жыл бұрын

    Very well done!

  • @pheasanttales7607
    @pheasanttales7607 Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely spectacular! A beautiful passion expressed artfully. Thank you

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you too!

  • @laukei1
    @laukei1 Жыл бұрын

    brilliant

  • @koreysmith3635
    @koreysmith3635 Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding.

  • @troutowl
    @troutowl Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful film, amazing work.

  • @Adipper
    @Adipper Жыл бұрын

    Simply amazing. Inspiration to the beautiful fish, insects, and locations a fly fisher seeks. Thanks

  • @micahellis6290
    @micahellis6290 Жыл бұрын

    Man I must say the deep and true description of what fly tying and fishing truly means in my life that you have put into words leaves me speechless. I wish I could message you directly and thank you for this video. I've never been able to tell my loved ones to this level of being spot on how it has changed me. I grew up in a place in time that would scare the average person. This life has changed me and saved my honestly. I try to spreed it to those who struggle like I did to help them pull out of the depths of violence addiction and find purpose. I have immediately shared this with everyone I know. So grateful my man. Beautiful poetic explanation of those who take this to a another deep level. Thank you. Good thoughts and life your way.

  • @davemedlyn071
    @davemedlyn071 Жыл бұрын

    Perfect.

  • @eugenebarnardo5480
    @eugenebarnardo5480 Жыл бұрын

    Wow.

  • @davidgray3321
    @davidgray3321 Жыл бұрын

    My fishing goes back to the First World War , but I was born in 1961, my grandfather was one of the best shots of his generation and went to France in 1914, the British army had 90% casualties that year alone. When the war was over he returned to Scotland, he put away his 303 rifle and took up the fly rod. On remembrance day he never went to church, he went out to the country and looked upon the waters, his son my father, encouraged me into take up fly fishing when it was obvious I was interested in angling. And so I. Took to fly fishing. And when I go I often think of them both, and on the river I visit I also think of the people have fly fished since there since the 1640’s and perhaps before. They are all in my minds eye, as is the wonderfully clear stream and the flight of the insects after they coupled to land upon the waters, for eternity.

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    That's a great story thank you.

  • @onnoholling7107
    @onnoholling7107 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video, Gordon. Those fish and the fishing look amazing

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    They are!

  • @howardfine13
    @howardfine13 Жыл бұрын

    Wonderful film.

  • @halfpintawhelks
    @halfpintawhelks Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic film . It took a while but it choose me too

  • @flyfishingnordic2698
    @flyfishingnordic26987 ай бұрын

    Awesome work, love it and so true fly fishing and fly tying can change you life❤

  • @riothibodeau5658
    @riothibodeau5658 Жыл бұрын

    I was in South Africa Midrand in 1999-2000, i miss your rivers. -I plan to get back and hope you will guide me Gordon 🎣

  • @martimoutdoor
    @martimoutdoor Жыл бұрын

    Uhauuu😮 fantastic 😊

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    11 ай бұрын

    Thank you! 😃

  • @thomasharrison72
    @thomasharrison72 Жыл бұрын

    That was absolutely beautiful, made my day

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @jessevadala6313
    @jessevadala6313 Жыл бұрын

    This was an incredible way to start my day. Best regards from the Catskill Charmed Circle.

  • @billmoran935
    @billmoran935 Жыл бұрын

    I’m buying his book today!

  • @joebgoodus
    @joebgoodus Жыл бұрын

    Inspiring Video.. Thanks ! ! More Vidz Plz

  • @williampacey9194
    @williampacey9194 Жыл бұрын

    I love fly fishing and tying flies. I don’t have very much time to do it but it doesn’t change my love. I understand what you feel. I will fish other ways but catching a fish on one of my flies is really nice. My flies are simple. Similar to normal patterns but simpler. They are just my flies.

  • @drkbstr
    @drkbstr Жыл бұрын

    Great vid

  • @adventuretimefishinghunting
    @adventuretimefishinghunting Жыл бұрын

    I really enjoyed this. Great video!

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @Scrub_Zero
    @Scrub_Zero Жыл бұрын

    They look just like a yellow whitefish.

  • @psychofish8785
    @psychofish8785 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic film bro👍

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it

  • @skypieper
    @skypieper Жыл бұрын

    Awesome. Just started tying flies, I suck at it but it's fun.

  • @Jadesfishing
    @Jadesfishing7 ай бұрын

    This was a great video have you made any other projects. I really enjoyed this!

  • @dtoux
    @dtoux3 ай бұрын

    I actually 100% agree with you about fly fishing… but the problem I find with it is that is more art than fishing… to the extent that you are considered an expert if you can make beautiful flies and you can make intricate casts and drifts… and the catching fish becomes optional… and then it becomes pointless …and if you go too far it is no longer considered fishing …if it is your thing sure - go for it …but if I need fish to eat - I go to dynamite, euro nymphing or nets (in this order btw 🙂)… absolutely stunning video btw, you have a real talent 👍

  • @comesahorseman
    @comesahorseman Жыл бұрын

    Tying streamside, without a vise. That's hard core.

  • @reneschwab9878
    @reneschwab98783 ай бұрын

    and he uses the best vise :)

  • @Adam-ke6uh
    @Adam-ke6uh Жыл бұрын

    I’m not even a great fisherman, but it’s doesn’t matter. I feel ya bud 😂

  • @so_fly_adventures
    @so_fly_adventures2 ай бұрын

    Are your books available in Austria??

  • @gordonvanderspuy9514

    @gordonvanderspuy9514

    2 ай бұрын

    You can get them from Germany, try Forell und Aesche. Tankred can help you.....

  • @mikelundrigan2285
    @mikelundrigan22853 ай бұрын

    No one taught me how to fly fish or tie flys! I started with worms at 5 and flys at 14…figured it out as I went along and still learning,now in my 70’s! Of course, with the internet, there is an almost unlimited amount of info. on this now!

  • @simonpowell2559
    @simonpowell2559 Жыл бұрын

    I quickly discovered l could make a perfect copy of an insect using modern synthetics and plastic. To the human eye..perfect.never really worked. The old style "traditionals" a scuffy representation of everything and nothing in particular always worked far better. I guess trout see something we don't.

  • @lonewizzard8456
    @lonewizzard8456 Жыл бұрын

    I've gotta go take a crap now

  • @chadpowers8842
    @chadpowers8842 Жыл бұрын

    This some real nerd shit. Gimme a box of nightcrawlers and a treble hook and i'm good to go boss.

  • @1footedoutdoorsman
    @1footedoutdoorsman Жыл бұрын

    This video was amazing. I've always had some interest in fly fishing but never had anyone to teach me. I love fishing, especially for trout but felt like I was missing something... this video helped me figure out what that was!! Looking into my first fly rod and vice now! 👍🏻🦟🎣

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @cheechwizard6541
    @cheechwizard6541 Жыл бұрын

    Exquisite cinematography. Beautiful words. Immaculate flies. Thank you for putting this generous piece of artwork into the world. There is just one thing - Brother, I am shocked and alarmed at the distinct lack of spey rods, spey casting, and streamers in this otherwise wonderful video! Those yellowfish look a hoot. Regards from Oregon.

  • @thecraft5429

    @thecraft5429

    Жыл бұрын

    You'll just have to come and show us how!

  • @carlhughes9584
    @carlhughes95843 ай бұрын

    And some call this a mere ' hobby '......they haven't got a clue. It's like a religion, a way of living.