▲TopTrout Bum Diaries II – Kiwi Camo

Growth - Would be the only word to describe the difference between Trout Bum Diaries (TBD) I and Trout Bum Diaries II. The boys have really hit the nail on the head with this one.

Following in the vein of the first DVD we see our group of intrepid anglers journey to our neighbouring New Zealand, fly fishing for monster trout.

In this instalment we get a further insight into the boys characters and personalities. Bringing a nice element of light-heartedness to the work. It would be pretty difficult to make NZ look bad/ugly. So as you would expect it is visually stunning. A nice use of camera techniques for wide angles, time lapse, right through to on rod casting cam has resulted in a piece that definitely sets it appart from other fishing DVD’s. The fast paced style of the AEG (Anglers Exploration Group) DVD’s is still present here and seems to be a signature of their stuff. They have slowed it down a little (a welcome change in my opinion – it made TBD I a little fractured) and the backing music seems to have had a stern talking to (no more heavy metal). This has really honed in on the boys target market. Sixty five year old purists still probably won’t appreciate this work however the boys aren’t targeting them.

Part of there mission statement is that they are “Focused on breaking the industry mould and pushing the boundaries of angling entertainment”, they are definitely doing that with the Trout Bum Diaries series. On a world stage there are enough markets (countries) to sustain continuing to produce trout only DVD’s. I personally would like to see the boys mix it with a few Bonefish, tackle our Permit (Snub Nosed Dart), Barramundi, Saratoga or the never ending list of available species on Fly. While I hear you all screaming! “What about the name – Trout Bum Diaries?” Do they really need to change it? Would we really care? It’s a great name/brand. I say keep the name and send the boys into the salt. It’s a changing world. Many, many people know how to flyfish and many of them have never fished for trout.

If I had anything negative to say, it would be that by the end it was a little repetitive (with only trout being caught). Yes I am aware that it a trout fishing DVD and the purist fly fishing fraternity would no doubt lap it up. Although as a 35 year old non purist fly fishermen my palette is a little more varied.

Appart from that minor quip this is an exceptional DVD and something the AEG should be very proud of. Trout Bum Diaries II raises the bar for fishing DVD’s

Top effort guys…………………