Gear Review - The Dead Drift DVD

Anybody who knows me also knows that my tenkara rod fully telescopes every time I think about fishing in New Zealand.  So when Steve from Stealth Films dropped me a note about a month ago offering up a copy of his DVD "The Dead Drift," there was no way I was going to turn that down.  I mean that would just be crazy talk.

Not really knowing what "The Dead Drift" was all about, I settled in to watch it last weekend, eagerly anticipating beautiful landscapes and big ass NZ trout.

Well it didn't disappoint.

Hosted by Dean Bell, of Blue Ribbon Wilderness Guides, "The Dead Drift" is basically a 60+ minute long video on how to spot trout, read water, and manipulate your flies properly in several different real-world fishing situations as he takes us into the Wilderness Waters of Fiordland, South Island, New Zealand.

Now for those of you that prefer your fly fishing movies to be more entertainment than instructional, this one probably isn't for you.  Just being honest.  This ain't Eastern Rises...or heck, it also isn't Once In A Blue Moon.  There's no fly in or fly over footage, no bearded trout bums, and no product placements.  

However what you will watch is some technical and tactical fishing analysis on some of the most beautiful gin clear water you'll ever see.  Don't worry, there is no shortage of fish porn, as Dean plucks pig after pig out of just about every nook and cranny of these streams with ridiculous regularity.  He just happens to do it in a relatively calm and straightforward fashion, explaining what he is doing as he goes along, as opposed to being accompanied by a death metal soundtrack coupled with a warm can of celebratory PBR. 

So is this DVD worth watching?  For general entertainment, maybe, maybe not.  If you like stories and narratives, go watch Hatch or Low & Clear instead.  However if you want to learn something that might help you catch more fish, then yes, by all means pick up a copy of "The Dead Drift" and watch as your head swells with all sort of newly acquired knowledge.

Don't believe me?  Check out some prior reviews of this DVD from different bloggers here, here or here.  And if so inclined, you can also buy your own copy here or here.

DISCLAIMER:
The Dead Drift DVD viewed in this product review was provided to me at no cost, but holds a retail value of $32.90 (US) per the manufacturer's website. I currently hold no association with Stealth Films, Steve Couper, Dean Bell, or Blue Ribbon Wilderness Guides whatsoever, however should I ever attack my bucket list and get down to New Zealand, I know who I'm getting a hold of.   As with all independent gear reviews at Troutrageous!, I try my best to keep my reviews honest and unbiased. If something is good, it deserves applause; if it sucks, I'll let you know that too. It ain't in my interest to steer you wrong, so why waste the time in doing so?