In this video by BlueLineCo, they take part in the Sh*t Fly Tournament, a ridiculous fly fishing competition for redfish in Louisiana. The teams, BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors, had to tie flies using materials chosen by the other team and could only fish with the fly they tied. Despite struggling initially, BlueLineCo eventually caught a big redfish using their own fly. While they may have lost the competition, they were still excited about their catch. The video showcases the challenges and excitement of fly fishing in a unique tournament setting.

The video captures the essence of the competition, from the material selection process to the actual fishing experience. It highlights the importance of the shape and action of a fly in attracting fish in Louisiana, rather than the color. Overall, it offers an entertaining and informative insight into fly fishing for redfish in a fun and unusual tournament.

Overview of the Sh*t Fly Tournament

The Sh*t Fly Tournament is a fly fishing competition for Redfish in Louisiana, known for its unique and ridiculous rules. In this tournament, teams are required to tie their own flies using specific materials chosen by the opposing team. Each team can only fish with the fly they have tied themselves. The winner of the tournament is determined by the team that catches the most or biggest fish.

Understanding the rules

The rules of the Sh*t Fly Tournament are simple yet challenging. The teams are tasked with creating their own flies using materials chosen by the opposing team. This adds an element of surprise and difficulty to the competition. The teams must rely on their creativity and adaptability to come up with effective flies that can attract and hook Redfish.

Exploring the twist of using chosen materials for tying the flies

One of the unique aspects of the Sh*t Fly Tournament is the use of chosen materials for tying the flies. Each team selects materials for the opposing team, which can include unconventional items such as a trout camo koozie, aluminum foil, and an old flatline. The twist of using these unusual materials challenges the teams to think outside the box and come up with innovative fly patterns.

Discussing the tournament’s scoring method

The scoring method in the Sh*t Fly Tournament is straightforward. The team that catches the most or biggest fish wins the competition. This means that it is not only about quantity but also about the size of the fish. This scoring method adds excitement and competitiveness to the tournament, as teams strive to outperform each other in both quantity and quality of fish caught.

The Competing Teams: BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors

Introducing the teams

The two competing teams in the Sh*t Fly Tournament are BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors. BlueLineCo is the reigning champion, having won a previous fishing tournament against DorsalOutdoors. They are known for their skills and experience in fly fishing. DorsalOutdoors, on the other hand, is determined to prove themselves and take the victory in this tournament.

Previous encounter between the teams

BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors have a history of competition. They previously faced off in a fishing tournament called Brimmageddon, where BlueLineCo emerged as the victors. This previous encounter adds an element of rivalry and motivation for DorsalOutdoors to perform well and seek redemption in the Sh*t Fly Tournament.

Description of the camaraderie and rivalry

Although there is a sense of rivalry between the teams, there is also a strong camaraderie that exists in the fly fishing community. Both BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors share a common passion for the sport and respect for each other’s skills. This creates a friendly and supportive atmosphere during the tournament, where competitors can appreciate and learn from each other’s techniques and strategies.

Materials for Tying Flies

How the teams pick materials for each other

In the Sh*t Fly Tournament, the teams are responsible for choosing materials for the opposing team to use in tying their flies. This adds an element of surprise and challenge to the competition. The teams must consider which materials will be most difficult to work with, while still allowing for the creation of effective flies.

Description of materials chosen: trout camo koozie, aluminum foil, old flatline

For the Sh*t Fly Tournament, the teams selected unconventional materials for each other. BlueLineCo chose a trout camo koozie, aluminum foil, and an old flatline for DorsalOutdoors to use in tying their flies. These materials present unique challenges for the teams, as they require creative thinking to incorporate them into effective fly patterns.

Significance of material choice in fly fishing

The choice of materials in fly fishing is crucial to the success of catching fish. Different materials can mimic different types of bait, fooling the fish into believing that the fly is a viable food source. In the Sh*t Fly Tournament, the chosen materials add an extra layer of difficulty to the competition, as the teams must figure out how to make the best use of unconventional materials to create flies that are both attractive to fish and functional for casting and retrieving.

Tying the Flies

The process of tying flies with the chosen materials

After receiving the chosen materials, the teams embark on the task of tying their flies. This involves using their creativity and fly tying skills to incorporate the materials into effective fly patterns. The teams must experiment with different techniques and approaches to make the best use of the materials and create flies that will entice the Redfish to bite.

Challenges and creativity shown during the process

The process of tying flies with the chosen materials presents several challenges for the teams. The unconventional nature of the materials requires innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. The teams need to adapt their usual fly tying techniques to work with unfamiliar materials, which can be a test of their creativity and resourcefulness.

The final flies made by each team

After hours of work, the teams complete their flies using the chosen materials. The final flies showcase the teams’ ability to overcome the challenges and create effective patterns. Each team’s fly reflects their unique approach and style, demonstrating their understanding of the Redfish’s preferences and behaviors.

The Importance of Shape and Action of Flies For Redfish

Why color is less critical for Redfish in Louisiana

In the waters of Louisiana, color is less critical for Redfish compared to other factors such as shape and action. This is due to the limited visibility caused by murky water conditions. Redfish rely more on the movement and profile of a fly rather than its color. This knowledge is crucial for the teams in the Sh*t Fly Tournament, as they focus on creating flies that mimic the natural shape and action of prey to attract Redfish.

Exploring the role of shape and action in luring Redfish

The shape and action of a fly play a significant role in luring Redfish. Redfish are predatory fish that feed on baitfish and crustaceans. Flies that imitate the movement and behavior of these prey species are more likely to entice Redfish to strike. By understanding the natural movements of their chosen bait, the teams in the tournament can create flies that replicate those actions, increasing their chances of success.

How each team’s tied fly mimics the shape and action of natural bait

Both BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors have tied flies that mimic the shape and action of natural bait found in Redfish’s habitat. The flies are designed to imitate the swimming or darting movements of baitfish or the crawling actions of crustaceans. By replicating these natural movements, the teams hope to trigger an instinctive response from the Redfish and entice them to bite.

The Tournament Day: Anticipation and Tactics

The anticipation before the start of the tournament

On the day of the tournament, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement among the teams. They have spent time preparing their flies and strategizing their approach. The tournament day represents the culmination of their efforts and the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in fly fishing. The teams eagerly await the start of the competition, ready to put their tactics into action.

Strategic approach used by both teams

Each team adopts a strategic approach to maximize their chances of catching fish during the tournament. They consider factors such as the location of the Redfish habitat, the weather conditions, and the behavior of the fish. The teams develop tactics that play to their strengths and incorporate the characteristics of the flies they have tied. They aim to present their flies in a way that mimics natural prey and encourages the Redfish to strike.

The environment of Redfish habitat in Louisiana

The Redfish habitat in Louisiana presents a unique environment for fly fishing. The waters are often murky, which limits visibility and challenges anglers. The teams must navigate these conditions and adapt their tactics accordingly. Understanding the Redfish’s preferred feeding areas, such as marshes and flats, as well as their seasonal behaviors, is crucial for successful fishing in this particular environment.

BlueLineCo’s Troubled Start

BlueLineCo’s initial difficulties in catching fish

BlueLineCo faces initial difficulties in catching fish during the tournament. Despite their experience and previous success in fishing competitions, they struggle to hook into Redfish. The chosen flies may not be as effective as they had anticipated, or the conditions on the tournament day may pose additional challenges. Nevertheless, they remain determined to turn their luck around.

Changes in BlueLineCo’s tactics or approach

As BlueLineCo realizes that their initial tactics are not yielding the desired results, they make adjustments to their approach. They may change their fishing spot, vary the retrieval speed of their flies, or experiment with different casting techniques. Adapting to the changing conditions and being open to trying new strategies is key to overcoming challenges and improving their chances of success.

Team members’ feelings and reactions during the struggle

During the struggle to catch fish, team members of BlueLineCo experience a range of emotions. There may be frustration and disappointment, as they had high expectations for their performance in the tournament. However, they also showcase determination and perseverance, refusing to give up and continuing to seek opportunities to hook into Redfish. The team members support and encourage each other, rallying to boost morale and maintain a positive mindset.

Catching the First Big Redfish

The turning point of catching the first big Redfish

Despite their initial difficulties, BlueLineCo experiences a turning point when they successfully hook into the first big Redfish. This catch validates their efforts and renews their motivation. The first big Redfish becomes a symbol of hope and a reminder that their skills and tactics can produce results.

Explanation of how the tied fly helped in catching the fish

The tied fly plays a vital role in catching the first big Redfish. BlueLineCo’s fly, despite its unconventional materials, manages to replicate the shape and action of natural bait in a way that proves irresistible to the Redfish. The fly’s movement and profile mimic the behavior of a fleeing prey, triggering a predatory response from the fish and resulting in a successful hookup.

Celebration and reactions following the catch

The catch of the first big Redfish sparks a celebration among the BlueLineCo team. The excitement and achievement of landing a significant fish, particularly after their initial struggle, is palpable. The team members celebrate each other’s success and share in the joy and satisfaction of a hard-earned catch. The catch reenergizes the team and instills a renewed sense of confidence.

The Conclusion of the Tournament

Tallying of catches by both teams

At the end of the tournament, the catches made by both BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors are tallied. The teams evaluate the quantity and size of the fish caught, considering the scoring method of the competition. Each catch is recorded and measured to determine the final results.

Declaration of the winner and reaction of both teams

After the tallying of catches, the winner of the Sh*t Fly Tournament is declared. The winning team receives recognition and accolades for their skills and success in the competition. Although only one team can be the winner, both teams show respect and sportsmanship towards each other, acknowledging the efforts and achievements of their fellow competitors.

Analysis of performance by both teams

Following the conclusion of the tournament, both teams engage in an analysis of their performance. They reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The teams learn from their experiences and take away valuable insights that can enhance their future fly fishing endeavors. The analysis allows for growth and development of skills and strategies for both BlueLineCo and DorsalOutdoors.

Conclusion: Learning From Fly Fishing Competitions

Insights gained from participating in unique fly tournaments

Participating in unique fly fishing tournaments, such as the Sh*t Fly Tournament, provides valuable insights for both anglers and the fly fishing community as a whole. These tournaments challenge conventional thinking and push participants to explore new approaches and techniques. The insights gained from these experiences can be applied to everyday fly fishing, leading to continuous improvement and innovation in the sport.

Importance of creativity and adaptability in fly fishing

Fly fishing competitions highlight the importance of creativity and adaptability in the sport. By being able to think outside the box and adapt their tactics to changing conditions, anglers can increase their chances of success. The Sh*t Fly Tournament specifically emphasizes the need for creative fly tying and the ability to work with unconventional materials.

Broader lessons from the tournament for fly fishing for Redfish

The Sh*t Fly Tournament and similar competitions provide broader lessons for fly fishing for Redfish. Anglers learn the significance of shape and action in enticing Redfish, as well as the impact of environmental factors on their behavior. Additionally, these tournaments foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among fly fishermen, encouraging a supportive and collaborative community that shares knowledge and experiences.