Tributaries – An International Fly Fishing Film of Contrast and Commonality
By 
Here I am in the middle of the hair-pulling, eye-bulging screen time that is post production. Another 14-hour day and I need fresh air. I go for long walks under the stars and think about the night skies of the Bahamas, Iceland and Patagonia.
After my last film, Breathe, I really wanted to explore the wider implications of fly fishing. How does our sport fit into the world? What is this worldwide community like? What are the differences and similarities on a global scale? Instead of a personal journey, I wanted to explore the world’s waters and the cultures that inhabit them.
I thought about the places and fish that enticed me – and booked flights. I put 90% of my belongings in storage, cancelled my cell phone service and disconnected the battery from my truck, consumed goodbye beers.
[Above: Prescott Smith chases bonefish on the flats of Mastic point, Andros Island, The Bahamas. All photos courtesy of RC Cone]
I’m nervous, excited and anxious. Breathe was an eye-opener for me personally and I have a strong feeling 
Lamb asado after a long rainy day exploring new water, in a secret location, with legitimate Argentine gauchos on horseback.
Now, back in the U.S. of A., I’m trying to tell this story, and I realize the story has been there the entire time. Although we are an international crew of fly fishers, and although we fish for different fish with different styles, it’s the water that connects us. We’re all stakeholders in having clean water. Why can’t we, as the fly fishing community, be the leaders and take charge in preserving the one thing that brings vitality to our existence?
After meeting these three guides, I realized we can. A gold mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska and the issues associated with not-so-eco tourism in the Bahamas concern us all. They are both, theoretically and technically, issues that concern the same water. When you’re fishing in the Bahamas, you’re fishing water from Alaska, Iceland water in Argentina, African water in Australia, etc., etc. – and vice versa. The realization: fly fishing is a powerful current that unifies an even stronger worldwide community.
[Video: Tributaries Fly Fishing Film Trailer #1 from RC Cone.]
Tributaries is a journey to uncover the commonality among different cultures, people and water. It explores the contrasting experiences of three diverse guides – a Bahamian flats-drifter, a Patagonian trout bum and a Viking-blooded Icelander. Three stories merging into one: a tribute to the world’s water. Tributaries is an official selection of the 2014 F3T and 2014 Rise film festivals. Full-length downloads are available at Tributariesfilm.com and begin at $4.
RC Cone is a photographer and filmmaker currently living in Portland, Oregon (that’s where his bike is at least). When he was 18, RC moved from the flatlands to Big Sky Country and graduated from the University of Montana with a camera and a degree in Environmental Studies. He and his camera have travelled around four continents and dream everyday of new adventures. Get his latest updates on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.