As I’m writing this, a big snowstorm is rolling in. I’m watching the snow fall, feeling grateful—and honestly, a little overwhelmed.
This week has been wild. For the first time ever, I had an Instagram post go viral. I’ve been doing everything I can to keep up, and it’s been exciting, humbling… and a little exhausting. I’m also fighting off a bad cold, so I’m probably pushing myself too hard. But what else do you do in a moment like this?
More than anything, I just want to say thank you. The support, the positive feedback, the way people have rallied around this positive story—it means a ton to me. It’s making me even more motivated to keep improving, keep creating, and keep bringing you great fly fishing content every week.
Alright, let’s get into it.
My Video Went Viral 🤯
Last Friday, I spotted a fly line wrapped around a boulder in the river. I grabbed it to clean up—and at the other end? A fly rod.
Rather than keep it, I posted a quick video asking the internet for help finding the owner. Some gear carries decades of memories, and this felt like the right thing to do.
I figured a few people might chime in. Turns out, thousands did.
Within hours, Johnathon cracked the case after seeing both my Reel and a Facebook post from Mike about a lost rod. Mike had shared the details in his post, and sure enough, they matched perfectly. Turns out, the rod had been with him for 18 years, paired with a reel he’s had for 30.
And now? The story has 270k+ views, Idaho News is filming with us Saturday, and the Idaho Statesman is interested too—we meet with their reporter next week.
I also filmed a follow-up interview with Mike at the river about how he lost it, what it meant to him, and how he taught some of his grandkids to fly fish with it. That part of the story drops soon—maybe after the news stories? Not sure—I’ve never had something like this happen before.
This whole thing has been surreal. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make it happen—you are amazing.
If you’ve followed FishLikeMike, you know he’s the real deal. His content is incredible, his videos have gone mega-viral, and he’s always willing to help others. He’s personally given me a ton of advice to get Tight Fly Lines off the ground—just a genuinely good dude.
🗓 August 3-10, 2025 🏕 Riverside camping + lodge stay 🐟 Legendary Alaskan waters 👥 Only 7 spots available
It’s a mix of remote, wild fishing and lodge comfort—the full Alaska experience. The trip is open to his community now, but next week it goes public, and these book fast.
Ever imagined fighting a marlin on a fly rod? Yeah, talk about intense. Kesley did just that—and the video is unreal.
From a short but perfectly timed cast to the chaos that followed, everything had to be dialed in—the gear, the guides coaching her, and the captain maneuvering the boat to keep up with the fish. It’s an absolute must-watch. Kesley crushed it.
P.S. Have a fishy friend? Tell them they should subscribe to Tight Fly Lines. You can forward them this email or send them here. Thanks for the support!