ICONS: Aaron Goodis

Icons, a web series from Swing the Fly, looks at the most influential figures in spey casting and swinging flies – from North America and beyond in the 21st century. In this installment we visit with iconic photographer Aaron Goodis. We discuss the photos that got away, the most difficult part of capturing spey casting and much, much more.

Your lens has captured some outstanding images of our sport. In your opinion, what is the most important skill in capturing iconic on-stream photography?

Thank you very much; that means a ton!! I would say the number one skill to getting great on location photography is just to be there a lot! And be there with the right person (people)! Have your camera accessible so you actually take photos in those moments when you’re thinking, “This would make a great shot!” Get to know your gear intimately so you are not fiddling around when light and action are happening and having one good all-around lens that becomes a go-to staple left on the camera so again you are not trying to switch lenses when moments are happening fast. Also, just being there to shoot photos instead of fishing is important. It’s always a tough call, fish or shoot, but if you’re there to shoot, just shoot! I got my best photos when I was out there documenting everything! Secondly, it’s also good to have a plan and a picture in mind sometimes. A lot of fly fishing photography is capturing candid moments, but sometimes it’s creating a preconceived image that you are out there to photograph. Most importantly, just have a good time!

Have you discovered anything about spey casting that is inherently difficult to capture in photography?

Yes definitely! Capturing the actual cast it self, the long tight loop! It all has to come together: a dark backdrop, great overhead light, a great cast and caster, and a camera that can capture high frame rates! It’s an elusive shot and one I’m still trying to find, but I have captured some pretty impressive Spey-casting moments. It’s always a challenge!

Tell us about “the photo that got away.” When did you just miss getting a Pulitzer Prize for sporting photography? How did the calamity unfold?

Hahahaha, ya, unfortunately too many to mention! The actual reality is that most photos “got away.” For every keeper, there are hundreds of misses and missed opportunities! From that would be a killer release shot to epic light that fades before the camera comes out. The last epic miss that comes to mind was a huge beauty of a wild winter steelhead that a friend caught on a Spey rod in the Squamish River. It all happened so fast, and by the time we landed and released this beauty, I realized I had never gotten actual “big camera” shots, only a couple of quick iPhone pics that really didn’t do the fish justice. Fine for memory, but not for portfolio! This happens far too often!

When you are fishing on your own, which river do you consider to be your “Home River” (or rivers)?

I live in Vancouver, B.C., so I’m pretty lucky to have some amazing waters close by! It really depends on what I’m targeting and how far I am willing to drive. I would say that my true home waters would be the Chilliwack/Vedder River and the Squamish River and of course the Thompson River!

Which river that you have never fished before would you most like to try? Man, that’s a good question!

So many, but to simplify it and stay closer to home (I’m a bit of a homebody, meaning staying in B.C.), I would love to fish the Babine and make my way back up north again. Definitely a camp trip to the Dean again. I absolutely wish I could fish the Thompson again for Steelhead; that would be number one! Probably sounds lame, but I absolutely love my home province for outdoor activities and fishing!

What is your favourite fly?

Hands down my take on a black G.P. Long and thin with a trailing hook and a little extra flash!

What is your favourite two-hand rod, and what line do you most like to use with it?

Right now I use two different Spey rods, the CND Gravity 8134-4 and the CND Gravity 7127-4 both paired up with old vintage Hardy Perfects and Bridge Lines. I use other gear primarily when shooting for brands and I have been shooting and using some pretty cool Hardy gear as well!

What is your favourite memory from your times on the water?

I have so many and plan on making many more! In more recent times, it’s a trip with my dad trout fishing and camping on the Thompson River last summer—just a special trip! This past fall I made a trip to Vancouver Island with a good friend. We fished so hard that even though he is a spectacular chef, we ended up eating fast food in the dark in camp with no light for four days. It was awesome! Just great times with great people! Spending time joking around on drives listening to rap music! Also, having some alone time just to fish and think up new projects and ideas is also super important and super fun! Catching a big fish is usually last in line!

You have made many contributions to steelheading and two-hand casting. Is there one you’re particularly proud of?

I’m definitely proud of everything and everyone who fights for wild steelhead! For me personally, I am probably most proud of my photography book that I self-published called Along the River; it features many of the photographs that I took during the first part of my fly fishing photography career. It also features four short journal entries my dad wrote from when I was younger and starting to get really into fly fishing! I am just proud of being involved in the fly fishing industry for my entire working life; it’s been a wild ride!

What is it going to take to save wild fish?

Your guess is as good as mine, but if we all stay united as anglers, we can keep wild fish alive. Good environmental management. No fish farms. Limited logging, especially in wild watersheds.

What are your plans for the next five years?

To just keep pursuing my passion for photography, fly fishing, and the outdoors! Thanks very much for including me in this icon series! It’s an honour, and it is much appreciated!

Want to see more? You can view Aaron’s photography at www.aarongoodisphoto.com @agoodisphoto
@flyfishing_photography