Let's Make a Fishing Movie

We're proud to have partnered with Off the Grid Studios to sponsor Let’s Make a Fishing Movie, a new documentary film featuring chef, author, and permit angler David Chang, as part of the 2026 International Fly Fishing Film Tour (IF4). The film will tour globally beginning January 2026, screening in theaters across North America and internationally. 

While most fishing films focus on pristine landscapes, perfect casts, and cinematic triumphs, Let’s Make a Fishing Movie takes a different approach. The film pulls back the curtain on the process itself — revealing the uncertainty, frustration, humor, and humanity behind the scenes of a high-stakes production. What begins as a straightforward shoot quickly becomes something far more revealing as plans unravel and expectations collide with reality.

Set against the remote backdrop of the stunning Yucatán Peninsula coastline at The Blacksmith Lodge, the film follows Chang alongside guides Jorge Angulo Tut and renown angler Mike Dawes as the crew navigates the unpredictable nature of both fishing and filmmaking. Rather than polishing away the rough edges, the film embraces them —offering an honest, self-aware look at what it really takes to tell a story in the wild. 

Let’s Make a Fishing Movie blends documentary storytelling with moments of levity and introspection, exploring the tension between intention and out come, control and chaos, and the thin line between ambition and acceptance. The result is a film that feels as much about the creative process as it is about fishing itself.

David Chang is an acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author, and media personality known for redefining modern food culture. Founder of the Momofuku restaurant group, Chang has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People and is the host of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious and Dinner Time LIVE, as well as several other shows. His work often explores culture, identity, creativity, and the pursuit of excellence—making him a natural collaborator for a film that questions process and perfection alike.

Our recommendation, and used by David Chang in his search for Permit, are the Sextant and Exocett 88 series. 

The International Fly Fishing Film Tour is the world’s leading fly fishing
film event, traveling to hundreds of venues across more than 15 countries each year. IF4 showcases the best films from independent filmmakers around the globe, celebrating the artistry, adventure, and conservation efforts within fly fishing culture. You can catch the IF4 tour at of the Fly Fishing Shows - and be sure to stop by the Thomas & Thomas booth! 

Check Out the Trailer for Let's Make a Fishing Movie