Who doesn’t love a good fish movie? Here’s our list of the best fishing movies and fishing documentaries that’ll blow your mind.
Best Fishing Movies on YouTube
1. Euro Banx 2 – Full Carp Fishing Movie
This is a standalone version of EuroBanx 2 (as seen on the 2016 Nash DVD) that made the list.
Alan Blair and Oli Davies set off on another road trip around Europe. They’re on a quest to check off a huge list of epic carp fishing destinations.
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Euro Banx 2 – Full Carp Fishing Movie Review
1.5k viewer likes / 5 cast and spear stars
Well, gentlemen that were like the best carp fishing road trip/video I’ve seen in like FOREVER. Simply insane angling!
Awesome stuff, chaps! Great watch, super angling.
2. Grumpy Old Men
John Gustafson (Jack Lemmon) and Max Goldman (Walter Matthau) are two neighbors who have been at each other’s throats for years.
The rivalry between the former friends intensifies when Ariel (Ann-Margret) comes along and provides a love interest for both of them. When Max finds out that John is experiencing family troubles and financial ruin, he steps in to help.
Their bond is further cemented when John has a health scare, and Max makes the ultimate sacrifice for his friend. A perfect movie for this list.
Grumpy Old Men Review
33 viewer likes / 4 cast and spear stars
BEST FISHING MOVIES EVER!!!!!!!!!!! Seen it hundreds and it still never gets old, as well as grumpier old men.
I don’t care who u are THIS IS FUNNY …….
3. Gone Fishing (1997)
Gone Fishing made the list, and rightfully so. Joe (Joe Pesci) and Gus (Danny Glover) are lifelong friends who seem to encounter disaster wherever they go.
They’re ecstatic when they find out they’ve won a fishing trip to Florida. Embarking on a road trip, their adventure takes a turn for the worse. They cross paths with a smooth-talking con man (Nick Brimble) who makes off with Joe’s car.
They hitch a ride with two women, Rita (Rosanna Arquette) and Angie (Lynn Whitfield), and find themselves in outlandish situations.
Gone Fishing Review
64 viewer likes / 5 cast and spear stars
So many references to the Faith in this movie!! It’s been one of my absolute favorite films since a child!
One of the funniest fishing movies.
4. Low And Clear (2012)
During a winter fly-fishing trip to Canada, two friends, J.T. Van Zandt and Alex “Xenie” Hall learn they’ve grown apart. J.T., the thoughtful, even-keeled son of a songwriting legend, believes there’s more to fishing than catching fish.
Short-tempered Xenie, a “firewood salesman,” disagrees and fishes like it’s a race against the clock.
Their different approaches to fishing and life emerge and clash on the snowy river banks. Set in British Columbia, this is a true story of a friendship stretched to the breaking point.
An exploration of life in the disappearing wilderness of the West, LOW AND CLEAR unfold with moments of humor and pathos. J.T. and Xenie find themselves on a fishing trip that could be their last. This is one of the fishing movies you need to see.
Starring: John Townes Van Zandt II, Alex ‘Xenie’ Hall
Low And Clear Review
88 viewer likes / 4 cast and spear stars
Just the way it is. All the fishing buddies out there and the spectrum. The best fly fishing film I’ve ever watched and holds up year after year.
Well, I loved the film. Awesome photography. I can relate more to JT, for sure. But Zeenie has more firewood than anyone I’ve ever seen.
5. The Complete Angler (2002)
The Complete Angler is by James Prosek (artist/writer), Fritz Mitchell (producer/editor), and Peter Franchella (cinematographer).
It documents Prosek’s travels as he walks in the footsteps of the 17th-century English writer. Izaak Walton’s “research” is for his senior thesis at Yale.
The film focuses on Walton’s book, The Complete Angler, a book that many have heard of but few have actually read. It’s one of the better fishing movies made.
The Complete Angler Review
1.9k viewer likes 5 cast and spear stars
I’ve been watching this for some years now, and let me tell ya. This never gets old. I watch this from time to time to get inspiration
Beautifully filmed, directed, and narrated. Lovely work.
Best Fishing Movies On Hulu and Netflix
6. A River Runs Through It (1992)
Starring: Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Robert Redford
The story of two fly-fishing brothers whose lives unravel. Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Norman McLean.
This fly-fishing movie originates in the babbling streams of early 20th-century Montana. Norman’s rebellious brother, Paul (Brad Pitt), finds himself drawn to a lifestyle that is tumultuous.
Paul’s proclivity for the outcast lifestyle forces his family’s unfading love to become powerless in saving him. Robert Redford is a master in this movie as well.
A River Runs Through It Review
7.3 viewer stars / 4.5 cast and spear stars
This must have been a very difficult movie to write. It is not about the events that happen in it.
They are only illustrations of underlying principles. Leave out the principles, and all you have are some interesting people. They are born, grow up, and take various directions in life as well as some good fishing. A fishing movies list would be nothing without this film. Although the actors in this movie look great, the best fly-fishing scenes in this movie were done with a stunt double, a true fly-fishing pro, Jason Borger.
7. The River Why (2010)
Starring: Zach Gilford, Amber Heard, William Hurt
This film adaptation of a novel is little known but will appeal to both fans of trout fly-fishing and romance films. It centers on a young man’s search for a trout,
His goal was to find his own way in the fishing world and thereby find himself and love.
This is a metaphor for his lifelong search for meaning. If you’re an angler who gets more out of fishing than fish, give this a watch.
The River Why Review
5.0 viewer stars / 4 cast and spear stars
Although it may take some patience on the part of the viewer. The River Why, like a sunny afternoon spent fishing in a shady pool, yields its own small rewards.
8. The Perfect Storm (2000)
The Perfect Storm was about a daring man who risked his life working on his fishing boat. They showed just how hard it is to get rescued during a crazy storm and how brave you have to be to try – this style of nomad life. Some commercial fishing venues and ideologies allow little room for error.
This is one of those heroic fishing movies that leave you on the edge of your seat.
If you haven’t watched the Perfect Storm film, you need to!
9. Jaws (1975)
Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss
A local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer team up to hunt down a great white shark (not a friendly leopard shark) wreaking havoc in a beach resort.
Jaws kill a woman while skinny-dipping near New England. Police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches. Mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town.
Ichthyologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled ship captain Quint (Robert Shaw) offer to help. Brody captures the killer beast, and the trio engages in an epic battle of man vs. nature. This is this unforgettable scary fish movie.
Jaws Review
8.0 viewer stars / 5 cast and spear stars
It’s not a splendid line of dialogue. It is an example of Steven Spielberg’s strategy all through the film. Where the shark is more talked about than seen and seen more through its actions than in the flesh, but when it does show up, it takes the film for sure
It is the fear of the unknown that is most captivating about this film. Jaws is a great film, but it did lead to people hating or hurting sharks…which we don’t approve.
10. The Old Man And The Sea (1990)
Stars: Anthony Quinn, Gary Cole, Patricia Clarkson
Based on the novel by Ernest Hemingway. Santiago goes out on his usual fishing trip and makes a huge catch, the biggest of his life.
Then a shark attacks and tries to steal his catch. Santiago battles with the shark for days. He returns to the shore beaten, tattered, and torn, and his catch consists only of bones. A true classic among classic stories of the sea for sure.
The Old Man And The Sea Review
7.0 viewer stars / 4 cast and spear stars
The Old Man and the Sea is a 1990 television movie based on the novel The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.
They received nominations for three Emmy Awards. These included:
- Outstanding Achievement in Music for a Miniseries or a Special (Dramatic Underscore)
- Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries for a Special
- Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries or Special.
11. Alamo Bay (1985)
Stars: Amy Madigan, Ed Harris, Ho Nguyen
A despondent Vietnam veteran sees Vietnamese immigrants moving into the fishing industry in a Texas bay town. Fearing for his livelihood, he takes action.
Embittered Vietnam veteran Shang (Ed Harris) feels like he is at war with the Vietnamese immigrants.
Shang’s ex-girlfriend, Glory (Amy Madigan), ignores the townsfolk’s racism. She decides instead to stick with her Vietnamese hires. Tensions escalate as xenophobic backlash becomes violent, despite the predictable consequences.
Alamo Bay Review
6.1 viewer stars / 4 cast and spear stars
“Alamo Bay” tells one of those complicated, tragic American stories that you read about in the newspaper and remember months later. You’ll wonder about whatever happened to those people and their crisis.
The stories were about a blood feud on the Texas Gulf between the veteran local shrimp fisherman and new arrivals from Vietnam. The locals said they’re invading their traditional grounds and spoiling the fishing.
Best Fishing Documentaries
12. Silver King – The Birth Of Big Game Fishing
In 1885, a sensational catch at Sanibel Island Tarpon Bay made international news. This catch revolutionized sport fishing.
For the first time, a mighty silver-sided tarpon caught on a rod and reel made Southwest Florida the epicenter of a brand-new sport.
The crowned Silver King of fish lured celebrities and presidents. It transformed Southwest Florida into the birthplace of big game fishing.
Silver King – The Birth Of Big Game Fishing
175 viewer likes / 5 cast and spear stars.
I love some of the pictures of the old tackle shops, the old reels, and rods. Thank you so much.
This is an interesting video. Not only about fishing but the history as well, Fishing is always fun here. Very rarely do I ever come home empty-handed. This was also a place one President and maybe another president came to fish!
13. Track The Tuna
For over 4000 years, fishermen have been catching tuna as they migrate through the Mediterranean.
They’re called the “manna of the oceans.” We take a look at the long journey tuna traverse to mate. We witness their struggles, including hunters and the strong presence of fishing boats.
Track The Tuna Review
2.8k viewer likes / 4 cast and spear stars
Magnificent fish.
Stunning images. It might seem savage what fishermen do here…but fish themselves are predators who swallow their own kind alive…so shouldn’t we be sentimental? These fish would do it to us given half the chance….
14. The World is Running Out of Fish
No one could have predicted the dire straits that the fishing world would find itself in 2010.
After all, certain spots in the world’s waters used to be teeming with schools of everything from cod to salmon fishing. Today fleets scour the seas in vain, hoping to find a school.
The World is Running Out of Fish Review
36 viewer likes / 5 cast and spear stars.
Brings things into perspective.
Moderation is a must, but the oceans are vast and have many resources. We have to decide what to take and let reproduce…
15. Australia’s Wild North [Coastal Fishing Documentary] | Wild Things
Ben Cropp and his sons, Dean and Adam, explore the vast and remote coastline of Australia’s far north from their Vessel, Freedom II.
It’s an adventure along the top end of Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arnhem Land, and the Kimberley coast. Very few road tracks lead to this remote area, but by boat, Ben and his family can explore it all.
They meet aborigines in the wild on out-stations. Still harvesting their food using their forefather’s ways, by the primitive spear. The Aboriginal rock art is spectacular. Magnificent Wandjina paintings depicting ancient legends and early explorers that visited Australia.
The fishing is fantastic, prolific wildlife and crocodiles abound in this region. Ben also visits his dream place: a six-mile deep water inlet at King George River.
He terminates this video at Twin Waterfalls, tumbling 100 meters from the river above to the gorge below. This inlet is alive with fish, mud crabs, dugongs, and crocodiles.
Australia’s Wild North [Coastal Fishing Documentary] | Wild Things Review
52 viewer likes / 5 cast and spear stars
Very Interesting!!
Informative, I had no idea about some of these.
16. Fly Fishing in the Anthropocene
The Ozernaya River winds serpentine-like through a remote corner of Kamchatka in Far East Russia.
In one of the most intact ecosystems left in the Northern Pacific, rainbow trout eat mice for breakfast. Also, the salmon run in the hundreds of thousands.
This bounty attracts two kinds of people; those who want to protect and those who want to exploit. Rampant salmon poaching is big business on Kamchatka, and once the salmon are gone, the entire ecosystems collapse.
“Fly Fishing in the Anthropocene” explores how fly fishing can help protect the wilderness. Celebrate the beauty and wonder of one of the most vibrant places on earth. This is a terrific fly fishing documentary.
Fly Fishing in the Anthropocene Review
1.5k viewer likes / 5 cast and spear stars
Beautiful and terrifying. A well-told story. One of the very few fishing films I’ve watched from beginning to end without looking at the time.
Fantastic! It was refreshing to have a film convey pure passion and raw emotion rather than non-stop action and hero shots. Looking forward to more… keep up the great work!
Final Thoughts on Fishing Movies
Our well-told favorite fishing movie is the classic “Jaws”. It has been around for as long as we can remember. No matter how many times you watch it, it never fails to thrill.
There are short movies about fishing, fly fishing and even bass fishing tales with loveable characters.
There are many various types of fishing tales when it comes to documentaries.
Short fishing documentaries offer a wealth of knowledge. They are beneficial for improving your fishing game and learning about the environment.
When you cannot go fishing, the next best thing is to relax with one of our picks for the best fishing movies and documentaries.
If you want more content, check out our favorite fishing YouTube channels.
Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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