Rolf Nylinder: A Fly Fishing Bum turned Formidable Film-Maker

Rolf Nylinder: A Fly Fishing Bum turned Formidable Film-Maker

Fly fisherman, Rolf Nylinder, might deliberately try to come across as a simple human being, who just happens to dabble in fly fishing films. But those of us, who have followed him for years, know that his story-telling skills are unique and highly developed and that he is capable of transforming ideas, reflections, and notions into captivating visuals like no one else. Rolf turns poetry into motion, and having watched all of his fly fishing films with great enthusiasm, we thought it was appropriate to sit down with Rolf and have a few words about his career as a flyfisherman and as a film-maker.

By THE EDITORIAL STAFF

BIO//Full Name: Rolf NylinderBorn: 1989Country of origin: SwedenSocial Media: www.instagram.com/rolfnylinder

How did you get started fly fishing and why?

I’m not sure. I was fishing a lot - all kinds of fishing. Then, at some point, my brother got a fly rod. That winter, we downloaded every fly fishing film possible and started tying flies. I would say that the films made by Lars Nilssen and Lars Lenth really got me hooked on fly fishing.

What is it that fascinates you about fly fishing?

I don’t know, maybe because a fishing trip is like a miniature version of life. I like that everything is there; compressed into a little trip. But the answer to this question has changed over the years, I guess. Just the beauty of a rise, is also a good answer, I guess.

How did you end doing fly fishing films?

I was very drawn to making films right away. I just like to be living inside a little story in some way. And it’s a way to save the moment.

What’s the best part of doing films? And what’s the worst part?

The worst part is colorgrading and writing subtitles. The best part is that there are no rules. I don’t have to make it in any other way than what I like at the moment. I’m terrible at making films for others. At least I feel terrible doing that.

You’re a true story teller. How did your style of film-making and fly fishing story telling come about?

I don’t know. My first films were attempts at making exact copies of Bård & Lars (A Norwegian fly fishing duo that made entertaining and tongue-in-cheek fly fishing films back in the 90s). I even tried to talk like Lars Lenth in the speaker voice. And what I’m doing now, I have no idea about. I’m just doing the first thing that comes to mind,

What is the creative process like for you? (How do you envision and realize your film ideas)?

I am very bad at answering questions like this one. I really just DO things. I guess the creative process is trying to shut down ideas so I can finish something.

What’s your favourite among the films you’ve done and why?

Wow, I don’t know. I like the one called “the color of coral”. It was my first time fishing with Håvard and I like to see how we connect in some way.

Are there any fly fishing film makers that you’re fond of – or draw inspiration from?

Everyone is so much better than me at color grading and the overall production thing. I just don’t have that in me. I’m inspired by all of them. Tight loops, Ted Logart, etc...

Do you have any cool fly fishing film projects coming up?

Yes, I’m on my way to South Africa now, will hopefully do something there.

You’ve been the archetype of a living and breathing trout bum. But you also have a family now. How do you balance things – and make a living?

I’m working on the balance thing.

What’s the most important advice you can give to fellow fly fishers who want to get into film making?

Buy the most expensive camera. No, I don’t know. Everyone seems to work in their own way. Just start! -is a good tip, I think. Don’t be too afraid of making bad films, then you will just copy someone else. Or perhaps do that, copy someone else.

You’ve traveled to some of the most iconic fly fishing destinations on the planet. What’s your favourite destination and why?

Northern Scandinavia. I have a long-going connection to the fishing there. I know what a trophy fish for me is there. It’s fun to see the world, but fishing-wise it has nothing on the Marbaten River.

Is there a certain destination or species that you’re itching to fish?

A tributary to Marbaten in Northern Sweden.

What are your plans and aspirations as a fly fisherman and film-maker for the future?

I hope I get to spend a lot of time making films that don’t have a purpose or a finansial plan. Just random things for fun.