David Tejedor Royo: A Passion for Perfection!

This interview offers an in-depth look at the journey of a passionate fly fisherman who has spent years honing his craft and connecting with nature. From childhood adventures on the banks of the Ebro River to unforgettable moments with pike and Wels catfish, David Tejedor's story is one of dedication, curiosity, and a deep love for the sport. Through his experiences, he shares valuable insights into the art of fly fishing, the importance of environmental conservation, and the thrill of pursuing new fishing adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, his reflections are sure to inspire.

By THE EDITORIAL STAFF

How did you get started fly fishing and why?

My grandparents were avid fishermen, mainly catching carp in the Ebro River using traditional methods. As a child, I would go to the river with my cousins. My cousin Alberto started fishing as soon as he could, while I was busy causing trouble and keeping my parents on their toes—I was a very rebellious and curious kid. To be honest, that kind of static fishing didn’t interest me at all.

“I was a very rebellious and curious kid”

A few years later, my cousin received a fly fishing kit as a gift. That almost plastic rod, with which it was practically impossible to cast, completely fascinated me, and I thought, “I have to learn to use this!” I remember casting a small popper in front of a group of small black bass. The fish, almost the size of my fly, attacked the popper fly with such aggression! I was so fascinated that from that moment on, fishing became a constant presence in my life.

What is it about fly fishing, specifically, that fascinates you?

I think what fascinates me most about fly fishing is the deep connection you can develop with the environment and how you can learn something new every day. Small details gradually shape you, making you more observant as you improve your casting, approach the fish better, and then develop the fly at home to try and trick the fish on your next outing. It’s a discipline that keeps you constantly engaged, whether on the water, reading something new, or tying your flies.

What characterizes the most special and memorable moments in fly fishing?

A few years ago, I might have answered with a great day of fishing, with lots of bites and good fish, but today I value the other experiences that nature offers more - like watching an otter swim by while I’m fishing from my belly boat or finding an owl’s nest on the way to the river. These kinds of moments are what make an ordinary day special.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned along the way as a fly fisherman?

That anything you set your mind to, you can achieve. As a child, I used to read fishing magazines and see anglers on the covers with their big catches. I often dreamed of being one of them. Before social media and the Internet, I remember putting up photos of my catches in the fishing shop in my neighborhood. Almost no one was fly fishing for predators, and I enjoyed showing that it was possible.

What is it that motivates you and drives you towards new fly fishing adventures?

The excitement—the excitement of a child who can’t sleep because they know they’re going fishing tomorrow, the thrill of catching a big fish, or that special fish we’ve always wanted to hold in our hands. The excitement of a new adventure and learning something new.

What’s your favorite species of fish to target – and why?

Pike, without a doubt! I’ve been fortunate to live very close to a river that once had a good population of pike. Pike has given me everything as an angler: memorable days, disastrous days, strikes I’ll never forget, tears, and joys.

For many years, I was quite obsessed with catching them.

“Pike has given me everything as an angler: memorable days, disastrous days, strikes I’ll never forget, tears, and joys”

Having a river like that so close to home, knowing every inch of it, kept me in a constant state of alert, always thinking about how I could get those creatures to bite.

What are the fly fishing possibilities like in Spain? And is there anything that makes Spain a unique place to fly fish?

Spain is a country of great contrasts, offering endless possibilities for fly fishing. Besides trout fishing, which is undoubtedly fascinating in many parts of the country like the Pyrenees and Cantabria, Spain is one of the best places in Europe for fishing wels catfish and black bass.

It’s true that the pike population, especially large ones, is decreasing year by year, particularly in some of our most famous reservoirs. However, Spain might be the only place in the world where you can catch more than 10 different species of barbel, often with dry flies.

What’s your dream destination and why?

I have many travel dreams to fulfill, but I think fishing for musky and getting lost in Alaska in autumn in my van, searching for pike, would be the top ones.

If you’re a crazy pike angler, musky is the ultimate goal—its difficulty, character, and power are something you have to experience at least once in your life.

What’s been your most memorable fly fishing trip or -experience so far?

One moment I’ll never forget was catching my first 2-meter wels catfish. I was completely overwhelmed and couldn’t believe that after so many years and so much effort, I finally had it.

“Not pursuing this professionally has allowed me to stay true to my style”

Nowadays, it’s much easier; we know a lot about the fish, how to catch them, where, etc. But back then, even spinning for wels catfish was very uncommon.

What are your ambitions for the future?

To keep doing what I love, without pressure, enjoying the journey, basically what I’ve done so far. Maybe not pursuing this professionally has allowed me to stay true to my style.

Any cool trips or projects coming up?

I’m looking forward to autumn, my favorite time for fishing and photography. There’s nothing like fishing for predators with leaves on the ground, damp earth, and those hungry fish.

The truth is, except for summer, which isn’t very pleasant in Spain, the rest of the year I don’t have time to think about trips abroad—there’s so much to do here!

Any advice for readers who would like to carve out a niche for themselves in the fly fishing industry?

Well, maybe I’m not the best person to give this advice since I don’t think I’ve managed all of this very well.

But one rule I’ve followed since the beginning is: “Do exactly what you want to do and forget about brands.” I believe that if you do what you love and work hard... Well…

In terms of the aquatic environment, what has been the most concerning development in your part of the world?

What worries me the most, without a doubt, are not the invasive species, which, for better or worse, we have to get used to. My biggest concern, something I’ve been observing for 30 years, is the decrease in river flows and the proliferation of algae, etc. Year after year, the Ebro River is shrinking; it’s no longer the great river it was 20-30 years ago. Back then, it would have been unthinkable to wade across the river, but today, during the dry season, it’s possible in many spots.

This is what concerns me the most— the loss of habitat and the increase in water temperature. In several rivers in my area, pike have almost disappeared.

Do you have any advice for fellow fly fishermen who would like to make a difference on behalf of the environment and our precious fisheries?

I’m quite concerned about the slow progress of conservation efforts for our fish. Without forgetting that we put a hook in them, I think there are many things that especially young people should start considering, like not fishing in certain water temperatures, mandatory use of appropriate nets, reducing the exposure of fish out of water, proper handling, etc.

I think that especially my generation should focus more on showing how to treat our fish on social media and not worry so much about the size of the fish.

You’re a stellar photographer. What’s your most important advice for fellow fly fishers that would like to hone their skills?

Oh, thank you! I receive many questions each year from anglers who want to improve their photography. They’re all very concerned about their camera model and brand, and I always tell them the same thing: even if you’re given the best rod and reel, you’ll probably catch the same as with your old gear.

It’s true that once you reach a certain level of camera handling and post-production, a high-end camera can be useful in many situations. But today, with any smartphone, a bit of creativity, and a good eye, we can capture incredible images. I also think it’s important to develop your own style, to stand out in some way.

Taking inspiration from other photographers is always enriching, but copying is the best way to get nowhere.

So my advice is: learn to chase the light because photographing isn’t just taking pictures of an object— it’s photographing the light that falls on an object and doing it with your own personal style.