Ross Lindsey’s social media channels have captivated a devoted audience with their unique blend of humor, creativity, and conservation. From AI-generated videos of fish erupting from his mouth to fishing excursions in polluted waters, Lindsey’s Fishing Bloopers has become a sensation, boasting over 175,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

At the heart of Lindsey’s content is a desire to make fishing more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. “If you look historically at accounts that post fishing videos, it’s very intense music, very cinematic,” Lindsey explains. “And it makes it seem really intimidating when really all we’re doing is flicking a piece of wood or fiberglass with a hook on the end into the water. It shouldn’t be intimidating.”

Lindsey’s journey began when he lost his father at the age of 17. Fishing was a shared passion between them, and Lindsey continued to fish as a way to honor his father’s memory. However, after his father’s passing, Lindsey lost his interest in fishing, but he kept the gear and worked on the fishing reels as a way to hold onto the past.

Launching Fishing Bloopers was Lindsey’s attempt to revive his passion for fishing and share it with others. He wanted to inspire people to get outside and find their own connections and joy in the sport. The lighthearted title and content were intentional, aiming to make fishing seem more approachable and fun.

Aside from making fishing more appealing to newbies, Lindsey’s videos often contain a “subliminal conservation cry.” One example is “End of the World Fishing,” which features a smoky, apocalyptic backdrop to Lindsey’s fishing excursion. This video was inspired by what Lindsey learned at water conservation meetings led by Spokane Riverkeeper.

Lindsey’s content has also sparked controversy within the fishing community, with some labeling him a “purist.” However, Lindsey believes that his approach is necessary to reach a broader audience and bring attention to important issues, such as pollution in waterways.

To achieve his goals, Lindsey has studied the algorithms of social media platforms and learned how to create content that resonates with his audience. He has experimented with various editing styles and buzzwords, and has even used AI-generated videos to create unique and engaging content.

One of Lindsey’s personal favorites is the “Fishing with Jameson” video, which features a heartwarming encounter between Lindsey and a teenage boy from Seattle. The two spent a July 4 holiday fishing together, and Lindsey created videos in honor of the boy’s grandfather, who had made his fly rods.

For Lindsey, the “Fishing with Jameson” video represents the true purpose of Fishing Bloopers. It’s a testament to the joy and connection that fishing can bring, and a reminder that even in the most mundane moments, there is always the potential for beauty and wonder.

As Fishing Bloopers continues to grow in popularity, Lindsey looks forward to using his platform to bring attention to important issues and support small businesses. He hopes to establish a nonprofit that purchases fishing gear for kids who cannot afford it, and he believes that his content can inspire others to get outside and enjoy the natural world.

In the end, Lindsey’s Fishing Bloopers is a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, there can be beauty, humor, and a deep connection to the natural world.

“Growing up fishing with Pops and getting life advice from him,” Lindsey says, “the thing that stuck with me most was the motto, ‘If you treat someone right, you can be friends for life.’ I think that applies to everything.”

With his unique blend of humor, creativity, and conservation, Ross Lindsey’s Fishing Bloopers has become a sensation, captivating the hearts of his audience and inspiring others to get outside and enjoy the natural world.

Fishing Bloopers: A Growing Community