The Progression of Fishing Perfection: Patagonia’s ‘Il Pescatore Completo’

Written by Nicole Qualtieri May 13, 2020 2:29 p.m. ET

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A new fishing film from Patagonia pays tribute to an unusual fly fisherman in the Italian countryside. And it’s one to watch.

Arturo Pugno is a master of his craft. A former schoolteacher, the Italian fly fisher has been wading the streams of northern Italy for a lifetime and perfecting the simple art along the way.

He uses a 15-foot rod made of hazelnut and a fly line braided from horsehair. His pared-down flies from local wild birds mimic bugs on top of and below the water. And he teaches by example rather than dictation, believing the water is the true educator.

The film is beautiful and profound. Patagonia once again outdoes itself in the world of short filmmaking. Take 20 minutes and go fishing with Yvon and Arturo.

Nicole Qualtieri

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Nicole Qualtieri has been writing about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors for 8 years.

From 2014-2017, Nicole worked for ZPZ Productions. There, she partnered with multiple hunting outlets and personalities on social media and e-commerce, including MeatEater, Randy Newberg, and Remi Warren. She also managed online communications for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers for nearly two years, and she spent six years prior in Corporate sales. Additionally, she served a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer in Bridgewater, MA, coordinating volunteers for a therapeutic recreational facility.

Based in Montana, Nicole is an avid hunter and angler. She’s a lifelong horsewoman and animal lover, and she’s recently ventured into the world of bird dogs with her young Boykin Spaniel, Bob.