Chasing Light and Fish: How Drift Line Media Captures the Best of Fly Fishing

With: driftlinemedia

We caught up with Sean Malecki the creator behind Drift Line Media to talk fishing, filming, and the journey from conventional bass angling to full-time fly fishing content creation. From the struggle of landing that first trout to chasing light for the perfect shot, we dug into what drives his passion. He shares the highs, the challenges, and what’s next—including a road trip out west that’s set to be his biggest project yet.

How did you first get into fly fishing, and what inspired you to start Drift Line Media to share your passion?

I have always had a love for fishing, and I used to be big into conventional fishing for bass. I had a couple buddies that fly fished and it seemed like a challenge, which intrigued me to learn more about it. After a lot of failed attempts and frustrating days on the water trying to learn, I finally caught my first trout on the fly and I’ve been hooked pretty much ever since. As for starting Driftline Media, I always had the passion for creating cool content with my hobbies so I made the decision to combine both interests into something I can share with the world! And since then that’s spawned into me creating content full time for lots of outdoor related businesses, and I love every step of the way. 

You’ve fished in some amazing spots. What’s the most memorable fishing location you’ve featured, and what made it so special for you?

I’d have to say my first trip out west has been my most memorable. Growing up in New Jersey offers a fair amount of fishing options, but the grandness and history of fly fishing out west in places like Wyoming and Montana is unmatched. I’ve been dying to get back out that way ever since and experience more of what is has to offer. 

When you’re out on the water, how do you decide which moments are worth capturing? Any tips for those trying to balance enjoying the fishing with getting great content?

My mind is always running thinking about what angles or shots would look the coolest, or something new that maybe people haven’t seen. I’m a huge advocate that lighting is king so I’m always waiting for those special moments when the light hits just right, and I’ll be waiting with my camera to capture it! It definitely can be challenging to balance both fishing and creating content and my best advice is to just enjoy both, but always have that camera ready because having an amazing shot at the end of the day is well worth missing a few bites. 

How do you handle those days when the fish aren’t biting but you still need to create content? Any tricks for turning a slow day into a successful one?

This is definitely one of the trickiest situations. Obviously we can’t control how the fish are biting most days. Those super slow days, I like to take advantage of getting as many b-roll shots I can to save the hero shots of fish for the days when we can get our hands on them. 

If you could fish in any location, real or fictional, where would it be, and what’s one fish you’d love to catch there?

Iceland is definitely at the top of my dream fishing destinations. The sights are incredible and the fish there are beautiful! Catching a colored up Arctic Char would be one of the best moments of my life. 

What’s the best piece of fishing advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your approach to the sport?

Presentation over everything. Many people will switch sizes and colors so many times when practicing your drifts and presentation skills will guarantee more fish. The better you can get at hitting those perfect zones you’ll see tremendous results!

Looking ahead, what exciting projects or fishing adventures do you have planned for Drift Line Media? Any new locations or techniques we should be excited about?

This summer I’m planning on making another trip out west for a couple weeks! My skills have very much improved since the last time I was there, so expect some stellar content and great fish catches this year. My hopes are to make a short film documenting the road trip and some of the great views and epic fly fishing the Wild West has to offer.