Itu's Bones a Finalist in Blue Ocean Film Festival

Every two years ocean leaders, filmmakers, photographers, scientists, explorers, entertainment executives – and the general public-- gather in Monterey at BLUE to honor the best in ocean filmmaking, to learn more about the issues facing our oceans, and to collaborate on improving the future of our oceans and humanity.

This year Jean-Michel Coustea will be showing a film on his father Jacques and James Cameron will be honored with the Award for Lifetime Achievement in Ocean Filmmaking.

Carl and Jeanie entered Itu's Bones in the People and the Sea category hoping to be selected. Not only did the film get through the first round of voting but it has just been selected as a finalist. The film will receive some tremendous exposure across a diverse group of festival attendees and it's selection is a testament to the quality of Carl and Jeanie's film making and story telling.

Itu's Bones was made with help & support from Sage, Patagonia, & Costa 

Couple proud of fishing film's impact

A profile of the fly fish film making power couple Carl McNeil and Jeanie Ackley.

LINK (via: The Otago Daily Times)

Itu's Bones Hits the Shelves

From Carl and Jeanie at On the Fly Productions.

It's been a long time coming, but we're delighted to let you know that Itu's Bones is finally finished and ready to roll out.

The film tells the story of expert Bonefish netter Itu (pronounced ee-too)Davey as he makes the journey from subsistence gill-netter to pro fly fishing guide. Itu's Bones is a compelling story that features gorgeous images of the Pacific and truly incredible Bonefish action on fly. (And these Bones are jumbo size)

We're particularly proud of this production as not only has the film made a positive impact in helping protect a species and establish fishing reserves, but it shows just how much one man can achieve when he puts his mind to it.

As a result of initiatives by the Cook Islands Government and Ministry of Fisheries, over 700 hectares of Aitutaki lagoon have gone into reserves and protected areas to enhance habitat and protect the species.
Testimony to the benefit of declaring a fish a "Sports Species"

We take our hats off to Ben Ponia and the staff at the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine resources - their dedication and hard work has reaped astounding results for a project that, at times, has been somewhat controversial. The Ministry and people of the small Island of Aitutaki have shown the foresight and fortitude to make decisions that very few larger corporations have had the courage to make.
They have set a shining example of what can be achieved in establishing a sustainable recreational sports fishery.

Of all the outcomes derived from the Aitutaki Bonefish project perhaps the most compelling is what Itu himself has achieved. From selling five Bonefish for $20 dollars, Itu now runs a successful catch and release guiding business. He has gone on to run two flats skiffs and employs his two brothers, Tia and Rua.
This year they have advance bookings of more than 100 days.

Itu's Bones was produced with help, support and encouragement from Sage, Costa and Patagonia.

10 Questions with Carl “Bumcast” McNeil

The Watery Rave corners filmmaker Carl McNeil for the inside scoop on his film Itu's Bones and the dangers of drinking any of the local hooch in the South Pacific.

LINK

Carl has posted some images of the damage from the recent quake in Christchurch.

Just out of diapers...

Another update from Carl somewhere near Aitutaki.

Fresh out of diapers (according to Itu) this Bone went 29 inches against the tape and 17 inches in girth.  We've seen plenty of big Bones but very few eats this week - what they're eating I have no idea - it certainly isn't any fly in my box.  But whatever they're munching they're certainly getting plenty of it, by comparison the Keys and Christmas Island Bones are racing sardines.

  LINK (Via Itu's Bones)

I thought it was a pretty good fish, until a slightly disappointed Itu informed me it was "just a baby"

An update from Carl McNeil and the Itu's Bones film project.

Three times I've asked Itu what an average size Bonefish on Aitutaki would weigh - he keeps telling me 15kg (33lb), I'll keep asking...