Experience fly fishing in the Dolomites with Stanley Tucci for “Tucci in Italy”: My exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure.
As a local fishing guide, I had the incredible opportunity to accompany Stanley Tucci during the filming of a segment in the Trentino Alto Adige episode for his acclaimed series “Tucci in Italy.” In this article, I’ll take you behind the scenes of that memorable day, sharing anecdotes, challenges, and exclusive insights that weren’t shown on screen. Get ready to discover the true essence of fly fishing in the Dolomites and how an ordinary day transformed into a unique experience alongside an international star.
An Unexpected Encounter with Stanley Tucci
Meeting Stanley Tucci was truly unique and unexpected. Far from the usual quick autographs, his professionalism and friendliness impressed us from the very first moment. Stanley immediately put us at ease, talking to us like one of the family and sharing our stories. It was an unforgettable experience that revealed the human and authentic side of a Hollywood star.
Check out My Reel from the “Tucci in Italy” Episode! You can find my reel with a clip from the episode here: https://www.instagram.com
Preparations and Challenges: Perfect Fly Fishing for the Cameras
Organizing the perfect fly fishing experience for the cameras proved to be quite a challenge, as it often is. They say there’s no ideal fishing day, and even when the weather seems promising, the fish can be finicky. This unpredictability, however, sharpens a fly fisherman’s ingenuity and patience.
It was no different with Stanley Tucci and his crew. As soon as they stepped out of the vans, it started to rain, but despite everything, we made it happen! The show “Tucci in Italy” explores the flavors and culture of Italy. For the episode dedicated to Trentino-Alto Adige, we discussed alpine pastures (malghe), mountain huts (rifugi), and, of course, fly fishing, a practice that’s gaining popularity in this region rich in crystal-clear waters and trout.
Along with two other fishing guide colleagues, we shared our experiences and the deep meaning of fly fishing for us. Meanwhile, Stanley cooked a delicious Arctic char, a typical high-altitude fish from Trentino, right by the river. We chatted, sipped beers, and discussed the linguistic and cultural richness of this fantastic region. In the afternoon, Stanley tried his hand at fly fishing, practicing his cast and trying to get into sync with our passion.
Behind the Scenes of “Tucci in Italy”: A Privileged Look at Production
Witnessing a National Geographic production for Disney Channel firsthand was incredibly interesting. Used to filming with regional broadcasters or for Pesca TV, where there was usually just one cameraman, seeing three or four vans and cars, totaling about twenty people, was impressive.
They organized everything down to the smallest detail, from finding the best filming location to managing every logistical aspect. The producer who contacted me was always very kind, immediately putting me at ease and discussing every detail and possibility with us. The equipment used was also remarkable; I’d never seen such sophisticated cameras before.
Being a Fishing Guide in Trentino-Alto Adige: Challenges and Rewards
Being a fishing guide in Trentino-Alto Adige presents several challenges. First and foremost is the weather, which can change very rapidly here. Then there are the medium to large rivers, often unfishable for most of the season due to melting snow and glaciers. Many seek the trophy Marble Trout in these waters, but finding them in good conditions is difficult: a sudden change in temperature, which happens rapidly here, can make the trout apathetic, leading to a “blank” (no catch).
The flip side is that, precisely because of this reduced fishing pressure, Marble Trout specimens still thrive in these rivers. For this reason, I often recommend fishing in small mountain streams: even if there aren’t “big” fish, you can find fantastic, quite numerous trout that can be caught with various techniques, depending on the angler’s skill.
My clients have always been happy. Being a fishing guide isn’t just about pointing out the best spot; it’s about offering a complete service: from permits, which aren’t always easy to obtain here, to complete equipment rental, and even hotel pick-up service. Basically, you step out of your hotel, and we take you fishing. That’s why I’m proud to collaborate with three of the best hotels in South Tyrol, like Adler, San Luis, and Forestis, which I recommend to clients who love to pamper themselves.
Come Fish with Me! Book Your Adventure in Trentino-Alto Adige
Do you also want to experience an unforgettable fly fishing adventure in the Dolomites? Trust an expert guide! Contact me here to receive all the information and organize your fishing day in this amazing region. I can’t wait to take you fishing!
