We asked David to tell us more about his photography. Here you go……
CM– How did you begin your career in photography? You’re active on IG, and you show your gear there frequently. Would you tell us about your daily camera and lens setup?
DTR– When I was a child, I loved to see fishing photos. I dreamed of one day being that fisherman who appeared in the magazine with a big fish. I remember the camera was always something essential in my fishing backpack. Until about 15 years ago, I only took photos in the automatic mode. Now I use the Sony A7R111 with the 24mm Gmaster. I love the small size and the great image quality. I actually don’t carry much gear, just two or three prime lenses. My favorite lenses are the 24mm and 85mm Gmaster.
The underwater gear I use consists of the indestructible Canon 5d Miii paired with the Canon 14mm f2.8L. I love the Aquatech Elite housing series as well.
CM– What makes you drawn to fly fish and photograph specifically black bass/ largemouth bass?
DJR– My beginnings in fly fishing were with the black bass. When I was a child, I went fishing with my family. They fished traditional fishing, but we (my cousins and I) were fascinated by the black bass. It has always seemed like an amazing fish to me. Its jumps, its beauty and above all its craziness and whimsicality create a mystery about it. You’ll never understand it, and for an angler that generates a lot of addiction.
CM– Can you give us details about the location, environment, waters, etc where you have taken these photographs?
DJR- I grew up on the banks of Spain’s famous Ebro River, and the Mequinenza Reservoir has been my school. However, many of these photographs have been taken in the waters of Extremadura, especially the aquatic photographs.
You can add a small tungsten insert to this type of fly, as it will help you go deeper faster and at the same time maintain extra tension with your line when fishing at a certain depth.
CM– You tie flies and you’ve photographed some beautiful images of those flies. What are your favorites? You’ve shared some information about what flies are effective and how to use them, but do you have a specific story about one in particular?
DJR– The classic popper is without a doubt a fly that brings back some great memories. I remember like it was yesterday when my cousin put that fly rod in my hands. Tied to the tippet, there was that little popper with rubber legs and just a few feathers. Without knowing how to throw it, I put that pile of hairs in the water and a little black bass ate it! At that precise moment, the fishing adventure began for me. That’s why every time I fish with that type of fly, I become a child again.
Contributed By
David Tejedor Royo
David Tejedor Royo was born in Zaragoza 44 years ago on the banks of the mythical Ebro River, from a family of traditional fishermen. “Fishing has been part of my life since I was very little. At first I didn’t show much interest in fishing. When I was 13, my cousin bought his first fly fishing rod, and my life changed completely. I dedicated my life to fly fishing for predators, especially pike, black bass and catfish.”
Royo was always interested in photography, and it was not too long ago that he bought his first SLR camera. Since then, he says “It has always accompanied me on all my adventures, being today my main hobby.” Fascinated by what happens underwater in the dramatic moments of a capture, he decided to start underwater photography. He calls this a “place where I meet myself again.”
