Finally Fishing on YouTube

I have watched a lot of YouTube videos over the last ten or so years. In the last four, if have started watching more fishing videos and channels. The message always seems so simple. Just get out there and fish. I like fishing, but never really put any thought into starting a fishing channel on YouTube.  What an odd thing to say for someone with a channel, right?

Starting a YouTube channel is easy and extremely difficult at the same time. A few simple clicks are all it takes to get a channel. The hard part is creating, maintaining, fine-tuning, and enriching.  The mere thought is enough to stop some people in their tracks. It is way easier to find reasons not to than finding reasons to.

I cannot define what exactly my reason was, but I know that it is easier to make such decisions when forced. Having to quit my day job and move to another country definitely played a role. I think it is easier to make big, disrupting choices when your life has already been disrupted. Finding a new normal is easier than changing your normal. But this was merely an opportunity and not a reason… perhaps an opportunity is a reason.

Opportunity, the first fish, proving something, a combination of it all. Whatever the reason, the choice was made. I made three videos before starting my channel. The first video was a complete loss. Not recording when I thought I was, recording with no sound. From this, I learned, adapted, and made the first two videos on my channel.

Next came the process of editing the videos. Lots of research went into finding free software for editing, with lots of trial and error. You need to find what works for you. You start learning about light angles, sound quality, framing, and loads more. The first videos are almost always terrible, but they are the most important. They are the ones that set the wheel in motion.

Most channels remove their first videos when they become popular as to not harm their “Image”. But I like the idea of seeing the progress. I worked hard for that progress. Remembering where you came from is important. Some people find it natural to talk to a camera. I don’t think I will ever find it natural, but I like to think that I am improving. And that is the key to YouTube. Just start and keep on improving.

It took me a month to set up my channel. Creating an intro video, making channel art, my logo, working on a schedule, etc. I uploaded some videos and notified my friends and family. This is the most terrifying moment of all.  I started off with 32 subscribers. Never expecting more, but always hoping.

Why am I telling you this? There is a strange power in having a complete stranger say something like ‘nice video’ and ‘keep it up’. And power used for good, changes the world. I know lots of people out there who are playing it safe. One can always find an excuse not to. Work, children, the list is endless. Whether it be makeup tutorials or DIY projects. Don’t wait for some life-changing moment, if it is within your means, decide to make that moment.