Breaking Boundaries: Ann-Marie Brissett-Laverty, Journey from Ice to Fly Fishing

The Fly Box LLC
Mar 10, 2025
5 min read

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For some, fishing is a pastime. For Ann-Marie Brissett-Laverty, it’s an adventure—one that spans every season. As a self-proclaimed “four-season angler,” she has embraced both ice and fly fishing, tackling the challenges and hilarity of the outdoors with enthusiasm. Her journey into fly fishing wasn’t driven by a pursuit of trout or the technical finesse of casting—it was the appeal of waders and the immersive experience of being in the water, standing in the fish’s world. That same perspective is what makes ice fishing so captivating for her; she loves the idea of stepping directly into their environment.

“I think that’s why I love ice fishing so hard. You are literally standing IN their home,” she says. “Call me corny, but I just invited myself to their dinner table so to speak!”

From Ice to Fly: Embracing the Learning Curve

Transitioning to fly fishing wasn’t exactly smooth. The shift in technique was significant, and at times, she even found herself instinctively tucking her line as if it were attached to an ice fishing reel. Casting, in particular, proved to be the most challenging yet rewarding aspect. With so many factors to consider—from rod movement to environmental conditions—it quickly became a skill she was determined to master.

“The transition to fly fishing was wild,” she admits. “Moving into the ice fishing season this year, I almost had me tucking my line to my handle like a fly reel! Haha!”

Beyond technique, fly fishing also pushed her outside of her comfort zone in an unexpected way: handling fish. Only a few years ago, she hesitated to even put minnows on a hook. She’s come a long way, though the moment a bass clamped down on her fingers mid-hold was a stark reminder that she’s still working through the fear. While fly fishing has helped her gain confidence, she’s in no rush to force the process—she’s okay with growing at her own pace.

Finding Her Place in Content Creation

Laverty’s presence as an outdoor content creator wasn’t part of a grand plan. Before the pandemic, she was focused on powerlifting, training for her second Nationals. But when everything shut down, she pivoted, rediscovering her love for the outdoors and using photography to document her adventures. What started as a way to store personal memories quickly evolved into something more. Her teaching background helped her incorporate education into her content, and partnerships, like those with Ontario Parks, gave her platform a wider reach.

“I never set out to be a content creator,” she says. “One thing led to another, and I began enjoying the whole content-creating process. If I am not having fun while making content—I’m out.”

She also discovered a love for making skits—humorous, exaggerated takes on outdoor life that crack her up before she even hits the post button. She embraces the imperfect, the messy, and the reality of learning curves, giving her audience an honest and relatable look at life in the outdoors.

The Challenges and Rewards of Outdoor Filming

Filming while fishing presents its own set of obstacles. She works to balance capturing moments with simply being present in the experience, as time in the outdoors is also her personal reset. Fishing, in particular, adds a layer of unpredictability. Sometimes, she keeps the cameras rolling, but in the heat of the action, it’s easy to miss chaotic, unscripted moments that would make the best clips. Protecting gear around water is another ever-present concern—dropping a phone down an ice hole is a fate she’s determined to avoid.

“I try to stick to the motto of ‘keep the cameras rolling,’ but that might not always happen during the chaos—which is the best part to look back at,” she says.

Still, she doesn’t put too much pressure on capturing the perfect shot. If she can’t get a video, she’ll snap a picture. If she misses both, she can always share the story through writing. Despite the challenges, she’s built an engaged community that values authenticity over perfection. The most rewarding part? Hearing from followers who took inspiration from her content and finally took the leap into a new outdoor experience.

Gear, Seasons, and the Fishing Dilemma

When it comes to gear, Ann-Marie is all about making things work for you rather than chasing the latest trends. Some of her must-haves include the Agawa folding saw for backcountry trips—compact, durable, and easy to use. For ice fishing, her Baffin Titan snow boots are a game-changer, keeping her warm and comfortable. When it comes to fly fishing, she’s still refining her setup, but she’s already seen the value of a simple leader straightener.

“As someone who truly advocates for making things work for you,” she says, “some items I use and love are my Agawa folding saw and my Baffin Titan snow boots. As for fly fishing... I feel like I am still trying to figure that one out! Haha!”

Choosing between ice fishing and fly fishing is nearly impossible for her. Ice fishing offers an accessible entry point—no rod required, just a hole in the ice and a line in the water. The ability to drop an underwater camera and observe fish behavior adds an educational element that she loves. Fly fishing, on the other hand, challenges her in new ways, particularly with casting. Each style has its own magic, whether it’s drilling through ice to find fish or reading the water to match the right fly.

“At the end of the day, each holds a special type of magic,” she says. “From popping holes in the ice and using a fish finder, to reading the water and matching up flies to the season… I could never choose between them.”

What’s Next?

Always open to trying new things, She has her eyes set on snowboarding or longboarding—her “shredding era,” as she puts it. The goal? Fall, recover, and hopefully not ruin herself in the process.

Her advice to aspiring anglers is simple: just try. Whether it’s fly fishing, ice fishing, or anything new, hesitation won’t get you anywhere.

“If you are intimidated or scared, then do the damn thing intimidated and scared,” she says. “You will never know the outcome until you strike the match.”

Where to Follow Ann-Marie Brissett-Laverty

For more fishing adventures, humor, and outdoor content, you can follow Ann-Marie

at:

Instagram & TikTok: @its_ann_calling
YouTube: Unplugged Adventuring

From freezing lakes to flowing rivers, She is embracing every season and proving that the best way to grow is by stepping outside—sometimes quite literally onto the ice or into the current.