Al McGlashan had no clue that swapping his corporate job for life on the water would lead him to be one of the most prolific underwater photographers of all time — talk about a successful career switch. But with his fearless filmmaking style, it was inevitable he’d become a legend in his own right. To add to Al’s impressive accolades, he’s the proud father of two, author of the best-selling series The Complete Fishing Bible, producer of the “Strikezone”, and creator of the IMAX documentary “Life on the Line”. We can’t get enough of Al’s undeniable passion for the outdoors, and we’re honored to call him part of the YETI crew.
Q:
What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning before you fish?
A:
Every day I get up I’m excited about heading to sea. I love that feeling of just not knowing what you may encounter…but always expecting to catch the biggest fish. There’s that anticipation and excitement of heading offshore or into the backcountry in search of unrivaled game.
Q:
Where is your favorite place to fish?
A:
I get to travel all around the world fishing and filming, but the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia seriously rocks. It has some of the richest waters with amazing striped marlin bait balling, huge bluefin tuna, and the biggest yellowfin in the country. Also, you can always get a feed of lobsters.
Q:
Tell us a favorite story from a day out fishing?
A:
The most amazing day I have had on the water was when I was filming a documentary on marlin. I jumped in to film the release and a massive mako shark charged in shoving me out the way and promptly ate the marlin in front of me. It was the first time ever I put cameras on the boat and got the whole thing on video and gave a me a newfound respect for makos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyVSyMwpNdE&feature=youtu.be
Q:
How do you up your game year after year?
A:
Passion is the key. I have never lost the passion for fishing and filming. In fact, it gets stronger with age. Fishing has changed for me over the years. It used to be about catching but now it’s all about capturing the moment so I can share it with everyone. Today it’s all about getting the ultimate shot and that means jumping in and joining the action — marlin, sharks, whales, you name it, I get up close and personal.
Q:
Who are your heroes? Who do you look up to?
A:
My dad, he taught me how to respect the outdoors, to enjoy (but not destroy) our oceans and backcountry, and to only take what you need to eat and always leave it better than you found it. These are important lessons I still abide by and am now passing on to my boys!
Q:
What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?
A:
I can never stop I just love being on or in the ocean. I thought as I got older I would slow down but instead I get more and more passionate about it. I never strop striving to capture better footage and traveling to more wild and remote locations
Q:
If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?
A:
It’s a wild environment dealing with the open ocean that can smash you some days and reward you on others. I hate those days you get hammered coming home in the rough seas but love those days where it all comes together.
Q:
What are the 3 most essential things you need for your category?
A:
Underwater camera gear, fins and a coffee.
Q:
What would be your day job if you weren’t doing what you currently doing?
A:
If I wasn’t a photographer and filmmaker I reckon I’d struggle for a job because I have to be outdoors and could never have a desk job.
Q:
What does YETI mean to you?
A:
YETI epitomizes my passion for the outdoors and oceans. It is a natural part of my every day.
Q:
What, if any, other YETI products do you use? How do you use a specific YETI product in your market? What is your one favorite aspect or feature of your YETI?
A:
One of my favourites is the Hopper Flip® 18 Soft Cooler. It makes the perfect case for underwater housing!
Q:
How has any YETI product changed what you do or how you do it?
A:
YETI coolers have suddenly made it so much easier to look after my venison and fish better than ever before. My tumbler means I can enjoy my coffee all day only problem is now I drink too much coffee!