Fishing With Ryan - Where Did This Guy Come From? 

I only got the pleasure to hang around Ryan once at the Classic, but I was in complete awe with who he was. His character was strong, his ways were gentle, and the way Gene's kids looked up to him was inspiring. Gene has been a friend of mine for years, and It hurts my heart to see something like this happen. @Lori Prayers are being sent from the Anderson family, and the entire TylersReelFishing audience. I pray that the peace of God that transcends all understanding will come upon you and guard your hearts and minds. Life is a gift and even though Ryan only got to enjoy that gift for a little while, he has impacted many forever. As a member of a family wrecked by alcoholism, I know how it feels to lose someone to something of this world. All things are possible through Christ, and He has a plan for us all. Rest In Peace Ryan

Keep your head up Ryan, you have the right guy in your corner.

Gene, I thought I had respect for you before....You are a true hero. That is a very difficult battle for everyone involved and I'm glad Ryan has you and your family in his life. Ryan, keep your chin up, my family and I look forward to seeing you in the future videos to come. You guys are a great combo of knowledge, knowhow and humor. It is great to see there are still caring people in this world. Stay strong.

I'm also a recovering heroin addict, fishing/outdoors, and NA saved my life. I've got 21 months clean. Would love to come out and fish with you.

RIP, little brother. I am crushed beyond words, and physically sick over the news. My heart goes out to your entire family, especially Laura and your parents. My family mourns with your family, and I can tell you your smile, humor, and amazing voice will be missed for the rest of our lives. Gone waaaay too soon.

Rest In Peace Ryan, this is such a inspirational story. I hope many people learn from your story, I never met you but you seemed like a outstanding man.

I fought the same battle and do so on a daily basis, sobriety can be tough but it’s one day at a time and 6 years later 100% sober and stumbling across flukemaster i found a new passion. I chased my fist bass and landed it in the boat yesterday and it’s because of Gene. Sobriety has shown me all the little things in life that can me taken for granted. Thanks Gene for all of the knowledge you share and RIP Ryan another good one lost.

Gene, My respect for you just went up 10fold. It takes a special person to take on another persons life as a mentor or father figure. Ryan is a good kid and you had an obvious effect upon him. Glad you took him under your wing. For Ryan, It was very courageous for you to tell your story. Hang tough and keep a positive mind and tight lines.

Ryan man to man we all fail. Most of us have major regrets. I also messed around with drugs and alcohol growing up to kill the pain. You standing back up and admitting you're flaws is you shaking the chains loose. You are an awesome add to this project! Can't wait to see more of you on here. I use what I learn from you guys to make better fishing trips for me and my dad who is now battling stage 4 cancer. So with that thank you for the information you share.

As a paramedic who responds to addicts and overdoses it's amazing to see this kind of openness and transparency about your situation. Confronting yourself and admitting the problem is the first crucial step and while I don't have the firsthand experience with that kind of addiction I have seen what it does to people and seeing you being open and up front about it is so incredibly uplifting and inspiring. People like you Ryan are the reason that others can find hope and inspiration to begin their own journey to wellness. Congratulations on 32 days clean here's hoping to many many more!

Thank you for sharing your story Ryan! looking forward to more fishing videos with you and Gene. Tight lines my friend!

Thanks so much for sharing your story. Unfortunately we all probably know somebody struggling with these same issues. I have lost 2 friends and almost a 3rd to this addiction. I hope everyone shares this on different platforms so we can get the word out as much as possible.

Awesome story, awesome people... Thanks to both for sharing the courage to be better and the courage to help.

This video nearly brought me to tears watching it now. Gene, what you did for this young man was so special and I hope that this message helps people that struggle with addiction everywhere.

Ryan, thank you for sharing your story. I've struggled with addiction and it's a tough path to walk. It takes a lot of strength to share your lowest point in your life with strangers. You've got my respect and you are in my prayers brother.

Hi from RI Thanks for sharing your story. You're lucky to have someone like Gene to help you with your journey to recovery. Stay strong. Love watching these videos and learning

I'm going to show this to my kids. Thanks for keeping this video up. Sorry for your loss.

Just Celebrated 4 years Clean and Sober on the 16th. Sad to hear this, but it gives me another good dose of gratitude for what I've been given. Crazy thing is I lost my best friend/ fishing Buddy, who I also got sober with, and who was also named Ryan, two years ago to a Heroine OD as well. Ryan helped me rediscover my love for the outdoors and I have never been more appreciative of this than these past few weeks as life has thrown me it's toughest challenges yet since I've been sober. If I didn't have the relief of getting out on the water to pray and rip some lips these past few weeks I'm not sure if I could have made it. Your videos have helped with this especially today when I implemented the FG knot from your instructional vid. So please keep doing what your doing. Listen Brother, I know this may seem a little forward, but just feel like the Good Lord is telling me to offer, seeing as how I have gone through literally the exact same thing (still can't get over that my buddies name was Ryan too) if you ever just need someone to talk to about this feel free too hit me up. I live in Athens (GO Dawgs) and I'll come to you if need be. Also, I definitely would be interested in fishing with you sometime. Would even be willing to invite down to my folks in Vidalia to our families Private Lake. Which just happens to be hands down the best bass lake I have ever fished, period. Caught over 20 today in 4 hours. 8 over 5 lbs the biggest was over 9lbs. None smaller than 3. Seriously man, you say when and we'll get after it. Check the proof on my Instagram Account @matthewmcraemovement. In the meantime you and Ryan's family will be in my prayers and best to you on the water.

Ryan, thank you for sharing your difficult story so that this might help others who are being introduced to drugs. I'm 44 and just had a tonsillectomy two weeks ago. The doc prescribed two drugs for the severe pain associated with the procedure. I refused to take the oxycodone for fear of becoming addicted to this drug. Gene, thank you for being there to help lift your(our) friend and not abandoning him when he needed help the most. Good luck and God Bless you both.

Truly an inspiring and courageous story. To be able to admit your addiction and post it for all to see takes great courage and a desire to get well. I am rooting for you man and know you can beat this thing. God bless and keep adding those days!

What a testimony. Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for being here. It was a great decision.

So sorry for your loss! You're a hero for trying to help Ryan!

Gene, the utmost respect for you. I was brought to tears to learn of Ryan's passing. My prayers are with you and Ryan's family. May God Bless You for the intervention you brought into this young man's life. Please keep doing what you do for the purpose my friend. Tight Lines and know that you have a stronger rod of support behind you.

I'm so glad you're still here Ryan! It took a lot to share your story. Thank you and God bless you and Gene!

Major props to the both of you. Crazy stuff, glad to see things are looking up.

Very brave of Ryan to make this video. Shows a lot about his character to use his tragedy and turn it into something positive to help others. Wish him the best of luck on his recovery. He's in good hands. Tight lines!

Thanks for the honesty and openness. One day at a time and you will reach your goals.

Stay strong Ryan! We as a fishing community are here to support you just as you want to support others. Sounds like you have a great support system in place and a bright future!

Wow Gene, I have so much love and respect for you after seeing this video.... I'm 27 years old too and have battling the same addiction for 14 years now... watching this video has truly givin me hope and inspiration to finally start pursuing a career in fishing.... Thank you so much for everything that you do.

Thanks for having the guts to say all that. You're helping so many people out. And keep up the hard work, were all supporting you.

I DO NOT want Ryan gone! Gene you are an awesome Angler but more importantly you are an awesome man and friend. Thank you Ryan for going public with your story and congrats on your milestone of one month clean, now get out there and teach the world to fish my friend!

Im not sure why anyone would gives this a thumbs down. Ryan, my prayers for you and your family are sent and you can bet I will sub to your channel! Gene, prayers for you and your family as well. Keep doing what you do, great man and American.

That was really brave of you to share that Ryan. I wish you all the best and you'll be in my prayers. Can't wait to learn more from you. And Gene,you are just the absolute best. I knew you were a great guy,but this just shows a whole different level of caring. Keep up the great work you two.

Thanks for sharing, Ryan. I believe you're gonna help a lot of people.

Ryan, that takes a lot of courage to tell thousands of people about what you've struggled with. I've known a few people that have been what you've been through and haven't been so fortunate, so you doing this for people of the fishing community and even people that don't follow Gene's channel is amazing. I wish you the best of luck in staying clean and look forward to the things you can do for people who want to learn how to fish. Gene, you are a God-send. We all knew how great of a person you were for taking so much time to keep this channel going but this is above and beyond, and it shows how much you care about your fellow man. Well done, guys.

Prayers for you all, I personally know how a addiction can ruin a life and Family. Thank You for helping this young Man

Dude! This story made my day. Praying for you Ryan! Gene you and your family are solid people for helping Ryan through this. God Bless you all.

Who downvotes this? Ryan, you rock. Gene, thank you for helping Ryan. I've known him since he was a kid, and he's an amazing dude.

Gene, thank you for being a living example of the the love and grace of Jesus. Keep up the great work and I think Ryan is an outstanding addition to your channel. Ryan, you are in my prayers brother. I'm glad to see that you are working with Gene and striving to get back on track. Thank you, as well, for being so willing to reach out to others in need. I know you already know this scripture but it's always worth repeating. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Thank you for posting this. Big thumbs up to the both of you. :)

Gene, its things like this that made me follow you in the first place. Stand up guy. It is absolutely WONDERFUL to see someone that has the audience that you reach able to share truely good stories. Keep it up man, making the world better one video at a time. Ryan, STAY STRONG! It's a battle. I have lost 11 guys I new from high school and a few I played football with to the same addiction. I never got involved in it myself, but still know people who fight the battle every day. Keep fighting the good fight, you will be added to my prayers. You got this, let RU-vid be the outlet for this for you. It was brave for you to share this story. Hopefully it provides hope to other who are struggling with addiction. Thank you.

Great story and congratulations on where your at now, Gene people like you is what gives people hope in today's world. Can't wait to see these videos with the both of you!

Ryan was such a good guy. Its a shame he lost that battle. He will be missed!

I'm a recovering addict myself with a similar story. Now my knew addiction is bass fishing. Thank God for fishing. My love of the sport saved my life. I hope that bass fishing can and will save more lives.

Great testimony, Ryan. I'm sure that took a lot of courage to make that video, I'm sorry that you've gone through all of that but keep up the fight man. You can do whatever you put your mind to and we're all rooting for you. God bless you both. Tight lines!

I was with you guys during the forum days (Ryan, we almost linked up to fish when we were both about 16). I am so glad to see you guys together, and I have always admired you both tremendously. I too have a history of some self harm that I am overcoming, so Ryan, your story is very inspiring. Please keep up the good work. Know that your are both loved by many. You guys are a dynamic duo, and I can't wait to see more videos with the two of you.

Very inspiring story and I can relate to everything you are saying...I have over 6 years of sobriety and can tell you as long as you put in the work and be honest with yourself and the people who love you, you can and will turn everything around. I am proud to say I beat it, it's possible but you can never give up. Go to meetings and helping others with the struggle is huge source to helping yourself. Gene, what you are doing here is beyond words... love you guys. Keep the faith

Glad you guys shared Ryan's story. Ryan keep fighting before you know it it will be 6 months then a year, then the rest of your life free from addiction. Gene keep him busy fishing and the outdoors will cure about anything. Look forward to subscribing to Ryan's channel when the time comes.

Woah this is some deep stuff didn't expect this when I clicked on this video also mad respect for flukemaster if this was some other people in the fishing community the title would probably be "I WAS ADDICTED TO HEROIN" or "MY DRUG ADDICTION"

HOOAH! Good to see there are still good people in the world! If you guys ever need anything, I'm happy to help.

Ryan, wow! Thanks for sharing, your openness...awesome! And Gene, way to be the hands and feet!! Keep it up, both of you!

Good luck with your battle Ryan! I have a brother with similar addictions and this video really hit close to home. It reminds me that I need to get him out more wether its fishing or hunting. Thank You for the video!

I won't post my entire life story all im going to say is this hit incredibly close to home and it has truthfully inspired me. I only have one video up for the same reason. one moment your excited then you go back to the usual. all I can say is thank you and thank God you're still here. so glad to see you have someone there for you.

Muchhhhh respect for both of you for reaching out to others in need. It's assuring to know that there are excellent mentors like Gene out there for people to look up to and people like Ryan for others to reach out to as well. Too many people tear down people who are addicted & not enough people who pick them up. Isn't it amazing how far RU-vid can reach out to people?

Thank you for sharing, Ryan and for not being ashamed to do so. You have a bigger audience than you realize. Keep fishing, man! Keep busy and keep SHARING. It will only help your recovery.

Ryan thank you for sharing your story. I'm 1 yr 8 months and 5 days sober. You are working your addiction. Don't ever allow your addiction tell you "you've got this" it's a lie. I work at New Beginnings of Lake Charles, Louisiana. You keep doing the next right thing! kudos brother.

That's awesome you are quiting and speaking out. Shows its never to late. It was great to talk to you at Cabelas that night before yall left for Florida a couple weeks ago. Never give up, you got it.

Wow guys, this video brought tears to my eyes. Ryan your a lucky guy to have people in your life like Gene. I'm glad to hear that your 32 days clean and I can't wait to hear future reports on how well your doing. Your on the right path! I will be praying for you!

Best of luck, Ryan. Fighting addiction is hard. You're a natural on video and a great angler, I'm really looking forward to the content you'll be creating!

I knew you were a good guy from watching your videos past few years but this puts you over the top Gene. Your a great mentor and phenomenal person. Hope one day we can go fishing! Wish nothing but the best for Ryan!!!

Ryan, thanks for opening up. Glad to hear you are doing well now. Fishing is a powerful thing.

AWesome!!! now we have the answers to all our questions.. Glad Ryan has you and your family in his life!!! I have been enjoying your vids with Ryan!!

What kind of person gives this video a thumbs down? Gene and Ryan are inspirations to us all.

been there done that!!! Glad to see you made it back to the good life. It is hell on earth but when you have been there and come out the other side, it makes you appreciate the simple things that life is truly about. Glad to hear you have your first month in, keep going its/your worth it kid. You got a ways to go still but just keep putting your sobriety first and dont dwell on the past. Your young and talented fisherman and you got a whole life ahead of you. I was opiate addicted for 20 years and have now been sober for 4 so keep your head up it gets even better yet your just scratching the surface!!!! Good luck my friend!!!!

Ryan, you will be in my prayers. Your journey has been a tough one, but you have persevered through it all. Addiction is a beast that often rears its head when you least expect it. Stay strong. You have lots of people supporting you!

Very impressive that you are doing so well after a little over 30 days. I know you say we only see the good... However, it's really impressive how well you have been coping from the videos that we've seen lately. Congrats on your progress and keep up the positive vibes. Keep on fishing and keep busy all the time. Fishing will help you with that. Gene I have met you and fished with you and already thought you were an awesome person. I know I busted your balls about an issue I had with one of your sponsors recently, but I hope you know that I respect the hell out of you. I appreciate everything you have done for me and even more for what you have done for Ryan. Keep up the amazing work guys.

If you weren't my favorite fishing channel before, (you were by the way) you definitely are now. You guys are the perfect fishing channel combo and the amount of knowledge I've gotten from the two of you is outstanding. The numbers of bass, big bass, I pull out of the water has increased exponentially. And for that I have to say thank you

By far the most awesome video put out by any fishing RU-vidr so far. This kid has a great heart. Immense respect for you gene.

This is the most impactful video that you've ever put out. hard to not to tear up hearing your story Ryan, I appreciate you sharing it. Keep at it, stay strong, God bless you Gene.....you are a good man.

I like all your videos Gene, for the knowledge, the humor, and because you seem like a regular guy. This is the first video of yours that had that "feeling" attached to it. Good people are good people, and it's easy to put on a different persona on social media, but you two are genuine good people and it shows.

Ryan Im glad u shared your story. I use to fish a lot when I was elementary and caught a lot a fish at a young age. I quit fishing for a long time and now im 19 starting to fish again. I just want yall to know that this channel yall have here is a great inspiration to me and is very helpful

This stuff's sad man. Ryan was such a good kid. RIP.

wow. gene I can't say more than wow and thank you. you are a blessing to ryan and his life. thank you

this is hands down one of the best things i have ever witnessed!! 100% honesty here I almost stoped watching your videos due to a disagreement you had with another fishing RU-vidr(a comment you posted on a video of theirs) but after seeing this it shows hoe genuine you are and glsd this young man is getting his life together. I've had friends in the ssme boat and itd nice to see a positive outcome from someone with such a struggle. congrats buddy!!!

Gene you have gain so much of my respect you are a true hero and this video is so inspirational. I am glad that Ryan is getting better.

Just said a prayer for this man specifically and the countless others currently encountering this issue. I can't imagine the hellish temptation. Keep fighting strong, man. Myself and many others have your back in prayer. God bless.

as a 29 yr old addict in active recovery I pray Ryan has found peace. Gene you and Ryan's family are all in my prayers. Heroin claims all who touch her and way to many pay the ultimate price. I have a heavy heart watching this video and I'm reminded that complacency kills

I feel you Ryan I've battled addiction for years 11 years prison I'm 4 years clean much love my friend I'll b praying for you

Gene, I've just recently started following you, say May 2017... This is the first time I have seen this video, and have an even greater respect for how you help others,and in 2014 on Mother's Day ,my 28 year old Grandson was found dead of a heroine overdose. I am grateful for you as a fisherman,but, even more so grateful as mentor, and a guide to help those who struggle with addictions and pain. What a Great Way that this man spoke of his problem,and how he appreciated you,and no doubt loved you as well. Thank You, God Bless You, Will ( Zane is my younger grandson )

my son struggles with same problem,I hope Shawn and Ryan can both beat this addiction,Great job Gene keep up the great work

Good for you and hope only best for both of you going forward Thanks for this update and looking forward to seeing both of you succeed God Bless.

Hey man mad props on this video. deep. I can relate....yesterday I celebrated 2 years off heroin. I'm 27...started when I was 21....we share a huge part of life that many can't relate to. would love to fish with you man. Fishing and hard work has saved my life! #keepfishingneverstop

I'm a recovering addict too. keep on keeping on my friend. It gets easier in time. I turned to hunting and fishing and haven't looked back. you got this

Huge props boys. Both of you. Godspeed!

This is one of the most sad things I have ever witnessed. I really enjoyed watching Ryan and Gene teach the world to fish. I personally have learned so much about fishing from them. To all of the family members and especially Gene I am so sorry that this tragedy happened.

Round of applause! Great job both of you! Let God be your support Ryan, cuz He is absolutely is the reason why you're still here!

Keep up the fight Ryan, have a lot of respect for you to open up and try to help people with addiction. You have a good person next to you to help keep you're faith and stay strong!

I know you didn't have to tell us this story but I'm so glad you did it shows how strong you are now, keep it up man much respect for you

Much respect man. Thanks for sharing your story.

Watching this video after the fact filled my heart with sadness. Ryan seem like a great guy and regardless of the situation he had that should never be taken away from him that he was a great guy. And I believe everybody that has someone in their family that has a situation like Ryan’s should have them watch this. Gene I had no doubt what kind of person you were and you confirmed it or let’s say Ryan confirmed it you’re a great guy with a great heart and all you want to do is help people. Ryan suffering is over now I hope this video helps other people that have a situation like his. Thank you!

As a fellow addict I can relate to this on both a physical and meta physical level. I'm sorry to hear about Ryans passing but I can tell you his story is helping people. God bless and tight lines

Good for you ryan! Ive struggled with the same for years and am addicted to fishing. This sport has been the main reason for me to feel i serve a purpose in this wolrd. Im hoping to start a channel myself. thanks gene for all the motivation. -keep fishing for that next bite

Gene, Your witness will always be more important than a fishing video. Keep helping this young man!

Jean you're my kind of dude. Got a heart of gold, can see that through all the videos you make. But this just reiterates that clarifies it for those who may be in the vague area I appreciate your story only because everyday we go through struggles and nobody knows. I can do nothing but appreciate the fact that you were able to get clean from heroin. I have lost a lot of my good friends to that. And I have another friend who is about 4 years sober. So keep it up man I'll keep watching your videos keep learning from you guys and maybe someday like your dream. I may be 40 but my dreams still the fish professionally am working towards it everyday.ill get there eventually

You are a great guy Gene! So sorry for your loss! Whatever you do, try not to beat yourself up over this I'm sure you did your best and were there for him when he needed it.

Ryan, you are the man. Tons of prayers going up for you. Good luck and stay strong

Dude I literally did a fist pump and yelled out yeeaahh! at Gene's I really don't give a crap remark. Ryan there is lots of us out here with similar pasts ... you just keep focusing on what keeps you strong and surround yourself with good people. Thanks for sharing your story. Respect for both you guys.

I have personally lost 15 people in 6 years to that damned drug, and my father last year to alcohol addiction. Good for you Ryan! Stay the course! You will make it through! Gene, you're my hero for helping this talented young fisherman get his life back together. Ryan it takes strength to go through and come clean. Most people with issues with opiates make it 5-6 years max and the fact you got away from it and cleaned up your life is amazing. Much love and respect to you both. Would love to go fishing with you guys! Come up north!

this video has so much meaning to me! makes me a fan of Gene for life! my girlfriend of the last 5 years recently left me for her addiction of herion and I tried to help her out and got her through all withdrawals multiple times but she never wanted to quit so she would always go back and was just doing it for me at times. Ryan I am so happy to hear you were at 32 days filming this video and im sure you are still doing good now cause you are in good hands! I pray for recovery for any person with an addiction and as long as that person wants to get better and has a support system they can! Ryan please keep your head up I enjoy watching videos with the both of you and id love to fish with you two someday if ever the opportunity arose

I just started watching your channel. And love it seems like your a great guy all around and sorry for your loss. ..Brad