For musician and internet personality, Alden McWayne — known online as @gucci_pineapple — fly fishing is like creating jazz music. Hiking near Esopus Creek, the social media star spent a day taking cues from Adam Naples, a photographer by day and avid fisherman in nearly every other moment, witnessing a masterclass of craft unfold.
Naples’ fly rod serves as his instrument of choice. In response to the seasonal conditions, he thoughtfully selects a handcrafted faux caddisfly as his lure, like he’s choosing which song to play. Dressed in premium hiking gear from The North Face, Naples moves with focused intent alongside the rushing tributary of the Hudson River, stopping in increments to test his cast. Gently flicking, cautiously reeling, and subtly resetting, each movement is executed with the precision of a polished performer and supported by the adaptability of his apparel.
“Fly fishing is really like an art practice,” McWayne explains. “In jazz, you have to be so in the moment to be able to respond in real time, and that’s the same vibe I felt watching Adam. He was so attuned to his surroundings at all times — never zoned out. Everything was about finesse and timing.”
Having only ever “cast a few lines,” McWayne professed feelings of nervousness heading into the new experience. Based in New York City, the 25-year-old explains that a normal day for him usually includes recording music with his brother, playing video games, and watching nostalgic vampire dramas with his girlfriend — an almost idyllic Gen-Z lifestyle by most standards.
In contrast, the millennial Naples craves the escape from the city, noting that every weekend he can be, he’s outside, trying to reel in his next prize. “I have a really addictive personality, so when I’m into something it’s like 1,000 percent,” he shares. “Fishing has been one of the best vehicles for that because there are so many little intricacies, and I can really hone in on my own style.” Growing up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Naples credits fishing trips with his dad and coordinating tackle boxes with childhood friends as contributing factors to his early love for nature and being outside, viewing it less as a hobby and more as a meditative extension of his identity.
Now, the unlikely pair cut through the Catskill Mountains, embarking on a shared expedition with the same goal in mind: catch a fish. For the seasoned pro, this is an opportunity to understand his practice from a fresh perspective, while for the eager apprentice, this is a moment to step out of his comfort zone and navigate unfamiliar territory.
Outfitting both the savant and the student with gear made for the trek, The North Face acts as a connector between McWayne and Naples, assisting their pursuit to redefine exploration on their own terms. California-born and Denver-based, the brand has for more than half a century been pushing those with that adventurous itch to chase whatever lies beyond their personal horizons. Pressing further for Spring/Summer ‘26, The North Face uses “the hike” as a symbol for its enduring ethos, acknowledging that, whether we realize it or not, there is always more to every outdoor endeavor.
In McWayne’s case, it's a reason to reconnect with a part of himself that he’s drifted away from in recent years, reminiscing on camping trips and excursions through the woods with childhood friends. And for Naples, it's about deepening his love for a craft he’s put 10,000 hours into, constantly finding new ways to challenge himself and improve.
By midday, the pair has yet to complete their mission — though neither seems particularly concerned. With the sun still high in the sky, the duo continues to trudge down the pathway, their North Face jackets softly swooshing with each movement as they search for the perfect spot to wade into the water. Bonding over music, sports, and their shared Oregonian ties (Alden grew up there, while Adam had only a brief stay in the state during his 20s), the primary objective almost fades into the background as the two settle in with each step. Soon, the intense hike originally meant for scouting became an experience that gave the two space to open up, creating bonds that would otherwise never have formed.
“Adam is such a calming force,” McWayne says. “But it’s also really cool to see the childlike wonder he still has for the whole thing.”
In turn, Naples notes, “Alden’s fresh eyes gave me a new appreciation for where I’m at. He reminded me I haven’t become jaded to it all.”
At the intersection of extraordinary feats and those intimate “nowhere else I’d rather be” moments is where The North Face thrives. Blending performance with stylistic versatility, the famed brand is made for every type of scenario, no matter if you’re taking your first step on the trail or you’re already deep into the expedition. Because for The North Face, it’s always more than a hike.
Near the day’s end, McWayne and Naples finally make progress toward their objective after locating the ideal pocket along the waterway. With the sleight of hand akin to a jazz drummer in flow, the veteran angler captured his target in what felt like a single fluid motion. “It was almost like a movie scene,” McWayne exclaims. “Adam got it on the hook, it popped out of the water, and we scooped it up in the net. It was the perfect end to our journey out there.”
To commemorate their outing, the two posed for the obligatory post-catch pic, ensuring their accomplishment was captured on camera. Exiting the creek, McWayne beamed with pride, met by Naples’ supportive smirk — a knowing look from someone who’s done this plenty of times before. Debriefing on the day and broaching the potentiality of another trip, the strangers-turned-fishing-buddies parted ways — McWayne back to the city, and Naples right back to doing what he does best — with a cache of memories and some well-earned gear, all courtesy of The North Face.
Shop The North Face Spring/Summer ‘26 at thenorthface.com.
