Another Movie Guide

Fishing TV Shows – (Un)Reality TV

I like to set my cable box to record my favorite fishing shows on television. There are upwards of 10 or so different series to choose from, but only a few which are watchable, in my opinion. So, what’s wrong with most of the shows?

Filmed On Private Lakes

I understand no one wants to watch a 30 minute fishing show where not a single fish is caught. But to watch your fishing pro/host pull out massive bass one after the other is equally as annoying. I would bet just about anyone could look like a pro on a stocked private lake which gets little to no fishing pressure. In these situations just about any presentation and lure choice would produce good results. These types of shows offer little in education and are simply for the entertainment of watching bass jump out of the water. If that’s what you’re after great; personally I like a little more substance. I want to learn techniques and tricks that can be utilized on my local lakes and creeks.

Overbearing Product Endorsements

Yes, I am talking about you Roland Martin. (and he’s not the only one) If I want to watch infomercials I’ll watch late night TV. Now, speaking as a businessman, there is nothing wrong with pitching your product or services, but please keep it minimal and relevant to your topic. If you’re promoting a certain tackle line, of course you will mention the product name and show what it can do. What we don’t need is a constant barrage of other sales pitches. We don’t need to know who made your sunglasses, what sunscreen you use, or what brand of underwear you’re wearing. At this point it becomes less of a fishing show and more of a commercial. In my opinion; too much of this, and the “professional” starts to lose their credibility and turns into a common huckster.

So what is my favorite show? I like a show called a “Day on the Lake”; it is an exceptionally educational program with plenty of real life sceneries. The show can be seen on ESPN Sports and is best described in this quote from Bassmaster Magazine – “Bassmaster readers are familiar with our “Day on the Lake” series. Here we put top BASS pros on small lakes they’ve never seen before, then give them seven hours to locate and catch bass while we log every move they make”. – And they do display every move; showing you the number of fish caught, time elapsed, and even how many casts. All this plus a breakdown of fishing gear and tackle being used. It’s as realistic as you could get from a fishing show.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m sure there are many fine programs out there and I have definitely not watched them all. It all comes down to personal choice. To me I’ll take substance over flash any day.

M. Kilby along with his father are avid fishermen offering quality Fishing Gear from Blue Lake Tackle, LTD.