Television Programs

[rtmg]

Hey people need some help here. As some of you know, I work in television up here in Canada. I won't say what networks or stations I work for. ( They need no free plugs !)
What I need from you all is your valuable input / ideas. I'm in the planning stages on producing a television show that will be about mainly "fishing" (go figure...) Anyways what I would like you to do for me is tell me what you like about fishing pgms, dislike about them, what would you like to see on them, what type of host(s) you like/dislike, is 1 or 2 or many hosts better,
Do you appreciate the fact that sponsers sometime "weasel" their way onto the shows. Do their commericals bother you or just the fact the host(s)are walking commercials. Would it matter to you if the show was only about "freshwater" fishing ? Do all the bells & whistles matter to you or do you just want "the goods" ?
I have many more questions to ask but don't want to keep dragging this post on. I really appreciate all the help that I know will come from all you great walleye types.
Good Fishen
Rob

[Bob G2]

I really kind of miss the format of Debra Johannson's and Kevin
Geary's show. Theirs was unique in that they would actually take you around the lodge, show you the accomodations, and preview available fishing. Apparently, it may have been that lodges would need to pay some type of endowment for the show to have previewed their lodge, but a "consumer report" style program may be too much to be asking for. I like 2 hosts better than 1. I like the style of a Tony Dean, Larry Schoenborn, or Jerry McKinnis. I understand that sponsors need to get a plug on the show, but blatant, in your face, you gotta use this or else advertising usually has me running the other way.

[Fin Addict]

I like to see lots of different types of presentations and detailed explainations of what they are doing and why. I do not want to just watch a guy reel in fish after fish and look at the pretty scenery. Teach me something I don't already know or show me a new product or regional product that I have never seen.

I also like to watch shows on species I do not target or areas I have never been as I pick up new techniques that I may not have thought of. I often get more out of the ads than the shows. I'm so sick of watching Bob Masecomer(sp?) throw a Poes Giant Jackpot at Musky on every show that I could puke. Any fool could go out and look like a genious if you condense several days of fishing into a half hour.

[sib]

i have to agree, i'm tired of people just hauling lunkers in cast after cast. tell me the variables(temps, barometer, winds etc) and explain why you chose that method and others that may work in this situation.

"go outside and play"
sib

[cisco]

I guess most important to me is the location. I have little regard for the fly-in outpost locale where anyone big enough to hold rod and reel can catch fish. Show us how to score during the tough bite on well used waters. I want to learn something while watching -- not just seeing backs of heads on nearly virgin waters.

A low-key host with an easy manner is effective. Dan Small (Outdoor Wisconsin on PBS TV) is a knowledgeable angler, but he uses questions to derive the information from his guests -- he does not come off as the "expert," but rather the facilitator.

Whatever you do, don't have someone such as Al Lindner holding a dripping fish in front of the camera for much too long while he explains why and how he caught it -- then finally says, "We should get her back in the water." He should release the fish first, then give his impassioned explanation.

Tony Dean has an easy manner on camera, altho there are many Dean detractors in the Dakotas -- he does have definite ideas, and does not bother me when he expounds. It's probably a tough search to find the type who can give often controversial info without alienating half or more of the audience.

The worst commercialism is the Jimmy Houston type -- altho I realize he would not have a show without the sponsors. Somehow, prefer "I cast my line..." to "I cast my freshly spooled Fireline..."

Altho not a "fishing show" either "Minnesota Bound," or "Backroads with Ron and Raven" are informative, interesting, and entertaining shows. Ron Schara, too, is easy going and pleasant. (He, too, has deeply held notions and opinions.)

Good luck. We need more good TV.

[Homer]

Positives:

1. The location is (or is similar to) one that I would actually fish. It will be tough to satisfy a geographically diverse audience on this criteria.
2. The species are ones that I would actually fish for.
3. A focus on what they are doing and why they are doing it.
4. Easy-going host. If you're familiar with American PBS shows of the recent past, the host of "Road and Reel Streamside" would fit this bill. Jerry McKinnis is another example.

Negatives:

1. Remote locations that I would likely never go to.
2. A focus solely on footage of fish being caught.
3. Excessive commercialization, either of the equipment being used or the lodge being visited.
4. Obnoxious host. Using the PBS analogy, the host of "Road and Reel"

[Mean Mike]

That would be Rod and Reel Streamside with host Don Meissner.

www.wpbstv.org/Streamside.htm

[Mike]

It seems as though alot of shows anymore just show some host catching fish after fish after fish after fish.... ok you get the point but half the time all you see is the landing of the fish. Gets real boring and repetative. However the thing that makes or breaks the show for me is, did I learn anything that is going to make me a better walleye fisherman. If the program isn't going to teach you anything, whats the point in watching. So what if your catching fish using a new type of sinker, what type of structure are you on, how are you fishing it and why did you decide to fish there. Most everyone can catch the fish but not everyone can find them. Thats my 2 cents worth. Great question and good luck.

Mike Odor

[Stotch]

Good Question !!!

Utilize an easy going, thought provoking host who either explains and or extracts the "WHY" of using different products and approaches from his-her guests. Yes, their are some PRETTY and talented fisherWOMEN out there.

As well as showing "FISHING products" also include:

- a complete in depth view of the many and different style of boats used.

- Explain the "pros & cons" for choosing the various and different boat rigging methods.

- include and discuss the different products such as, downriggers, rod holders (metal and plastic, single and multi-gang), GPS units, fish finders, boat layout (where different things are installed and the WHY), kicker motors & brackets, autopilots and more.

- show different fishing trips for different species and their respective methods. Such as, walleye, salmon-trout on the great lakes, inland lakes and rivers.

- could show the different towing vehicles and how they are set up (both inside and out) for transporting one's fishing gear.

Employing the many different aspects of boat rigging, fishing products, lure choices and presentations will certainly hold the interest of the viewer as well as provide a source for your much needed sponsorship dollar.

Forget about the "fill-in the time" cooking-receipe segment.


These of course are just one persons suggestions.

Stotch

[mossboss]

Lots of good suggestions. I agree that going to some other country and fishing some exotic species is a real drag to watch. Most people cannot afford to go their. I like to see things on programs other than just fishing. Boat maintenance, battery care, trailering, things like that. I would also like to see a program do a show on boating safety and how to load and unload your boat at a busy landing so you don't tie up the docks.

[rtmg]

Thanks to all you great folks who responded. HOPEFULLY I will be able to convince my boss that we should seriously consider most of the ideas put forth on this board. Think some of it could be tough to do....after all it is difficult to copy In-Fisherman. Many have tried, so few succeded. I personally like the "old" In-Fish pgms, but thats a whole 'nother debate for a different day.
Thanks &
Good Fishen to y'all !

Rob

[$$$ talks]

They (Johannson's show) would show you all of the nice things about the lodge, etc. after you put them up for a week and paid them about $12K+. The show sounded "down-home" but it was really an infomercial. I know because they approached me about doing a show at my resort.

[Jay]

Everyone watches fishing shows for different reasons. Some like to just watch fish being caught in places they'll never go, some like the good ol'boy type show and some like the informative type show with lots of in-depth, technical advice.

I personally like the in-depth educational shows, of which I think In-Fisherman is by far the best. I actually like Al's passion for fishing on camera. (It's not an act, he's like that off-camera too.) I think they do the best job of teaching the viewer the what's and why's (location, presentation, etc.) of multi-specie fishing with some technical equipment advice too. And they do it without jamming a certain product down your throat.

I know it would be difficult to do, but I wish there would be more shows like that on TV. Son, I'm gonna hurl if I see one more southern bass yanked in multiple times on the same show.

[WAeyes]

Good post Jay. I however, feel that most people who watch fishing shows on TV are more advanced anglers, so they want more of the technical stuff. I agree about Al Linder's passion for fishing on camera, it's very entertaining. Thank God for In-Fisherman, they are the standard by which others are measured, period.

[Dutchman]

There is never enough on Walleye/tactis/tip/topics and when they do highlight the Walleye, the shows are never long enough :)

[Fishermanartur]

I like all fishing shows and they are least violent programming on TV so it is just relaxing to see people enjoy outdoors. I fish with my wife (we are married 17 years if some one asks) and soon with my first-born son (he is 2 months old today) we enjoy the whole experience of fishing trip. It is not only fishing but drive up north (we are in Toronto) is fun too. We stop for shore lunches and explore forests and other wildlife, pick wild mushrooms. So I would like to see couple (man and female) fishing together as hosts. :=) A family show.

-o{Fisherman

-o{Fisherman

[Mean Mike]

Good point. I think if they focused on one fish in one situation they could have time to give you more detailed information about how, when and why, instead of splitting the 1/2 hour show into three segments.