Over
many years my work colleagues, knowing that I was a fisher, would often ask me
if I had watched a particular fishing programme on TV. Frequently, I would reply that I hadn’t seen
it because I was fishing at the time! I
then would invite them to tell me what I had missed. Nowadays here in the UK you have the benefit
of being able to conjure up programs you have missed at any time using digital
technology. The BBC version of this is
called I-Player and it is brilliant.
Other channels have their own programme recall versions as well. This has meant that occasionally I have been
able to check out a fishing programme during late evening.
Now the bench mark I use for judging a
fishing programme is a much acclaimed series called “A Passion for Angling”
where Chris Yates and Bob James go on a grand fishing adventure across the
UK. See http://www.passionforangling.info/passion%20for.html
Chris is noted for his eccentric style and
his passion for freshwater fishing often with a center-pin reel. Chris prefers to fish using older methods and
tackle, making him one of a rare
breed of angler enjoying the cane rods and original fishing equipment of a
bygone era. In his books and films Chris
always has a strong emphasis on the enjoyment of being close to nature, and the
other pleasures that come with fishing.
What for me, made this series special, is that the two anglers are real
gents, who show respect for the fish, the environment and for each other. Amazon also have the DVD available.
Sadly, there is currently one fishing programme presenter
who gets to go to wonderful locations and fish for amazing species with local
experts but whose behaviour is disappointing.
He is probably a nice guy but some producer feels that to give the
programme interest it has to be edgy. I
particularly don’t like the way the presenter, under the guise of competing
against them, is rude to the local fishers who are trying to help him. For me the programme would be far more
interesting if more time was spent on techniques, tackle and the species. We all know local knowledge is crucial so you
should not be “biting the hand that feeds you” rather you should be showing
appreciation.
Presenting fishing on TV and making it interesting is a
challenge but there are plenty of talented people around who could do
that. Dare I say that golf is a boring
game to watch, however, TV producers make it interesting because they have such
good camera coverage, with knowledgeable commentators providing interesting
background information. I would like to
see an international fly fishing competition (preferably a drift boat loch
style competition) covered by a number of cameras (some afloat) with expert
commentary and explanations. Casting,
reading the water, strategy, fly selection, manoeuvring and catching and
netting could all feature. I think that
if done successfully it could do much to promote the image of fishing in
general and fly fishing in particular.
This is how I see it in the UK, please put me straight if
you think I am wrong. I would also be
interested in what happens on the TV front in the other 33 countries that are
reading this blog.
Can I close by welcoming the fishers in Brazil, Venezuela, Chile,
India and Romania who have recently started viewing the blog. You are most welcome please let me know if
there are any topics you would like me to cover. Kind regards
Alan C alanjec@gmail.com
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