Fishing fans all over the world appreciate the pure excitement and adrenaline rush that come with pulling in a large catch. Numerous television shows have perfectly captured this thrill, bringing the exhilarating experience of fishing right into our living rooms. Below, we explore some of the most exciting and epic fishing TV shows that have captivated audiences and highlighted the adventure and passion behind this timeless sport.
River Monsters (Discovery Channel)
This show isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about unraveling the mysteries of the deep. Join biologist Jeremy Wade, a real-life Indiana Jones of the aquatic world, as he tackles legendary freshwater creatures whispered about in local folklore. From the nightmarish South American Piraiba catfish to the razor-toothed Goliath Tigerfish of Africa, Wade combines scientific investigation with thrilling encounters. He utilizes his knowledge of fish biology and local.
| Genre | Documentary Fishing |
| Directed by | Stef Dijkstra Charlotte Jones Barny Revill Luke Wiles Lucy d’Auvergne Duncan Chard Stephen Gooder Alex Parkinson Dominic Weston Ben Roy Doug Hope Charlier Bingham Daniel Huertas Daniel Rasmussen |
| Presented by | Jeremy Wade |
| Composers | Timo Baker Audio Network Musicotopia |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| No. of seasons | 9 |
| No. of episodes | 57 + 44 specials + 2 additional episodes |
| Producers | Andie Clare Luke Wiles Doug MacKay Hope |
| Running time | 40 minutes 50 minutes (extended cut) 90 minutes (some episodes) |
| Network | Animal Planet, ITV, Discovery Channel, Discovery MAX |
| Release | 5 April 2009 – 28 May 2017 |
Wicked Tuna (National Geographic)
Strap in for a white-knuckled ride on the unforgiving Atlantic with Wicked Tuna. This show throws you headfirst into the high-stakes world of commercial bluefin tuna fishing off the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. Witness the fierce competition between seasoned captains and their crews as they battle relentless weather, mechanical breakdowns, and the unpredictable nature of the elusive bluefin tuna. The pressure is immense as captains vie for the most lucrative catches, pushing their boats and crews to the limit. Wicked Tuna isn’t just about fishing; it’s a human drama that explores the camaraderie, competition, and resilience of these fishermen who risk everything for a single, life-changing haul.
| Genre | Reality television |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 13 |
| No. of episodes | 170 |
| Executive producers | Mike Nichols Craig Piligian Lynn Sadofsky Michael Cascio |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Network | National Geographic Channel |
| Release | April 1, 2012 – present |
Deadliest Catch (Discovery Channel)
This Emmy award-winning series isn’t for the squeamish. Deadliest Catch offers a chilling glimpse into the dangerous world of Alaskan crab fishing. Crab fishermen brave the treacherous Bering Sea, a hostile environment known for its freezing temperatures, monstrous waves, and unpredictable weather patterns. These modern-day Vikings battle the elements and colossal waves in rickety crab pots, risking life and limb in the pursuit of valuable king crab and snow crab. Deadliest Catch is a testament to the grit and determination of these men who put their lives on the line for a single, lucrative season.
| Created by | Thom Beers |
| Narrated by | Mike Rowe |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 19 |
| No. of episodes | 331 |
| Executive producers | Ernie Avila Thom Beers Jeff Hasler Brian Lovett Arom Starr-Paul |
| Editors | Nathan Araiza Josh Earl |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Network | Discovery Channel |
| Release | April 12, 2005 – present |
Lunkerville (Outdoor Channel)
For a lighter-hearted approach to fishing, look no further than Lunkerville. Join Bill Dance, a true legend and one of the most entertaining personalities in the sport, as he shares his passion for largemouth bass fishing. This show is more than just catching fish; it’s about the joy of the outdoors and the thrill of the chase. Dance’s infectious enthusiasm and down-to-earth wisdom make learning to fish fun and engaging. He offers practical tips and techniques for anglers of all skill levels, covering everything from lure selection to boat handling. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a curious newbie, Lunkerville is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and inspire you to cast a line.
| Genre | Fishing |
| Created by | Michael de Avila Shannon Goldman |
| Directed by | Michael de Avila Shannon Goldman |
| Starring | Michael de Avila |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 14 |
| No. of episodes | 182 (as of February 28, 2021) |
| Producers | Michael de Avila Shannon Goldman |
| Editors | Michael de Avila Shannon Goldman |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Network | Sportsman Channel (2004-2007) Water Channel (2006) World Fishing Network (2008–present) NBC Sports Network (2012–2016)CBS Sports Network (2017–2020) Discovery Channel (2015–present) |
| Release | April 2004 – present |
Siren (TV series)
American fantasy drama television series Siren ran on Freeform for three seasons, from 2018 to 2020. The show centers around a small coastal town called Bristol Cove, which has a local legend of being the home to mermaids.
The story takes a turn for the real when a mysterious young woman named Ryn Fisher, played by Eline Powell, arrives in town searching for her kidnapped sister. Ryn, it turns out, is a mermaid herself, and her presence disrupts the tranquility of Bristol Cove.
Siren is a blend of genres, including fantasy, drama, and suspense. It explores the conflict between humans and mermaids, with themes of environmentalism and the nature of humanity woven into the narrative. The series also delves into the world of mermaids, revealing their society and unique abilities.
| Genre | Fantasy drama |
| Created by | Eric Wald
Dean White |
| Starring | Alex Roe
Eline Powell Ian Verdun Rena Owen Fola Evans-Akingbola Sibongile Mlambo Tiffany Lonsdale |
| Composers | Michael A. Levine
Anton Sanko |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 36 |
| Executive producers | Emily Whitesell
Eric Wald Dean White Brad Luff Nate Hopper RD Robb Michael Gans Richard Register |
| Running time | 41–45 minutes |
| Network | Freeform |
| Release | March 29, 2018 – May 28, 2020 |
Fishing with John
Fishing with John is a unique fishing show created by and starring musician John Lurie. The series is known for its unconventional and humorous approach to fishing, featuring Lurie taking celebrity guests on fishing trips around the world. The show’s charm lies in its quirky and often absurd conversations, as well as its beautiful and varied fishing locations.
Guests like Tom Waits, Willem Dafoe, and Dennis Hopper add an extra layer of entertainment, making Fishing with John a cult favorite. The show’s blend of comedy, adventure, and stunning cinematography sets it apart from traditional fishing TV shows.
| Created by | John Lurie |
| Starring | John Lurie Jim Jarmusch Tom Waits Matt Dillon Willem Dafoe Dennis Hopper |
| Narrated by | Robb Webb |
| Opening theme | “Fishing With John” by John Lurie |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Executive producer | Kenji Okabe |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Network | Bravo IFC |
| Release | November 20 – December 25, 1991 |
Bill Dance Outdoors
Bill Dance Outdoorsis one of the longest-running and most respected fishing TV shows in television history. Hosted by legendary angler Bill Dance, the show has been educating and entertaining fishing enthusiasts for over four decades. Dance’s expertise and approachable style have made him a beloved figure in the fishing community.
The show is a helpful resource for both novice and experienced fishermen because it covers a many topics, from equipment reviews to bass fishing methods. Dance’s passion for the sport and engaging personality have cemented the show’s status as a classic in the fishing TV genre.
| Created by | Bill Dance | ||
| Theme music composer | David Muir | ||
| Opening theme | “Gone Fishing’ with Bill Dance Today” | ||
| Country of origin | United States | ||
| No. of episodes | 900 | ||
| Running time | 30 minutes | ||
| Network | WHBQ-TV | ||
| Release | January 5, 1968 – 1981 |
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| Network | NBCSN | ||
| Release | 2012 – 2021 |
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| Network | Outdoor Channel | ||
| Release | present |
Blue Planet II
While not exclusively a fishing show, Blue Planet II is a groundbreaking documentary series that explores the wonders of the ocean. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series offers breathtaking footage of marine life and highlights the complex ecosystems that thrive beneath the waves.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed exploration of various fish species and their behaviors, as well as the environmental challenges they face. The show’s stunning visuals and informative storytelling make it a must-watch for anyone passionate about the ocean and its inhabitants.
| Genre | Nature documentary |
| Presented by | David Attenborough |
| Composers | Hans Zimmer
David Fleming Jacob Shea |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 7 |
| Executive producers | James Honeyborne
Mark Brownlow |
| Producers | Miles Barton
Orla Doherty Kathryn Jeffs Will Ridgeon John Ruthven Jonathan Smith |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production companies | BBC Natural History Unit
BBC Studios The Open University BBC America WDR France Télévisions Tencent CCTV-9 |
| Network | BBC One
BBC Earth |
| Release | 29 October – 10 December 2017 |
Conclusion
These epic fishing TV shows capture the thrill and adventure of angling in a way that resonates with both seasoned fishermen and casual viewers. Whether you’re drawn to the extreme challenges of the Bering Sea, the mysterious depths of remote rivers, or the huge expanse of the open ocean, there’s a fishing show that will ignite your passion and keep you hooked.
