I'm not a TV critic, but I stayed at a Best Western last night so I feel emminently qualified to be one right now (thanks Dan ). Actually, I do know a good fishing show when I see one. And this is one. After a fishermen from the NW watches a few bass shows (come on - admit it) that proliferate national cable TV fishing productions for some ungodly reason - or even have watched the long running, but now defunct, "Fishing The West" show that at least filmed some good scenery and fish (albeit, not much hosting personality) - it's good to sit back and enjoy a much better TV fishing experience in "Fishermen's Heaven".

When I was moderatoring the ifish board I had the pleasure of getting to do a review of the Fishermen's Heaven TV show back in their earlier days. It was the Icicle Kings tape that host Kevin Erickson sent me to look at. It was great just to see a place I hadn't fished. And cool to see springers being caught so far from the ocean in that tributary of the Wenatchee River. And in the beauty of the Cashmere Mountains of the North Cascades in Washington. The production values of filming fishing action and scenery, music, and hosting were all good. Yet it has improved.

I asked Kevin to send me a tape of episode 6, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", because being a native of Montana I really wanted to see this show about fishing the Missouri and famous Blackfoot rivers for trophy trout. I have fished many of my home state's blue ribbon trout streams, and the Blackfoot River (of "A River Runs Thru It" movie fame) was one of the main ones I've fished over the years of going back to Missoula to visit relatives and friends. Thank you Kevin, and the rest of the crew, for showing a beautiful slice of typical superb Montana scenery. The filming quality and edit timing of the surrounding scenery is right on! And the timely 'country rock' music for occassional background is better than the seemingly out of place hard rock of the earlier shows. It fits now, and enhances the mood. Another thing I noticed is that the hosts seem more oblivious to the camera now. Before the tendancy was to almost 'act' for the cam, which is understandable within a new show. Now it's all about the river and the fish; the way it should be.

In this particular episode, the only thing I can say that was missing was having the guide stop to show some of the flies being used, and briefly explain the flyfishing presentation technique. Keeping that brief and having more fish and scenery is what I like. But the only mention of a fly was when Rob hooked a trophy brown trout on the Blackfoot, and it was mentioned during the battle that they were using beadheaded nymphs (I think they were talking about the tackle anyway ). Perhaps the almost constant fish on action over there had something to do with the lack of tech talk; I haven't seen other shows this season because we don't get the show down here in Oregon.

They also caught big 'bows on the Missouri, and the excellant surface fly active cutthroats of Montana on both rivers. I hope you get a chance to enjoy the real thing over there some day - it's just a great place and experience. If you don't find the time, Fishermen's Heaven is the next closest thing to being there.

Steve Hanson

[ 10-17-2001: Message edited by: RT 1 ]

I agree with Steve. I am lucky enough to live in an area where I can get "Fishermans Heaven" weekly on Channel 12 and have seen most of the shows. Like Steve said this seasons shows are a little better production wise than last year. I would also like to see just a little more explaination of the presentations used. Anyway sure beats the other shows, SON!

Beezer

Damn, I wish someone in the big city would air it so I don't have to feed my insomnia with crackers horsing in smallies, walleye and bigmouths all damn day. Christ, "Hunting with Hank" was better than the Linders. Now Hank is only on once a week. I love that dog.

Wish we could get it in Forks too. "Milenium Digital media" needs to be talked to.

With all of the great fishing in the NW, how come there can't be a cable affiliate or some other network that can produce a show here. Shelly and Courtney are ok and I have even met them, but wouldn't it be nice to see something besides Babe Winkleman.

Hey RT1, a show is calling you, How about calling it "The Reeltruth of NW Fishing".

RT,
Thanks for the review. Much appreciated. I don't need you to send the tape back to me...if anyone else on this board wants to see the show, just have them reimburse you for the postage and send it on to them.

Beezer,
If there is another season of Fisherman's Heaven next year, we will add more explanation of the techniques used. Because our audience ranges from beginners to experts, it's tough to figure out where to draw the line on that..and my personal opinion is that a lot of shows err on the side of too much talk and not enough fishing. When I have to decide between the two, I always elect to show more fish. Nevertheless, the show will continue to become more technical. Thanks for the constructive suggestion.

Bruce,
I don't hunt, but I do like that damn dog Hank. That show is fun to watch.

Rich,
Do you have a local number for MDM there in Forks? KVOS is carried on MDM in the Lake Roesiger area (Snohomish) so you might want to find out if they can add it to the Forks area as well. They do listen to customers sometimes...they don't listen to TV show producers who are just trying to further their own interest.

Ritefish,
Cable affiliates or networks don't produce shows..they air them. Production companies or pipedreaming idiots like Robbo and I produce shows. It's an uphill battle trying to find stations and networks that will air outdoor programming. They can generally make more money (and we all know that money makes the world turn) on syndicated shows or infomercials. Stations like The Outdoor Channel and Fox Sports NW actually charge shows for their airtime (about $50,000 per year on each last I checked). Many, many people have checked into starting their own show, and many have actually started on the project. But most give up after a while when they see the business realities. Sometimes I wish we would have too.

Thanks for your interest in our show.

Kevin
FH www.fishermansheaven.com

AuntyM,

Thanks for the interest. Not sure if even an organized e-mail campaign would get us on additional networks. It's about money. The shows you see on major networks are buying their way on. So far, we've been unable to get a sponsor with deep enough pockets to buy our way on to FSN or KONG or similar stations.

Because I know how much work it is, I have respect for the Outdoor Journal show for the success they've had. But I'd LOVE to go head-to-head with them! Where Fisherman's Heaven is weakest right now is in sales and marketing. If we ever figure out that part of it, look out world. If we don't figure that out soon, then we might sell all our equipment to some shady grade-B porno company.

K

Hey! With a little fine-tuning, we may still be able to advertise on the new owners shows then!?

I seriously do hope that you guys stay on another year - it has been a lot of fun getting to know the guides and others that you have introduced us to.

Without Fisherman's Heaven, Dick Nite would still be an unknown 61 year old tackle company, as opposed to the giant, 2-world record pink salmon catching mega-conglomerate that we are today! Well, at least less people would have heard of us...

Heck! You even turned me on to this BB - where I have learned a LOT just sitting back and reading!

Keep fighting - no fish ever escaped the gaff by giving up! This years shows are very much better than last - the techniques section is one part I really like. And the out-takes (are they on the broadcast version of the show?) are hilarious!

---
d|:^)
Dick

Thanks Dick,

It ain't over til' the fat lady sings. Who knows - maybe we'll avoid the gaff for another fight. If not, I'm not sure I want to know how you're going to advertise your lures as part of the grade B porn company.

How come everybody has the out-takes as their favorite part? I get a little insecure when I find out that our screw-ups are better than our good stuff. (and yes, they're in the broadcast versions too).

K

Bruce:

I've been managing to get channel 12 with a set of rabbit ears from my place around Green Lake. It has to be a clear day though, otherwise too much fuzz. Hope all is well with Bob D & you. Thinking of hitting the river (bank), that I always fish, tomorrow (sat) morning, let me know if you want to rendezvous.

Bobber Down