River Monsters on ITV...

[Baz T]

I see they are screening River Monsters on ITV - was on earlier tonight.
The series is quite interesting etc, but why do they insist on putting programmes on about fishing on prime time TV that are not based on UK species and UK locations. Robson Green got slated by anglers (and non anglers) for his Extreme Fishing, which was mostly about fishing everwhere except UK,and although River Monsters is interesting, I can take it or leave it, and it doesnt actually enthuse me to pick up a rod and get out there.
If they want to show what real fishing is about why dont they screen PASSION FOR ANGLING, which I think personifies fishing and all it encomapsses. In some episodes they hardly say two words, (apart from Bernard Cribbins wonderful narrating)but still manage to show how wonderful fishing can be. Even my missus thinks its interesting and relaxing to watch, and she now understands why I find fishing so enjoyable and exhilerating, so it must be good TV.
More effort should be made in trying to bring fishing to the UK masses, rather than late night friday and saturday SHED programmes which I watch through bleary eyes after having a few pints in the pub.
If they showed a couple of John Wilsons programmes, and some Matt Hayes stuff (all the UK based content) instead of a River Monster series, I think it would be better than some bloke catching some un pronouncable fish in a country few of us will ever visit. Even the PREDATOR programmes were interesting, particularly when they showed you the fish habitat, and how they hunt and feed etc. Day Ticket with Richard and Trevor is also amusing and enjoyable, and its programmes like that which make me smile and be thankful I am an angler.
Show some pike, zander, catfish, carp, barbel, trout or salmon action at some beautiful UK lakes, rivers, or fisheries, which have just as beautiful and scenic landscapes as those in any other country (even when it rains!).
Also show how these excellent TV anglers go about their craft, and how they look after, respect, and care for the fish they catch, as most of us try to do, and that will do more to promote anging in this country than some sun tanned bloke in shorts and flip flops, fishing for catfish in India, Africa or wherever.
Saturday nights would be much better if the had "Strictly come Angling!!!"

[Noel]

Couldn't agree more Baz.

Another great show was the Great Rod Race with Matt Hayes and Mick Brown. That would be great family tv. 30 days to catch all (well most) of the freshwater species in the uk. They were great fun. Never a dull moment.

[JustMark]

Whilst I completely agree with the general theme of your post Baz, I am an angler that has returned to fishing partly because of the shows like Robson Green's. You and I know that the thrill of the catch is the same whether it's a Zander on the Severn, a Conger off the Devon coast or a 500lb Marlin somewhere else. To a non angler, it's completely different.

These shows aren't about angling, they are about travel. As such they should be judged alongside others like Micheal Palin's and Charlie Boorman etc. Most of us will never visit these places, and that's what gives these shows their greater appeal. Aspirational TV is the inside term for it.

The programme makers have tailored what for many, especially TV executives, is a difficult subject (a blood sport) and packaged it for the enjoyment of the viewing masses. In that I think they have achieved great success.

I will probably never drive a Bugatti Veyron either, but it doesn't stop me watching Top Gear huh?

[Baz T]

Hi Noel, and JustMark (or is it just Mark?)
I agree with both of your comments. The Great Rod Race was an enjoyable programme, (bet it smells in the back of that van) though I doubt the viewing public would sit through it all, from start to finish (apart from anglers of course). That is why I suggested a compendium of angling such as John Wilson, Matt Hayes, Day Ticket, Passion for Angling etc to provide an eclectic mix if fishing styles and programmes (and presenters - Passion for Angling for example, do they get their clothes from charity shops..ha ha). What about the Fishing Outakes programme, it was very funny, and nice to see experienced, competent anglers making a hash of things.
Also Mark, you too are correct, Extreme Fishing and River Monsters are more travel (and tailored for the non angler) orientated and as such I suppose it is better to appeal to the masses of non anglers with exotic locations, weird fish, etc, and although you mention blood sport etc, I have never heard any non angler I have spoken to, at work or socially, who has mentioned that aspect. The non anglers I have spoken to. and bored with my stories of tales by the river bank, have never looked upon it as a blood sport, more of a pastime for people who like to sit and stare at floats all day long in idyllic surroundings, which they fail to comprehehend as an enjoyable pastime (their loss, my gain).
And I for one will drive a Bugatti Veyron one day, if I win the lottery. Fingers crossed for this Saturday!!!

[JustMark]

When you pitch a programme idea to any production company it is always one side of A4.

If a junior executive thinks your 'show' idea has merit, you will be invited to a meeting that may, or may not include lunch somewhere off Tottenham Court Road. (I have worked in TV on and off for the best part of 25 years)

We surely have the talent, knowledge and experience here to produce some excellent shows. Anyone interested?

"A Zander Ate my Hamster!"

"Makeup for the Riverbank"

"Who Makes Matt Hayes' Hair?"

All of these would fill an A4 sheet huh?

[paddy2k7_red4life]

extactly you hit it on the nose mate
go to fishing online tv its 5 pound a month but there is 100 hundreds of fishing programs

[Baz T]

And dont forget

Strictly come Carping

The Z Factor

How to tie neckerchiefs by Gord Burton

(Louis Walsh and Matt have same barber methinks)

John Wilson and Brownie share the same beard...have u ever seen the 2 of them together at the same time....there u go, irrefutable proof!

[dave fish]

to be honest you cant really do a spot in the uk as its called river monsters and the theme is fish that attack and are predatory species as in pihrana eating people !never heard of an english man being eaten by roach or barbel no what i mean .

[JustMark]

Or how about "You're no celebrity, get the carp out of here!"?

[Noel]

In fairness, I hadn't seen River Monsters (Thursdays ITV 7.30) when I originally posted and didn't realise Jeremy Wade was presenting. Really like his stuff (he's a great author too). He's an intelligent, thoughtful and interesting person as well as an angler. Always a bonus.

His Jungle Hooks on Discovery was a great series. Not often you get to see a real life plane crash from onboard a plane in the middle of the Amazon!

I really disliked Robson Green's programmes but it brought in the viewing figures. Much prefer The Fishing Adventurer (Discovery again) because the presenter is skillful and passionate and has respect for the fish.