SEASON 1
Chapters 1-12
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The History of Sportfishing is an intriguing journey through time, showcasing how fishing evolved from an act of survival into the sport that it is today. Unveiled in a series of interwoven chapters, the story is brought to life through archival films, dating back over a hundred years, historical photographs, interviews and spectacular 4k contemporary action. Combined, these elements weave a stunning visual tapestry of the sport in a way that has never been seen before.
CHAPTER 1
the bite
A look back into the earliest history of fishing. From a 12-ounce trout to a 1200-pound marlin, extraordinary moments occur when fishing that few other sports offer.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 2
SURVIVAL TO SPORT
Fishing pioneers took fishing from being about food to fun when they set out to develop the tackle and techniques necessary to take game fish for sport.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 3
IN SEARCH OF GIANTS
Epic stories of Zane Grey, Tommy Gifford and Bill Poole became the stuff of legends that have inspired generations of anglers to go after big fish offshore.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 4
AMERICAN INGENUITY
Follow rapid growth of the sport as everyone from local captains to industry titans introduced innovations in terminal tackle, rods, reels, line and electronics.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 5
PUSHING THE LIMITS
New technology changed the playing field forever with once-unimagined advances in boat design, power plants, communications, sonar and thermal imaging.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 6
THE ART OF THE FLY
Combining centuries-old traditions and modern rods, reels and line technology, flyfishing is one of the purest and fastest growing fishing disciplines.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 7
ARTISANS OF THE FLY
Fly fishing began as a sport of kings and aristocrats, until a determined group of men and women brought fly fishing to the mainstream of European and American culture.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 8
Fly Fishing Explodes
in Saltwaters
Early tackle could not stand up to harsh saltwater and big gamefish until the 1950s when innovative anglers in South Florida laid the foundation for new ways to flyfish.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 9
BASS, THE GAMEST FISH THAT SWIMS
Pursued by over 50% of all regular freshwater anglers, bass are one of the most challenging and prolific game fish in America.
Dr. Terry Battisti, Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 10
THE COMPETITIVE EDGE
In 1939, anglers began competing for the new IGFA record books. In 1967, Ray Scott hosted the first All-American Bass tournament in Arkansas, and the rest is history.
Dr. Terry Battisti, Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 11
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES
Competitive angling has seen a meteoric rise in popularity as anglers seek fame and fortune while challenging themselves against the very best the sport has to offer.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 12
CONSERVATION AND THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT
It is only by teaching children to be stewards of the history, resources, and life-lessons found at the end of a fishing line that we can ensure the future of the sport.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn