vip-membership
The Benefits of your subscription to the History of Sportfishing:
Sportfishing is more than a hobby for weekend anglers, or a profession for a lucky few. For most of us, it’s about quality time, community and common values. Here at The History of Sportfishing we want to help our viewers learn, celebrate and share this sport on a whole new level. Your $49.99 Basic Membership does more than just get you a big discount on 12 hours of quality ad-free viewing. It also brings you exclusive video content, discounts on HOSF merchandise, and backstage access to our interactive HOSF blogs and podcasts with Michael Fowlkes and guest professionals from across the industry. We’ll be discussing history, cutting edge tech, secrets to producing more fish, legislative issues that will change the future, and much more.
The $74.99 VIP Premium Membership is an even better deal. Our VIPs will not only get the entire series ad-free and have full back-stage access, but you will also get an ADDITIONAL 24 HOURS of spectacular viewing with 24 premium videos from the award-winning Inside Sportfishing series. These videos will be released at 2 per month and feature celebrated episodes like “A Tribute to Tuna”, “Jig Chucker’s Ball” and “The Zane Grey Story”.
The History of Sportfishing was created by men and women who love to fish. A big part of our goal in making this series was as a way to protect the history of our sport, and its future. Over the past decade, we have digitized and restored thousands of photographs and over 100 hours of fragile films, some over 100 years old, and will be donating those digitized images to museums, ensuring they are around for generations to come.
You should also know that a generous percentage of your subscription will be given back to conservation organizations like the American Sportfishing Association, Keep America Fishing, the Ocean Cleanup, Coastal Conservation Association, the International Game Fish Association, Trout Unlimited, Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, and many other regional and national organizations committed to healthy fisheries, keeping our oceans and rivers clean, and protecting our right to fish.
Michael Fowlkes & The HOSF Crew
CHAPTER 1
A Tribute to Tuna
Produced in honor of the men who once fished from the racks, using cane poles, their bare hands, , guts and determination, and to the magnificent tuna they chased. This award-winning video takes us on an incredible journey through time, with some of the most exciting and rarest of historical 4-pole action ever shot.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 2
Deep Color
Packed with some of the most exciting fishing footage ever shot, we take you on a journey to the rich waters of The Revillagigedo Islands, 450 miles off of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on board the FV Polaris Supreme to battle huge yellowfin and wahoo. Loaded with tips and techniques spanning bait selection, hook placement, kites, chunkin’ and old-school stand-up style fishing, this film has it all.
Battle huge yellowfin and wahoo. Loaded with tips and techniques spanning bait selection, hook placement, kites, chunkin’ and old-school stand-up style fishing.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 3
Fishing Forbidden Waters
Fishing the Midway Island Pacific Atoll gives us a glimpse back at what fishing the Hawaiian Islands a hundred years ago was like. Join us as we head out to a tiny coral atoll located in the middle of the Pacific about halfway between the continental United States and Japan twelve hundred miles north of Honolulu known as Midway. Midway is the most remote inhabited land mass on the planet and has been closed to all but military personnel since the second World War. But in 1996 the island was opened for the first time to civilians, and you can image how good the fishing was. A strategic Naval Air Facility since being bombed by the Japanese on their way to Perl Harbor forcing the United States into World War II, a 200 nautical mile, no-fly, no-marine traffic “Forbidden Zone” surrounding the entire atoll was initiated during the war and had remained in place until 1996. . We were amongst the first dozen civilians that were allowed to visit the island. What you’re about to see is just a glimpse into what truly virgin, un-fished waters look like. Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe the fishing Midway offers. From huge schools of big yellowfin and big blue marlin to 100 plus pound GTs or Lulu, eating the poppers just feet from the rocks off the jetty, deep sea fishing simply doesn’t get any better than this. Features some of the best free-swimming underwater footage of GTs ever shot. Part 3 features a shark feeding frenzy that we were lucky to get out of without being killed. They use this footage in diving classes showing students what NOT to do when diving when sharks are in the water.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 4
A Tribute to Tuna – Part 2
Picks up right where part 1 leaves off with fascinating insights into the men and wooden clippers that forged an industry from the sea fishing with nothing but cane poles, guts and determination.
Fascinating insights into the men and wooden clippers that forged an industry from the sea fishing with nothing but cane poles, guts and determination.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 5
JIG CHUCKER'S BALL
Join us for one of the most epic single day trips in SoCal sportfishing history, the first ever Jig Chucker’s Ball. Now indelibly etched into the history books, this film features some of the West Coast’s top skippers and anglers on an invite only basis. Initially chasing breezing yellowtail and tracking bird schools, by mid-morning the bite shifted to huge bluefin. An all-surface iron, long-rod trip with no 2-speed reels or heavy line onboard, what this group was capable of landing on that gear is nothing short of amazing and a tribute to the skills of these individuals.
Jig Chucker’s Ball 140 description.
Initially chasing bird schools and breezing yellowtail the bite suddenly shifted from school size yellows to huge bluefin with only long rods and single speed reels.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 6
Big Boat Big Fish
Welcome aboard Bill Poole’s deluxe 116’ long-range sportboat, the EXCEL for one of the most exciting fishing trips ever films. With Captain Pat Cavanaugh behind the helm, we headed 950 miles southeast of Point Loma, to the Revillagigedo Islands, home to some of the world’s largest yellowfin tuna. A timeless look back at the tackle, rigging and some of the techniques that were standard for their day, along with virtually non-stop action, this is an all-time classic.
A timeless look back at the tackle, rigging and techniques that were standard for their day, along with virtually non-stop action, this is an all-time classic.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 7
Legends of Sportfishing The Zane Grey Story
The complete story of Mr. Grey’s quest to become the first man in history of ever hook and land a fish weighing over 1,000 pounds. Featured within the History of Sportfishing series, this is the uncut version from those epic trips onboard the Fisherman, sailing from Avalon, Catalina Island all the way to Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti.
Some of the most historically important fishing footage ever shot, showing the first 1,000-pound fish ever captured on rod and reel.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 8
Marlin off the Rocks
One of the most amazing fishing films ever shot covering a handful of adventurous anglers as they hike miles from the road, down the cliffs of Jarvis Bay, packing in all their gear, rods, reels, tackle and portable bait tanks in quest of trying to catch a marlin off the rocks. They call it Land Based Addiction and with the harsh moto that “rock beats plastic” every time.
The amazing story of a handful of adventurous anglers in their quest of trying to catch a marlin off the rocks from the cliffs of Jarvis Bay, Australia.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 9
Tribute to Wahoo
The small 2-man jig boats of old truly embodied hard -core fishing at its essence. Brave, hardworking and dedicated men, the captains and crews of these old jig boats were some of the toughest men in the business and with wahoo dive bombing their offerings from over 30 feet, that aerial display by these speedsters is worth the price of admission.
With wahoo dive bombing onto baits from over 30 feet in the air, the aerial display these speedsters put on is worth the price of admission.
Dr. Terry Battisti, Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 10
Best Little Fishing Secret in the Gulf, Venice, Louisiana
Join us as head into the heart of the Louisiana bayou going to the most southeastern tip of Louisiana where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico. At the end of the road there’s a sleepy little fishing village known as Venice. An unincorporated community in the Plaquemines Parish for some of the best most diversified fishing we’ve even seen anywhere in the world. From fishing the shallows for record setting redfish and tarpon, to running outside to the rigs and fishing for tuna and sailfish, it honestly doesn’t get much better than this.
Some of the best inshore and offshore fishing to be found anywhere along the gulf, action packed and loaded with tips from the heart of the Louisiana bayou.
Dr. Terry Battisti, Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 11
Squid Nest Fishing White Seabass. Yellowtail, Halibut
Fishing White Seabass Tips on Squid Nest Fishing is an in-depth series on how to fish Squid Nest with Greg Trompas and Barry Brightenburg. Greg and Barry are a couple of the most knowledgable inshore specialists on the coast and provide us with some valuable insider tips on fishing nearshore coastal squid nests be then on the beach or off an island. This show is packed with insider information on how locate, set-up and then fish our local squid nests. “The Angry Skiff Guy” opens up his kimono sharing things about fishing seabass that have taken him his lifetime to learn. Not only is the information he’s providing going to make your next seabass trip more productive but if you will, please pay attention to what he’s telling us about seamanship and boat etiquette. This series will not only make you a better angler, but it’ll also make you a better person when you’re on the water. Great viewing for the entire family.
This show is packed with insider information on how locate, set-up on and then fish our local squid nests for seabass, yellowtail and halibut.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 12
Stand-up and Fight
Packed with some of the most exciting fishing footage ever shot, we take you on a journey to the fish-rich waters of The Revillagigedo Islands, located some 450 miles off of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and 970 miles southeast of San Diego, on board the FV Polaris Supreme to battle huge yellowfin and wahoo. Loaded with tips and techniques spanning bait selection, hook placement, kites, chunkin’ and old-school stand-up style fishing, this film has it all.
Loaded with tips and techniques spanning bait selection, hook placement, kites, chunkin’ and old-school stand-up style fishing, this film has it all.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 13
Pursuit of 1000-pound Marlin
Join us for some legendary action chasing 1000-pound granders off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Rigging tips and some great action as Tom Rogers catches and releases his first 1,000- pound black marlin.
Rigging tips and great action as Tom Rogers catches and releases his first 1,000- pound black marlin working the waters off the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 14
Monsters of the Deep
Classic big halibut fishing from Alaska with owner/operator Seth Bone and Kingfisher Charters as he hosts legendary San Diego long-range owner/operator Bill Poole on his quest for a giant halibut.
Classic footage of Captain Bill Poole, fishing from Sitka, Alaska in his quest for a giant halibut with Seth Bone and Kingfisher Charters.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 15
The G-Loomis Story with Gary Loomis
Join us as the legend himself, Gary Loomis, takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at how the G-Loomis rod company was started and how they built Made in America rods and G-Loomis into one of the most respected rod building companies in the world.
An in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into Loomis rods with the legend himself, Gary Loomis.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 16
The Ultimate Challenge w/Frank LoPreste
The film that started it all for Michael Fowlkes and remains an all-time classic today.
With segments featured in the History of Sportfishing, this timeless film gives us an in-depth and passionate look back in time when long-range fishing from San Diego was truly the ultimate challenge in big-game fishing working the Revillagigedo Islands.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 17
1st Marlin Satellite Tagging off Mag Bay
Packie Offield was one of the first men to ever fund the development and deploy satellite tags on billfish. Join us as we venture south from San Deigo to Mag Bay to film one of the first marlin satellite tagging efforts in history. Amazing insights into the post release mortality rate of marlin caught and released using J hooks vs Circle hooks. The scientific results from this study has proven to have saved thousands of marlin over the years.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 18
Danger Down Under
Join us in the land down under as we embark on an all-time excursion with Nomad Sportfishing Adventures and Patrick Sebile, one of the top lure makers in the world, to fish the prosperous waters of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. From epic battles with a myriad of local species to dangerous storms, and hooks through hands, the non-stop action never lets up.
From epic battles with a myriad of local species of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, to dangerous storms, and hooks through hands, the non-stop action never lets up.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 19
Big Boat Big Fish II
Picks up pretty much right where Big Boat Big Fish leaves off, fishing the Revillagigedo Islands, onboard the 116’ luxury long-range sportboat, Excel, with tips on old-school techniques, tackle and rigging and non-stop rod bending action.
San Diego based long-range fishing is all about the cows and BBBF II doesn’t disappoint with virtually non-stop action on powerful yellowfin tuna and wahoo.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 20
Fishing the Foam
Fishing the surf or as we like to call it, fishing the foam, shows how affordable, fun and exciting surf fishing can be for the entire family, especially if you know what you’re doing. Join long-time surf fishing expert, Tom Rogers along with his daughters and their fiancés as they work the inshore coastal waters doing battle with some giant 100-plus pound trophies. All catch and release. Packed with tips on tackle and equipment, bait and techniques as well as some of the most exciting and fun footage we’ve ever shot.
Working the inshore coastal waters doing battle with giant 100-plus pound trophies from the surf. Packed with tips on tackle and equipment, bait and techniques.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 21
Deep Creek
The Deep Creek Fishing Club is without question the ultimate Alaskan Adventure. Perched on a high bluff overlooking the magnificent Cook Inlet at the mouth of the Deep Creek, this beautiful lodge offers sensational vistas of the midnight sun, glaciers and snow-capped volcanoes. Nestled near the quaint Russian-Native fishing village of Ninilchik, on the Kenai Peninsula, Deep Creek affords anglers access to the best fishing locales that Alaska has to offer. Owner/operators Steve and Vivian Moe have speared no expense and offer guests of all skill levels an opportunity to do battle with fish of a lifetime. Truly the halibut capital of the world. 300-pound giants are caught every season from here, along with five species of salmon, steelhead, rainbows, lake trout, Northern pike, grayling, arctic char and dolly varden. Join us as we fish the chrome bright Kinds from shore in front of the lodge and work a few big halibut just minutes off the beach, before exploring places that few have ever seen, let alone fished. The fly out to Kodiak Island and drifting the river provided the most spectacular light tackle king salmon fishing any of us had ever seen. Wading into the crystal-clear waters, your senses become immersed in the endless beauty surrounding you. Bears feeding with their cubs just upwind and huge, aggressive fish made for a day none of us will ever forget.
300-pound giants are caught here, along with 5 species of salmon, steelhead, rainbows, lake trout, Northern pike, grayling, arctic char and dolly varden.
Dr. Terry Battisti, Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 22
Quest of 1000LB Bluefin Prince Edward Island
Climb onboard with us as we travel to one of the most amazing fisheries in the world in search of the elusive 1000-pound Bluefin Tuan that migrate up the east coast of North America from the equator to feast in the cold Atlantic waters off Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia. We team up with Captain Greg Norton of Tightline Tours and his sons, with veteran anglers Kenny Cirks and Barry Brightenburg to fish the giants. This film is perfect blend of information, tips, techniques and non-stop action.
For almost a decade PEI has been ground zero for 1000-pound Bluefin and few do it any better than Captain Greg Norton, his sons and Tightline Tours.
Dr. Terry Battisti, Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 23
Secrets of Midway Island
Midway is the single most remote inhabited island on the planet. Blessed to have gotten to fish these amazing atolls several times before they were shut down to the public, these shows take us back in time, to what Hawaii must have been like a hundred years ago with 100-pound GT’s were foaming in the surf just feet from the rocks.
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn
CHAPTER 24
Living History
Authors: Michael Fowlkes and Tami Ebbets Hahn