When Michael Fowlkes set out to make “The History of Sportfishing,” he imagined a documentary likened to the movie “The Endless Summer” meeting Ken Burns, and based on the reactions from those who have watched it, he succeeded.
“This film should be in the Smithsonian,” one viewer of the series stated.
“The History of Sportfishing” is a 12-part documentary filled with compelling vintage footage and photos, including historical footage of famous author and fisherman Zane Grey becoming the first to land a 1,000-pound fish on rod and reel.
Fowlkes, an award-winning producer/director who has spent over 50 years on the water fishing and filming, spent four years completing the 12-hour film series, which is now available online. A preview of Chapter 1 is offered on YouTube.
Some of the other reactions by those who have viewed the series:
“Absolutely riveting.”
“My girlfriend was away for the weekend, sat down Saturday afternoon to look at the first episode and ended up binge watching the entire series. I couldn’t turn it off.”
“I am amazed at how extensive and well done this project is.”
“Incredibly well done and thorough.”
“A truly amazing historic documentary.”
George Farnsworth with his 336-pound black sea bass caught near Catalina Island off Southern California in 1903.
Clinton Morehous on July 3, 1899 with his world-record bluefin tuna caught off Catalina Island in the early days of sportfishing.
The positive reviews should not come as a surprise. Fowlkes has produced 24 feature films on the sport of fishing, including the highly acclaimed classic called “A Tribute to Tuna.”
Perhaps most notably, his award-winning “Inside Sportfishing” television series ran for 27 consecutive years and became the highest-rated, and longest-running fishing show in the history of FOX Sports West, earning 27 International Telly Awards for broadcast excellence.
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“For over a decade I’ve envisioned telling the story of how big-game fishing got started [and doing so] in an action-driven documentary-style format,” Fowlkes told USA Today/For The Win Outdoors. “I imagined `The Endless Summer’ meets Ken Burns for sportfishing.”
Young girl poses with 11 white sea bass averaging 50 pounds, caught on rod and reel off Catalina Island in the early days.
Legendary angler Michael Lerner and his team hauling in a catch. Note the vintage camera setup atop the boat.
Angler Paavo Kotonen weighing a 145.5-pound marlin at the Balboa Angling Club in Southern California in 1948. The fight lasted 3 hours, 40 minutes.
Lou Marron poses with the 1,182-pound broadbill swordfish he caught in 1953 in Iquique, Chile. It is a world record that still stands today.
“My earliest memories are of fishing with family,” Fowlkes told For The Win Outdoors. “Over the years it wove itself into every part of my life. To have an opportunity to give something back to this sport at this point in my life has truly been a privilege and an honor.
“The film is a joyous celebration of the sport, preserving its history and helping to secure its future for generations to come.”
Photos courtesy of Michael Fowlkes and Inside Sportfishing.
