LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Being produced in the spirit and style of award-winning documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Bruce Brown, noted TV fishing show producer Michael Fowlkes has announced his intention on developing the ‘The History of Sportfishing’ mini-series, bringing the history of recreational fishing in both freshwater and saltwater come alive. The project has started with a Go Fund Me campaign - https://www.gofundme.com/f/history-of-sportfishing - “that will enable us to preserve decaying old 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm fishing films that have been passed down from generations before us,” Fowlkes said.

The series pilot will focus on the birth of big-game fishing, followed by chapters on bass fishing, fly fishing, the evolution of tackle, boats, motors, and electronics, the spirit of competition in both the fresh- and saltwater worlds, women in the sport, and the future of sportfishing and conservation. Discussions are ongoing with Lions Gate for placement and distribution. “Over the decades fishing has woven itself into the fabric of America’s soul,” notes Fowlkes. “Passed down from generation to generation, fishing is as much a part of the American landscape as baseball, apple pie and the 4th of July. The new series will showcase the entire story of the sport. Digitizing these nearly 100-years old films is a crucial first step in preserving the legacy of sportfishing.”

The projects web site - http://www.thehistoryofsportfishing.com/?page_id=14 – provides extensive details on the process and background on producing the mini-series, information and benefits on the Go Fund Me campaign, along with how to provide old fishing films, photos and significant historical stories for consideration in the series. Currently, leading companies in the fishing industry, including Shimano, AFTCO, Fred Hall Shows, Fisherman’s Landing & Tackle, and Pete Gray’s ‘Let’s Talk Hook-Up’ radio show.

A media kit on the project can be downloaded here - http://www.thehistoryofsportfishing.com/?page_id=609

View more info on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHVg7QXgeNs