Who knew that the venerated newsman was also an expert angler? Outdoor Channel announced that Tom Brokaw will be one of the celebrities featured on “Buccaneers and Bones,” one of two new fishing shows coming to the cable network in 2011. Both are established shows that previously aired on other cable nets.
In addition to the retired NBC News anchor, “Buccaneers and Bones” will feature Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Michael Keaton and “Friday Night Lights” star Zach Gilford as they explore the wonders of bone fishing and tarpon fishing around the world.
Since he’s already an expert, Brokaw may not need to watch the network’s other new show, “Fishing University,” with host Charlie Ingram. Outdoor Channel says it will complement the other action-packed fishing programs by providing highly-informative episodes on the skills needed to fish like a pro.
“We continue to provide our viewers with unique, compelling shows, all of which will be broadcast in 100% native HD, bringing the visual power and thrill of fishing to audiences across the US,” said Jeff Wayne, Executive Vice President of Programming, Outdoor Channel. “We regularly include iconic personalities in our programs and the number of outdoor-loving celebrities on the network has definitely increased. For our viewers, this is a unique opportunity to see another side of these celebrities. For Outdoor Channel, this is an opportunity to chart new ground in the fishing category,” he noted.
Formerly on ESPN2, “Buccaneers and Bones” is presented in partnership with the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and features a collection of luminary anglers including Tom Brokaw, Michael Keaton, Zach Gilford, Patagonia outdoor clothing company founder Yvon Chouinard, saltwater angling pioneer Lefty Kreh, and acclaimed photographer R. Valentine Atkinson. The series will be narrated by Brokaw and will explore the wonders of bone fishing and tarpon fishing through the eyes of this all-star cast who have each devoted a significant part of their lives to conservation causes. The cast sets off from San Pedro Island in Belize and head into the famed turquoise flats of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Whipray Caye in pursuit of three legendary species: bonefish, tarpon and permit. Along the way, viewers will be activated to do their part to preserve these species so that future generations can experience all that these great game fish have to offer.
Formerly on Versus, “Fishing University” is an educational fishing show with the goal of helping viewers learn success-oriented fishing skills and refinements. Each thirty-minute program will be viewed as an intensive course in one important aspect of fishing. Likewise, by watching all of the programs, viewers will have learned and acquired all of the skills that are needed to approach fishing with a new level of confidence and skill. “Fishing University” is an enlightening series that reveals the expertise behind the sport of fishing.
