Bass fishing is the biggest form of “sport,” or “recreational,” fishing in the world. (Yes, in the ’90s there was a big debate on changing the term “sport” to “recreational.” Whatever.)
When it comes to major TV networks, their reaction to that fact can be summed up in three letters: BFD.
What’s sexier than pro bassin’, the “NASCAR of fishing?” Give you a hint: It’s the form of “fishing” – guess it is fishing, but it ain’t angling – that makes the least amount of sense.
Yep. Noodling.
America wants to see beer-bellied buds half-floating, half-sinking in muddy rivers, and sticking hands in holes to catch ugly whiskered fish. That’s sexier than bassin’ because, just like 99% of TV these days, it’s a bunch of strange-to-most-viewers people in situations that could end up in trainwrecks.
And just in case you think it’s just random noodlin’, nope – the next big thing is televising noodlin’ tourneys. Some are invite only. Wonder if they’d let KVD in.
What does that mean for major TV networks and pro bass fishing – which is not a sport like other sports, not an exhibition sport and not…noodling? Nothing, probably. And my reaction to that can be summed up in three letters: BFD.
4 Comments
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Brian
July 8, 2011 at 11:00 am
Guess the good news is there won’t be much discussion around “growing the sport” considering it is illegal in over 3/4 of the country…
Avidbasser
July 8, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Been years since I noodled, but it is fun! Quite a rush wondering if you’ll be petting a flathead or have a blue trying to rip your hand off. I gotta say that “Okie Noodlin'” show sure didn’t do Oklahoma any favors though.
Dwain
July 8, 2011 at 1:18 pm
The more outdoor related shows gain popularity the better for keeping our rights to hunt and fish, as well as the cliche “growing the sport” that’s tossed around so much. Shows like “Deadliest Catch”, “Swords”, “hooked” and even the survival shows are doing well on main stream television. I think these shows while not directly related to bass fishing, while gaining popularity will open the door to get some things like Gerald Swindles reality show on a cable network.
Rich Arnold
July 11, 2011 at 8:23 am
I am not surprised at this news. If you think back, circus freak shows used to get a lot of attention too. There is plenty of trash on TV and people will watch the most strangest things. This has nothing to do with bass fishing. I am sure that Swamp People has higher TV ratings than Bassmasters or FLW Outdoors too. Like you said Jay….BFD.