WATCH LATEST TRAILER
THE HISTORY OF SPORTFISHING
A Documentary Film Series by Michael Fowlkes
Fishing is a sport that has grown in form and function like no other. Sportfishing was born of creative minds who transformed what was once a simple act of subsistence it into an art form. They used their passion and ingenuity to drive the sport forward and taught others the value that could be found in the simple act of catching a fish. Along the way, they also taught us that we are stewards of that which sustains us.
We invite you to join us on our journey as we pay tribute to the History of Sportfishing. Please click on the "Chapters” menu link above for more details about the series.
The History of Sportfishing is a multi-part film series that will be the most comprehensive film ever produced on the history of the sport. The story is told in an historical documentary format, with the overarching theme being a celebration of Sportfishing and the unique developments, individuals and industry leaders that have made it what it is today. The film also focuses on our growing understanding of the angler's role in utilizing responsible conservation practices and assuming stewardship for the future of our fisheries.
One of the most valuable assets for the production of this project is the vault of over 40,000 feet of historical fishing films the we have secured over the past three decades. The private collection of 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm reels of raw fishing footage, some of which dates back over a hundred years, represent the very heart and soul of A Tribute to the History of Sportfishing.
We have now restored and digitized over 36 hours of these historic films. Our goal is to not only utilize this rare footage to help tell the story, but to ensure the preservation of this irreplaceable record of the history of Sportfishing for generations to come. Copies being made for donation to the International Game Fish Association E.K. Harry Library and The Catalina Island Museum For Art & History.
"Southern California has a rich and unique history, from the founding of Avalon Tuna Club in 1898, to the innovation of kite fishing and the vast long-range tuna fleet. Nobody captures this history and spirit better than Michael Fowlkes. I know Michael will bring this history to life in this new series, with images and footage from the real pioneers. Whether you're an angler or history buff, you will love this passionate project, sight unseen."
Dave Pfeiffer, President/ Shimano America
The founder of the Award-Winning television series, Inside Sportfishing, Michael Fowlkes.
Our Production Team
Michael Fowlkes - Inside Sportfishing Producer/Director
Chase Offield - Co-Founder Offield Center for Billfish Studies
Stuart Christensen - Producer/Editor
Check Our Progress
As the making of this series comes to life, we will take you along, with updates, stories, photos, film clips and interviews with Sportfishing Legends, Industry Leaders and Conservationists. Check back often as we begin this project to capture, The History of Sportfishing.
For more information about this project, please contact us with the form above or direct at the email address below. We're looking forward to hearing from you!
Inside Sportfishing
5 Castle Rock Way
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cell: 949.230.8920
insidesportfishing@mac.com