Michael Fowlkes joins the show to talk about his latest project: a 12-part documentary series called “The History of Sportfishing”. Michael shares behind-the-scenes stories about key figures like Bill Dance, Bill Shedd, and Lefty Kreh, and discusses the origins and development of sport fishing techniques and tackle, conservation efforts, and the vital importance of introducing the next generation to the sport. 

The discussion also covers the transformation of Michael's project from a movie into a series, his extensive collection of angling artifacts, and the evolution of fishing boats and technology. Essential viewing for any angling enthusiast!

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:07 The Evolution of the Fishing Project

04:06 Personal Fishing Stories

05:25 Historical Fishing Achievements

10:50 Unexpected Discoveries in Fishing History

13:42 Fishing Conservation Efforts

20:46 West Coast vs. East Coast Fishing

29:46 The Evolution of Sport Fishing Boats

39:14 The Evolution of Fishing Reels

40:02 Mentorship and Influential Figures in Fishing

41:16 Fishing Techniques and Regional Differences

42:12 The Role of IGFA and Historical Tournaments

43:22 The Spread and Popularity of Bass Fishing

47:08 Technological Advancements in Fishing

55:57 Conservation and the Future of Fishing

01:02:42 The Importance of Introducing Youth to Fishing

01:11:59 Collecting Fishing Memorabilia

01:14:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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