The History of Sportfishing - A Documentary Film Series by Michael Fowlkes - A 9-part film series produced in the style and spirt of award-winning ...
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The History of Sportfishing
A Documentary Film Series by Michael Fowlkes
A 9-part film series produced in the style and spirt
of award-winning documentarians Ken Burns
and Bruce Brown
Executive Producer
Chase Offield
Co-founder, Offield Center for Billfish Studies
Board member, International Game Fish Association
Since the beginning of time men and women have fished to provide food. They took to the seas and rivers in dug-out canoes, tied vines and roots into nets, sharpened branches into spears, and honed shells into hooks as a means of harvesting fish for survival. Over the decades fishing has woven itself into the very fabric of America’s soul. Passed down from generation to generation. Fishing has been as much a part of the American landscape as baseball, apple pie and the 4th of July. This is the story of how the sport of fishing was born.
About the Project
We are creating a limited 9-part television series on the history of sportfishing, produced in the
spirt and style of award-winning documentarians, Ken Burns and Bruce Brown
This project will enable us to preserve decaying old home movies, 8mm, 16mm and 35mm fishing
films that have been handed down to us from previous generations. Some of these films are nearly
100-years old. But they are turning to dust in the archives because time has caused the celluloid
filament in the film to dry out. The stock is becoming so brittle that unless these historic films are
not digitized soon, they will be lost forever. Once digitized, copies will be entrusted for safe
keeping to the Tuna Club of Santa Catalina Island and International Game Fish Association.
Chapters
Chapter 1 - The Birth of Big-game Fishing (detailed below)
Chapter 2 - Birth of Bass Fishing
Chapter 3 - Birth of Fly Fishing
Chapter 4 - Evolution of Rods, Reels & Line
Chapter 5 - Evolution of Fishing Boats, Motors and Electronics
Chapter 6 - Spirit of Competition - Freshwater
Chapter 7 - Spirit of Competition – Saltwater
Chapter 8 - Women in Sportfishing
Chapter 9 - The Future of Sportfishing – Conservation
About the Producer
The founder of the award-winning television series, Inside Sportfishing, Michael Fowlkes has fished
his entire life. Shown above in 1959 with a few bonito he caught, before filleting every fish and
selling them around the neighborhood for .25 cents. Michael began working as a pinhead onboard
The Westerner when he was only nine years old.
Transitioning to deckhand on San Diego overnight boats in the early 1970s, he earned his US Coast
Guard operator’s license bought his first charter boat and began running charters with his wife
Kimberly.
In 1980 he began producing television shows for Showtime/The Movie Channel, National
Geographic, Discovery, and ABC delivering a number of ACE Award winning programs.
Michael launched Inside Sportfishing in 1989, which became the highest-rated, longest-running
fishing show in Fox Sports West history, earning 27 Telly Awards, and being voted Best Fishing Show
of the Year by the Outdoor Writers Association.
Chapter 1: The Birth of Big-Game Fishing
The origin of big-game fishing can be traced to Dr. Charles Fredrick Holder, with his catch of a “leaping tuna” and the subsequent formation of The Tuna Club of Santa Catalina Island on June 1, 1898. This was the first large tuna in recorded history ever caught on rod and reel. The Tuna Club of Santa Catalina Island is one of the oldest fishing clubs in the world.
Today, members still honor the stringent fair sporting rules and rich traditions
upon which the club was founded.
.
In 1901, the first marlin ever caught on rod and reel was brought into Avalon on Catalina
Island.
In 1913, Tuna Club member William C. Boschen debuted the most important innovation in reel design history, the star-drag. Working with reel makers Julius vom Hofe in New York and Joseph Coxe in Los Angeles, Boschen’s star drag concept allowed anglers to adjust an internal friction drag while fighting a fish. That same year, using his prototype system while fishing with boatman George Farnsworth off Catalina, Boschen boated the first broadbill swordfish ever taken on rod and reel, and the sport of fishing became indelibly etched into the history books.
Fishing from wooden skiffs with knuckle busters, cane poles and linen line,
these early pioneers forged a sport with pure passion, guts, and determination.
The popularity of sportfishing rapidly grew
as word of Catalina's phenomenal fishing spread across the nation.
Spawning the Southern California sportfishing fleet,
with landings opening up in every harbor along the west coast.
By 1948 there were 24 landings operating,
with 76 sport boats and charter yachts in Newport Beach alone.
The Southern California fleet pioneered the extensive use of live bait, and bait haulers became a vital fixture in every harbor along the coast. The Newport Harbor Lady Anglers was established September 13, 1949.
A few years later, Bill Poole ran the first ever sportfishing expedition to Guadalupe on the original Polaris in 1953. As the fleet's range continued expanding down the Baja to the Revillagigedos Islands, the San Diego-based long-range experience quickly established itself as the sport's premiere destination. s
Endorsements from Experts
“Michael is certainly the man to tell
the amazing story of sportfishing
history. One of his early works,
Tribute to Tuna (pictured left), is a
classic in the fishing world. He’s
amassed an extensive collection of
footage from the early days of
fishing, and if you add that to the
decades of Inside Sportfishing
footage he’s shot, you are looking at
a rare collection that needs to be
recorded for future generations.”
Pete Gray, President,
Let’s Talk Hook-up
"Long before my father, Milt Shedd,
brought sportfishing to Cabo San
Lucas in 1952 rich sportfishing
traditions were emerging from
Catalina Island, which influenced
fishing all over the world. The story
of sportfishing is a fascinating and
important one that needs to be fully
told. I am thrilled that Michael is
looking to tell our story in his
unique visually exciting style."
Bill Shedd, Chairman/CEO,
American Fishing Tackle Company"Southern California has a rich and unique history, from the founding of Avalon Tuna Club in 1898 to the innovation of kite fishing (pictured below), and the vast long-range tuna fleet. Nobody captures that history and spirit better than Michael Fowlkes. He brings all of it to life in this new series, with images and footage spanning over a hundred years and interviews with the real pioneers. Whether you are an angler or a history buff you will love every minute of this passionate project." Dave Pfeiffer, President, Shimano America "Michael Fowlkes has been a staple in our industry since my childhood, and I’m thrilled that he’s capturing the history of sportfishing with his unique style as a filmmaker. There is no one more qualified to tell this great story." Bill DePriest, Publisher/Editor Pacific Coast Sportfishing Magazine "For more than a century, sportfishing in Southern California has been a passion and a way of life for millions of anglers, providing immeasurable joy and memorable experiences to those lucky enough to spend time pursuing it. This film series will serve as significant historical piece to be cherished by those who have been involved as well as those who have watched from afar Doug Kern, Co-Owner Fisherman’s Landing & Fisherman's Landing Tackle
How You Can Help
We are seeking financial support to complete the following tasks:
1. Digitizing the thousands of feet of film and hundreds of photos that we’ve collected over
the years to create a historical record the sport's legacy. If we don't save these old films, they
will be lost forever.
2. Once the raw footage has been digitized, we will begin production on the Pilot for The
History of Sportfishing, produced in the spirt of award-winning documentarians Ken Burns and
Bruce Brown.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/history-of-sportfishing
The series will include the following nine chapters:Chapter 1 - The Birth of Big-game Fishing Chapter 2 - The Birth of Bass Fishing
Chapter 3 - The Birth of Fly Fishing
Chapter 4 – The Evolution of Rods, Reels & Line Chapter 5 – The Evolution of Fishing Boats, Motors and Electronics
Chapter 6 - Spirit of Competition – Freshwater Chapter 7 - Spirit of Competition – Saltwater
Chapter 8 – Women in Sportfishing
Chapter 9 - The Future of Sportfishing – Conservation
Why Contribute?
Knowing that your contribution, no matter how large or small, was instrumental in the preservation of
the thousands of feet of decaying 8 and 16mm films that have been handed down to us from previous
generations. These fragile, unique celluloid glimpses into the history of sportfishing will be lost
forever without your help.
The following rewards are bonus points.
Pledge $50
We will provide you with a direct link to screen and download The History of Sportfishing, Part 1 - The
Birth of Big-game Fishing as soon as it’s completed.
Pledge $100
The above, plus as the making of this series comes to life, we will take you along with us through the
entire process, with updates, stories, photos, film clips and interviews with legends as we make the
history of sportfishing come alive.
Pledge $250
The above, plus your personal copy of The Birth of Big-game Fishing will be shipped to you on a flash
drive as soon as the film is completed. Drive will be shipped free within the U.S. Please add an
additional $27 for International shipping.Pledge $500
The above, plus a signed copy of The Birth of Big-game Fishing art poster and t-shirt.
Pledge $1000
The above, plus a personal CODE to screen the entire Inside Sportfishing library of over 3,000 hours
of entertainment on https://insidesportfishing.vhx.tv/
Pledge $2,500
The above, plus your name will be added to list of contributors to The History of Sportfishing, Part 1 -
The Birth of Big-game Fishing web site.
Pledge $10,000
The above, plus your name will appear on the film’s credits.
Pledge $50,000
The above, plus you will be named as a Co-Producer in the film’s credits.
Pledge $100,000
The above, plus you will be named as a Producer of the film, and if you choose, be interviewed about
your love of fishing and possibly (depending upon your interview) be included in the film itself.
Pledge $250,000
The above, plus you will be named as an Executive Producer of the film, be involved in the creative
process and if you choose, be interviewed about your love of fishing and possibly (depending upon
your interview) be included in the film itself.
Limited OEM inclusions available. For details please contact us at insidesportfishing@mac.com.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/history-of-sportfishing
Budget overviewProgram: Pilot - Chapter 1 - The Birth of Big-game Sportfishing
Format: HD
Executive Producers Chase Offield
Producer/Director Michael Fowlkes
Locations: Pilot Only - Southern California
Budget Date: 3.01.20
BUDGET SUMMARY
ACCOUNT DESCRIPTION TOTAL COST
1000 Project Development 48,166
2000 Producing Staff 149,250
3000 Rights, Music & Talent 148,880
4000 Crew & Personnel 70,500
5000 Production Expenses 57,940
6000 Travel 3,850
7000 Post-Production 51,965
8000 Insurance 18,750
9000 Office, Legal and Accounting Administration 28,895
10000 Publicity, Promotion, Website 2,944
SUBTOTAL 581,140
CONTINGENCY 17,434
FISCAL SPONSOR FEE
GRAND TOTAL 598,574Timeline
Timeline:
Secure Financing/Research March 2020 – June 2020
Begin Digitizing Archive Footage April 2020
Continue Research
Acquisition of addl. Archive footage
Prep/Schedule initial interviews March 2020
Continue Digitizing Archive Footage
Continue Research
Begin Shooting interviews April 2020
Continue shooting interviews April – November 2020
Acquisition of addl. Archive footage
Begin Editing May 2020
Continue Editing May – June 2021
Acquisition of addl. Archive footage
Final post July 2021
Graphics/ Titles June – August 2021
Sweeten Audio/ Final Mix
Color Correct - Encode
Master to Broadcast
Begin Promotional Campaign
Deliver to Network August 2021
Premier September 2021
Interviewees committed
Individuals under consideration for inclusion in the series and are CONFIRMED to do interviews if asked.
Frank LoPreste (considered the godfather of Southern California sportfishing)
Tony LoPreste (Frank’s son)
Chase Offield (Board of Directors IGFA/ Co-founder Center of Billfish/ Tuna Club)
Jimmy Kingsmill (Retired Police Sargent – Spotter for Bad Company)
Steve Lasley (Captain Bad Company – top grossing tournament team of all time)
George Garrett (Historian/ Tuna Club)
Toyo Shimano (Retired President/CEO Shimano America)
Greg Stotesbury (Retired VP AFTCO/ Angler of the Year Tuna Club)
Barry Brightenburg (USCG 6-pac operator)
Jenny Armstrong (one of the best female anglers in the world)
Andy Cates (Operator Red Rooster III)
Andrew Cates (operates RRIII with his dad)
Justin Reynolds (USCG 6-pac operator)
Elmer Alfafara (Engineer that developed Shimano’s 2-speed Tiagra reels)
Bill Cavanaugh (Operator Intrepid)
Bobby Lee (Avalon local – single handles swordfish from his skiff)
Carl Lambert (Tuna Club / Caught & Released est. 800 lb. bluefin on a Zane Grey reel)
Benny Florentino (USCG 6-pac operator)
Johnny Crean (Tuna Club)Alan Baran (Former Tuna Club President/ Restored early 1950’s sportfisher)
Linda Palm (Owner/Operator Lee Palm Sportfishing)
Bobby Hoose (Tuna Club)
Tommy Rothery (Owner/op Polaris Supreme)
Jeremy Maltz (Owner/op Spitfire)
Joseph Phan (CEO Phan Enterprises)
Tony Garza (President/CEO Soft Steel)
Jock Albright (Tuna Club)
Georg Ball (Shipwright)
John Bechtold (“The Art of the Fishing Reel” http://www.kovalovskyreels.com/
Ed Pritchard (Collector)
Steve Morris (Historian/ Collector Tuna Club)
Doug Williams (Historian Collector/ Former Tuna Club President)
Tish Beering (Landing operator/ sportboat manager)
Bill Shedd (President CEO AFTCO/ Dad Melton Shedd founded SeaWorld)
Brandon Hayward (Publisher/Editor the Bight – USCG 6-pac operator)
Liz, Doug & Don Vernand (Owner/Operators Cisco’s Sportfishing/bait haulers)
Rick Oefinger (owner/operator MDR Sportfishing)
Dorothy Laub (husband’s passion for fishing)
Jamie Thinnes (Owner/operator Seasons Sportfishing)
Sean Sebring (President Fisherman’s Processing)
Bill DePriest (Publisher/Editor Pacific Coast Sportfishing)
Pat Cavanagh (Owner-op Pacific
Jan Howard (one of the best female anglers in the world)
Cathy LoPreste (one of the best female anglers in the world
Doug Kern (Co-owner/Operator Fisherman’s Landing)
Pete Grey (President Let’s Talk Hook-up)
Mike Lum (General Manager Fred Hall Fishing Tackle & Boat Shows)
Bart Hall (Owner Fred Hall Shows/ took over from his parents)
Dave Pfeiffer (President Shimano America)
Art Taylor (owner/op Searcher)
Mike Lackey (owner/op Vagabond)
Don Hanson (owner Dana Wharf Sportfishing)
Donna Hanson (owner/manager Dana Wharf Sportfishing)
Mike Harkins (owner/op Western Pride)
Alayna Siddal (Director of Sciences & Communication/ Sportfishing Association of California)
Steve Loomis (to be confirmed - ran sportboats his entire life/ worked with Frank LoPreste)
Ingrid Poole (tbc - Bill Poole helping Frank, to Pat Cavanagh to Shawn Steward)
Tom Pfleger (tbc - Founder/Chairman the Pfleger Institute for Environmental Research)
Tim Ekstrom (tbc - Owner/operator Royal Star, Co-owner Fisherman’s Landing)
Randy Toussaint (tbc - Owner/Operator Royal Star)
Brian Sims (tbc - Owner/Operator Royal Star)
Dwain Diego (tbc - USCG 6-pac operator)
Larry Coots (tbc - Former Tuna Club President)
Michael Farrier (tbc - Historian Collector/ Former Tuna Club President)
Celebrities Who Fish
Oprah Winfrey Tom Brokaw Jack Nicklaus Colt McCoy
Michael “Mickey”
Brad Pitt Melchiondo, Jr. aka Dean Jimmy Kimmel Cristiano Ronaldo
WeenAvril Lavigne Dwight Howard Michael Fassbender the Bush Family
Dwayne “The Rock”
Hank Williams, Jr. Lindsey Vonn Cristiano Ronaldo
Johnson
Kevin Costner Michael Fassbender Brian Urlacher Robert DeNiro
Harrison Ford Jake Gyllenhaal Richard Morales, Jr. Robson Green
Sarah Palin Michael Keaton Kyle Beckerman Kevin Heart
Rihanna Charlie Sheen Paul George Ashton Kutcher
Liam Neeson Emma Watson Wilson Chandler Heather Thomas
Tiger Woods Justin Bieber Trent Cole Henry Winkler
Karl Malone Eric Clapton Shane Victorino Ciara
Lorrie Morgan Ronnie Dunn Warren Sapp Roger Daultry
Ryan & Lauren
Blake Shelton Avril Lavigne Maranda Lambert
Tannehill
Emma Watson Reba McEntire Jimmy Johnson Huey Lewis
Tom Colicchio Tate Stevens Wade Boggs Gwen Stefani
Robson Green Patrick Willis Andy Mill Cory Wells
Luke Bryan DeMarcus Cousins Cory Wells Russell Wilson
“Showtime” Eric
Bill Belichick Kyle Beckerman Antonio Cromartie
Young
Paris Hilton Andy Mill Bill Engvall Clint Dempsey
Jimmy Buffett Chris Pratt Greg Norman Christiano Ronaldo
Rodney Atkins Emmy Rossum Brian Robinson Julianne Hough
Brad Miller David Beckman Willie Young Shailene Woodley
Taylor Swift Alessandra Ambrosio Julio Jones Hugh Jackman
Kim Kardashian Joan Smalls Carson Palmer Chris Hemsworth
Michael Keaton Terry Bradshaw Sam Barrington Jessy Metcalfe
Clint Dempsey Randy Moss Roger Daltrey Jimmy Fallon
Maranda Lambert
https://www.gofundme.com/f/history-of-sportfishingYou can also read
