Bass fishing television shows are growing in popularity, hooking both seasoned anglers and curious newcomers alike. They’re part sport, part science and part storytelling.
It began with classic programs like “Bill Dance Outdoors,” “The Bassmasters,” and “In-Fisherman.” The shows had laid-back, instructional formats that felt like a casual day of fishing with an old friend.
But as video production technology evolved, so did the show formats.
Modern shows, like “Major League Fishing,” “Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show,” and “Scott Martin Challenge,” feature fast-paced editing, real-time tournament drama, and high-definition underwater footage. The underwater footage reveals bass behavior like never before. Viewers turn to these shows to learn about new technology, the latest fishing techniques, and to gain a deeper understanding of bass behavior.
New technology, the latest fishing techniques
Techniques used by experienced anglers, and armatures, like flipping jigs, drop-shotting or skipping soft plastics under docks, are explained by professional anglers as they fish. This introduces beginning anglers to new methods of fishing.
The shows feature anglers using artificial lures exclusively — no live bait. These shows offer hands-on demonstrations of how to rig and fish these lures effectively across different types of water, conditions and seasonal patterns. In addition, fishing line and rod-and-reel setups are also explained in detail, breaking down the exact gear used and why.
These shows also often highlight fishing electronics, such as sonar, side imaging, and GPS mapping systems. Viewers learn not just how to fish, but how to locate structure, understand water depth, and target fish behavior with scientific precision.
Tournament formats, like those seen on “Bassmaster Elite Series” or “Major League Fishing,” offer viewers high-stakes competition, complete with scoreboards, timers, and commentary. They combine action, education, and relaxation, making them one of the few types of programming that appeals equally to beginners, families, and hardcore anglers.
Today’s popular bass fishing shows
Here are some of the most popular and influential bass fishing shows:
- Major League Fishing (MLF) — Outdoor Channel, CBS Sports, Discovery Channel
- Bassmaster Elite Series — Fox Sports, ESPN
- Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show — Outdoor Channel
- Bill Dance Outdoors — Outdoor Channel, YouTube, and syndication
About Hooked
“Hooked” is a comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.
Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.
About The Fishing Foundation
“Hooked” is produced by longtime Cleveland anglers Dennis Knowles and Gail Grizzell, founders of The Fishing Foundation (TFF), a non-profit organization in Northeast Ohio that takes teens fishing. Through events, mentorship programs and hands-on training, TFF provides unique opportunities for individuals from underserved communities to connect with nature and each other.
Beyond instruction, the foundation provides participants with rods, reels, bait, tackle and even a souvenir T-shirt. At each event, attendees enjoy lunch and refreshments while building skills and confidence. And as a lasting memento, each child gets to keep their rod and reel. TFF’s flagship project, “Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers,” is a guidebook that equips beginner anglers with the knowledge they need to succeed at fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, The Fishing Foundation, and the adventures of “Hooked,” can help. Spend time in Cleveland’s beautiful parks, lakes and rivers and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.
The great outdoors is waiting for you—make 2025 the year you get “hooked” on fishing!
The Fishing Foundation
