A few summers ago, I managed to go fishing for the first time with my spouse, and it was one of the best times I’ve ever had. Waking up before the sun, getting settled on the boat and finding the perfect, secluded spot on a lake just taking in the fresh air and nature is something everyone should experience.
Since then, I’ve tried going as often as I can. But unfortunately, not all of us can go as much as we want. That’s where the best fishing shows come to play. If you’re stuck at work a bit too much lately or can’t seem to find the time to drive a few hours to your fishing hole, it’s time for you to sit down on the coach and experience it through others.
Not only does it motivate you to put aside some time to fish, but you can also learn a lot of amazing techniques and tricks to better your skills. If you’re in need of some amazing entertaining and educational examples, these are the best fishing shows.
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20. Hardliners, Tubi (2010-2011)
Starting strong with our first entry of best fishing shows is Hardliners, a show that premiered in 2010 for one season in a total of just ten episodes. The IMDb rating is 7.5 out of 10, which is a decent show if you’re in a pinch.
The show is an action-packed documentary series following Australian long-line tuna fishermen. The high seas adventure focuses on a unique breed of men who risk their lives every day chasing lucrative, high-grade wild tuna off the east coast of Australia.
19. Fish or Die, Prime Video (2019-Present)
The title sounds brutal, and that’s because the journey is intense. Fish or Die premiered in 2019 but only has one season so far and is a reality TV show. The IMDb rating is 7.5 out of 10 with around 60 reviews so far.
The show follows four diehard fishermen who are determined to be the first to fish the most remote waters left on earth. During their journey, they battle the elements, dodge drug cartels and endure hell as they risk their lives to achieve their dream. Following their journey will have you on the edge of your seats.
18. Monster Carp, Prime Video (2016-Present)
With a little bit of a higher rating, Monster Carp is 8.7 out of 10 according to IMDb and is one of the best fishing shows that you can watch if you need something new. The series premiered in 2016 and currently has 6 seasons.
In this show, you’ll follow expert angler Ali Hamidi who embarks on a fishing adventure where the host and his friends go on a search for the largest carp in the world. Ali’s adventures take him to several countries like Japan, Hungary, Ital and more.
17. Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, BBC (2018-Present)
One of the biggest reasons I’ve enjoyed fishing so much is that I can do it with someone I enjoy spending time with. Most of us get into fishing by friends or family, and watch Mortimer and Whitehouse really helps remind us of that.
This factual entertainment television show features Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse, both comedians, who reflect on their life after their shared major heart problems while on fishing trips to various locations. It’s heartwarming, entertaining and educational, a great well-rounded show. Their IMDb rating is a high 8.9 out of 10 with over 1.5k reviews.
16. Fishing Story with Ronald Green, Prime Video
A Fishing Story with Ronald Green is a more unique watch, and currently isn’t on IMDb for a rating, but is still one I highly recommend.
Hosted by Ronald, or Ronnie, Green, who graduated from Texas Tech University and became an officer in the United States Marine Corps, Ronnie shares his passion for fishing and shares his love with others. Ronnie takes each episode to highlight stories for those around him to find the best fishing stories.
15. Lobster Wars, Amazon (2007-Present)
Sitting at a decent score of 7.6 out or 10, Lobster Wars is one of the best fishing shows that you can get ahold of if you need something new and exciting to watch. The show premiered in 2007 and only has one season with 6 episodes.
The show is also known as Deadliest Catch: Lobstermen in the UK and is a documentary series. The show follows men and one woman fishing for lobsters off the Georges Bank near the northeastern coast of North America.
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14. Bassmaster Fishing Elite, FX Sports
Like the name might suggest, the Bassmaster Fishing Elite Series is one of the highest professional bass fishing tournaments and is hands down one of the best fishing shows that you can watch if you want to learn more about the sport or learn some tricks that the pros use.
This tournament is specifically geared towards bass fishermen and is mainly in the United States but has members worldwide. The society was founded in 1967 and has been doing tournaments since.
13. Catching Monsters, Prime Video (2015-Present)
Fishing can be a tranquil and peaceful experience, but it can also be chaotic depending on what you’re looking for. And for the people on Catching Monsters, they’re looking for adventure and chaos.
Premiering in 2015 with just one season, this show follows a brave group of fishermen who abandon their jobs as lobstermen for six weeks to pursue monsters of the deep that can bring in a fortune. The series can be found on Prime Video and has a 7.9 out of 10 rating on IMDb.
12. Bill Dance Outdoors, Outdoor Channel (1968-1991)
Bill Dance Outdoors is one of the longer running shows that we have on the list today with a whopping number of 23 seasons, however, the last season was in 1991. Each episode was a half-hour long and was hosted by former professional tournament angler Bill Dance.
Each episode focused on an individual part of recreational fishing such as techniques, different species, and tricks. There were several guests stars as well to talk about their experience such as Terry Bradshaw and Hank Williams, Jr.
11. Major League Fishing, Prime Video (2013-Present)
Another one of the best fishing shows that focuses on tournaments is the Major League Fishing, a professional bass fishing league and television show that airs on Outdoor Channel and can be seen on Prime Video.
The new format for bass fishing was designed and partially owned and run by anglers themselves, like former Bassmaster Classic Winner Boyd Duckett and former Bassmaster Angler of the Year Gary Klein.
10. Fish Mavericks, Prime Video (2014-Present)
Reality TV shows are just too entertaining, but sometimes you want to watch one that features your favorite hobby. Fish Mavericks is one of the best fishing shows and is also a reality series that centers on two brothers and a brother-in-law from New Jersey, and two brothers from Virginia.
Each week, these unscripted characters travel to diverse locations to experience the local culture, fish, and sometimes compete in tournaments. The IMDb rating for this show is only 6.6 out of 10 but is still a must see.
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9. Chasing Monsters, Prime Video (2015-Present)
With an IMDb rating of 7.3 out of 10, Chasing Monsters is a must if you’re wanting to find the best fishing shows. Premiering in 2015, this show currently has five seasons.
The show follows Cyril Chauquet who takes viewers on a mission to seek out the world’s most colossal underwater creatures in the remotest corners of the planet. From the crystal-clear, shark-infested waters of Florida to the caimans of the Brazilian Amazon, Cyril fights takes on all kinds of creatures to show off his findings.
8. Top Hooker, Prime Video (2013-Present)
Top Hooker is about fishermen traveling across the country to some of the most remote and difficult fishing holes.
As they compete and struggle through eight hard weeks on the road and 24 challenges, it all comes down to being crowned the top hooker. You can watch the full season on Discovery Plus now to see who and why they are crowned. The IMDb rating is 6 out or 10.
7. Wicked Tuna, Hulu and Prime Video (2012-Present)
Wicked Tuna is an American reality series about tuna fishermen that are based in Gloucester, Massachusetts. They fish in the North Atlantic Ocean for bluefin tuna.
In the show, there are teams of fishermen battling each other to see who can get the most profit out of catching the most fish. Wicked Tuna has 11 seasons, with the latest season just finished airing in July of 2022. The IMDb rating is currently 6.4 out of 10 and is one of the best fishing shows.
6. King Fishers, Disney+ (2013-Present)
King Fishers is one of the best fishing shows available to stream. It’s a reality show that follows anglers across the world to see them compete against each other.
Three anglers per episode compete in someone’s home country, so they know the terrain well. With a fun competitive edge and a charismatic host, you will be invested right away. Check it out to see who will win the trophy.
5. Battlefish, Netflix (2018)
Battlefish is a reality TV show that follows the pursuits of several boats as they go searching in the Pacific Ocean for albacore tuna.
The series consists of eight episodes in which you see the struggle and the process the people go through when it comes to fishing. You can watch the series on Netflix and all episodes are available to stream right now, and it has an IMDb rating of 7 out of 10.
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4. Addictive Fishing, Prime Video (1999-Present)
With an IMDb rating of 7 out of ten, this is one of the best fishing shows. Captain Blair Wiggins will take you along for an adventure on the most exciting fishing trip in the world.
Each episode is different from the next, and it ran from 2000 to 2016. There are 12 seasons to watch, with roughly 13 episodes per season. You can watch Addictive Fishing now as long as you are subscribed to Hulu.
3. Deadliest Catch, Amazon (2005-Present)
Deadliest Catch is probably one of the most well-known titles when it comes to the best fishing shows, and it has a rating of 7.8 out of ten. Do you know what one of the deadliest professions in the world is? Alaskan crab fishermen!
It is considered a dangerous job because fishermen can get caught up in the coil lines. You can watch these men at work in the Deadliest Catch series. There are 18 seasons, and the latest season is aired weekly.
2. Lunkerville, Prime Video (2004-Present)
Lunkerville is unrated on IMDb but is easily one of the best fishing shows you can stream right now; hence it takes our #2 spot. This show is about fishing enthusiasts that travel around the country fishing with local experts.
The enthusiasts learn the local fishing secrets at their favorite spot. This is the perfect show to pick up some fishing tricks and take them with you on your next fishing trip. There are 14 seasons, so you can start binging.
1. River Monsters, Max and Prime Video (2009-2017)
Finally, we have arguably the best fishing show available: River Monsters. This show follows biologist and adventurer, Jeremy Wade, as he explores rivers and lakes to uncover the local folklore, creatures, and the tales that are written about them. Each episode opens a new chapter and keeps unfolding like a detective story.
There are 9 seasons to watch, and this is easily one of the more unique shows pertaining to fish that we could find. With a rating of 8.1 out of ten, there’s no way that you should miss out on this amazing show.
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Best Streaming Platform for Fishing Movies
If you want to get cozy on the couch while watching the best fishing shows, then you definitely need to get ahold of an Amazon Prime Video membership, which will get you the best bang for your buck.
Amazon Prime Video Information
Amazon Prime is one of the best and most popular streaming platforms that people subscribe to because it provides so much more than just movies and shows, and it’s pretty affordable. For the monthly membership, you’ll only pay $14.99, unless you’re a student then it’s $7.49.
This membership gives you free delivery with two-day, one-day, same-day and even Grubhub delivery. It gives you movies, shows, music and even gaming, as well as any early deals.
Best Fishing Movies
A River Runs Through It (1992) – Two sons of a stern minister – one reserved and one rebellious – grow up in rural 1920s Montana while devoted to fly fishing.
Alamo Bay (1985) – A despondent Vietnam veteran in danger of losing his livelihood is pushed to the edge when he sees Vietnamese immigrants moving into the fishing industry in Texas bay town.
Gone Fishin’ (1997) – Two lifelong fishing buddies must overcome a series of obstacles to enjoy their ultimate fishing trip.
Ondine (2009) – An Irish fisherman discovers a woman in his fishing net whom his precious daughter believes to be a selkie.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) – A fisheries expert is approached by a consultant to help realize a sheik’s vision of bringing the sports of fly-fishing to the desert and embarks on an upstream journey of faith and fish to prove the impossible possible.
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