While we’re in the deep freeze for the next several days, you might as well skip fishing and read about one of the smartest gimmicks a cable TV network has ever devised to attract more viewers.
ESPN2 found a brash New England fisherman who is willing to bet he can whip you in a one-on-one fishing contest — even in water that he’s never been to before. When the contest is done, ESPN2 will telecast it.
Think about it. Win or lose, people will be watching by the numbers, hoping he gets his just desserts or admiring his skill. Either way, ESPN2 is the winner. How’s that for panache?
“Beat Charlie Moore” will be telecast Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The show features the Bostonian fishing against challengers on their home waters. The only thing the challengers will have in common is their love of fishing. But there also will be immediate resentment toward the trash-talking, confident Moore. The nerve of that guy!
The show’s challenges range from largemouth bass fishing on a pond in Pennsylvania to a cod fishing free-for-all near Boston. It even has one segment that features billiards for the rights to a trolling motor.
“They call me the ’Mad Fisherman,’” said Moore. “I like to think I am a good fisherman, but I think everyone can enjoy the sport — it’s just a matter of how much time you devote to being good at it.”
Upcoming shows include this Sunday’s segment in which Moore fishes against his sister, reputed to be quite an angler. They’ll go after flounder in the waters around Cape May, N.J. On Jan.18, Moore will go up against a writer for the Boston Herald, Ted Ancher. There’s also a Jan.25 program on which Moore takes on former New England Patriots offensive lineman Todd Rucci. The two want to fish in a river, seeking smallmouth bass, but then decide they’d battle it out on the first body of water they see — a farm pond.
If you must go fishing — If you don’t mind the arctic blanket we’re under, the best bet in town continues to be the Potomac stretch between the Blue Plains waste treatment plant and the Fox Ferry rocks, as well as the insides and outsides of the Spoils Cove. The only lures you’ll need are Mann’s Sting Ray grubs (or other beaver-tailed 3-inch grubs in dark green), as well as some fish attractant that can be applied to the plastic baits. The Silver Buddy, as well as any other silver or gold blade bait, is always recommended, but be prepared to lose some of the treble-hooked wonders while hunting for perch, crappies and bass.
No wonder they left — Regarding those cable TV fishermen leaving the network formerly known as TNN to move to OLN (Outdoor Life Network), it’s no wonder. Bill Dance, Shaw Grigsby, Roland Martin, Al Lindner and Hank Parker left pretty quick when TNN changed owners and became Spike TV. Jay Kumar, the president of BassFan.com, along with a number of alert readers who saw an item that mentioned some of the movements in our column last Sunday, informed us of the ownership change and the new company’s apparent dislike for fishing shows.
Says Kumar: “Dance and other fishing TV hosts moved from TNN to OLN because there is no more TNN. It’s now Spike TV, ’the first network for men,’ which really means non-outdoors men, I guess. The writing was on the wall when Viacom bought TNN a few years back. Urban TV and rural values don’t mix.”
EVENTS
Fishing Expo & Boat Show — Today through Sunday, at the Maryland State Fair Grounds, Timonium. The 20th annual event features a huge display of freshwater, saltwater and offshore tackle, boats, trailers, motors, accessories and booths staffed by fishing- or boating-related organizations. Seminars and fishing experts will be available. Hours today and tomorrow, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission: $8 ($4 for ages 10-14; under 10, free.) Information: www.fishingexpo.com.
The Fly Fishing Show — Saturday and Sunday, at Reckord Armory, University of Maryland, College Park. Starts at 9 a.m. each day. Learn where and how to fish, get continuous fly tying instructions, visit with more than 100 exhibitors, shop for all your supplies. Exotic fly fishing trips will be awarded as door prizes. Admission is $12. Information: www.flyfishingshow.com; 800/420-7582.
Maryland Bowhunters meet — Jan. 18, noon to 2 p.m., at the MacroTech store, Glen Burnie. Macrotech will be open from 10 a.m. to noon for shooting on its indoor range or for shopping. The MBS will discuss plans for the coming year. Information: 800/434-0811.
Capital Sportsmen’s Show— Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly, Va. Live deer displays, retrieving dogs, fishing seminars, casting pool, 3-D archery contest, Old Dominion Fly Fishing Show with tackle and specialty boats, conventional tackle, fishing guides and electronic equipment. Free gun locks will be given away at the show to promote home safety. Admission is $9 ($3 for children under 12; under 5 free.) Information: www.osegsportsmens.com.
CCA/Southern Maryland Winter BBQ— Feb. 21, 6 p.m., at the new Izaak Walton League Hall, 4200 Gardiner Road, Waldorf. The Southern Maryland chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association invites the public to join in its annual fund-raiser winter barbecue. Cost: $30 a person (includes an annual membership in the CCA, a $25 value). Information: Donald Gardiner, 301/645-3323 or 301/843-3719.
Fly Fishers buy, sell, swap meet— Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Davidsonville (Md.) Recreation Center. It’s the annual Freestate Fly Fishers buy, sell and swap meet. (Rain or snow date: Feb. 28.) Members and non-members are invited. Fly fishing equipment can be purchased for pennies on the dollar. Information: Mike Price, 410/320-0080.
• Look for Gene Mueller’s Outdoors column Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday, only in The Washington Times. E-mail: gmueller@washingtontimes.com
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