By Doug Drotman
Spectacular images, beautiful scenery, and unreal fishing are just a few of the things IGFA Saltwater Adventures on WFN: World Fishing Network every Wednesday night, is known for, but how does this show go so far beyond the norm? Talk with host Bill Boyce for a while, and you’ll soon realize that he’s big part of it.
“My background in photography helps us to always be aware of light,” he explained. “So many shows are shot where they don't consider good lighting to be a factor, but with my crew, lighting is EVERYTHING.” Of course, for a show to be this good, looks can’t count for everything. “I can also rely on my 16 years as a federal fisheries biologist and the knowledge I gained from it to be an integral part of the series,” Boyce continued. “I really enjoy teaching people things I found fascinating when I discovered them. I truly feel it gives IGFA Saltwater Adventures a different quality about it, from other shows. We try to shoot and edit the show to appear as if it were a magazine article: you get travel tips, fishing techniques, underwater video, and science. We try to bring the audience with us each week, so that they feel as though they are sharing the experience with me—as opposed to a talking head host who doesn't put the audience in the game.”
For Boyce, part of bringing the audience with him includes educating the general public about fishing responsibly. “I sometimes reflect on how many people think that all the fish that are caught and released die,” Boyce said. “Not so! We fish circle hooks whenever we can, which greatly reduces mortality, and most hosts and crews do all they can to get the fish safely back in the water. Do we kill fish? Occasionally we do, but only to eat later and perhaps do a segment on cooking. So I try to make it clear, don't kill what you won't eat. Nothing makes me angrier than seeing anglers with stringers of fish for photos then grumbling about cleaning them. Save your memories of your catch on film or on a digital card, and then release them whenever you can.”
IGFA Saltwater Adventures, airs exclusively on WFN: World Fishing Network every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on Offshore Wednesday -- one of WFN’s primetime theme nights -- two-hour blocks of themed programming dedicated to all aspects of the pastime, airing nightly, 8:00 pm-10:00 pm. ET. The five “WFN Theme Nights” include: Big Bass Monday; Fly Fishing Tuesday; Offshore Wednesday; Inshore Thursday; Freshwater Friday and World Fishing Saturday. For more details on the show, visit http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/tv/shows/igfa-saltwater-adventures.aspx
Of course, you can’t have a great fishing show without great fishing. That’s why IGFA Saltwater Adventures travels the globe in search of the hottest bites, and the biggest, baddest fish. In order to tape a 22 minute segment, they’ll often need a solid 10 to 15 hours of footage. “Nothing’s worse than watching epic footage go to the edit bay floor because we just couldn't fit it into the story line of that episode,” Boyce said. “Plus, when you’re shooting a travel-type show like IGFA Saltwater Adventures, you need to have hours of travel footage that gives the editors lots of scenic’s to choose from, to set mood.” Don’t worry Bill, you’ve set the mood, alright—for spectacular images, beautiful scenery, and unreal fishing, that is.
WFN is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more with a wide-ranging programming lineup including; a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. The beauty of WFN’s programming is available in 100 percent stunning High Definition. WFN’s multimedia platform includes a mobile portal, WFN Fishing Log (fishing app for the iPhone and iPad) and a robust fishing website, www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 30 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors including; DISH Network, Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse, and more. To see if WFN is offered by your cable or satellite provider visit www.GETWFN.com.