By Doug Drotman
The world record musky (67 lb 8 oz) may have come from Wisconsin, but The Musky Hunter Television Show airing on WFN: World Fishing Network, North America’s only 24/7 fishing channel, will show you how to attack these fish no matter where you live.
“With musky existing in 31 States and four provinces, there’s a lot of big water that holds these fish,” Saric explained. “And today’s large boats and specialized motors allow us to chase them anywhere, including in giant waves. But GPS and mapping chips are the real game-changer in musky fishing, the last five years. The ability to save data from spots, musky follows, musky catches, and share and compare that data allows groups of anglers to dissect and tackle any water. You still have to know where to go and how to catch them, but today's electronics allow you to be more precise and are simply incredible—I’d be lost without them.”
Naturally, like other hyper-dedicated anglers and record-chasers, the passion runs deep in Jim Saric. “I started fishing when I was nine and loved it from the beginning,” he said. “I caught my first musky when I was 14, and it was all over for me. It's all I wanted to do. I fished for lots of other species, but muskies were clearly my passion and I wanted to be a professional angler when I was in high school. In college, I started fishing tournaments and was lucky enough to win and place highly in several. It was at that point that I was approached to help out at sport shows, and do seminars. Then my high school friend, who was working in advertising with Midwest Outdoors, asked me to film a television segment with them. One show led to another and before long, I was filming several segments each year. Between television, magazine articles, tournaments, and seminars, the next thing you know, I was fully immersed in the world of professional fishing before I was 21.”
The Musky Hunter Television Show airs exclusively on WFN every Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET on Freshwater Friday -- 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 other “WFN Theme Nights” this season are: Big Bass Monday; Fly Fishing Tuesday; Offshore Wednesday; Inshore Thursday; and World Fishing Saturday.
Last season, Saric opened Season 5 by hauling in a 57 inch, 48 lb musky believed to be the largest ever reeled in on a television show. He expects similar excitement in Season 6.
Unlike some other fishing shows, however, when it comes to the Musky Hunter, real-world fishing information is key. “The Musky Hunter is the only show that is all musky fishing, and that makes it unique,” Saric says. “We really try to focus on the ‘how’ and not the ‘where’, so the show’s very educational.”
Though it may be educational, it certainly isn’t easy. “It typically takes two to three days to film an episode of The Musky Hunter,” Saric explained. “We need a minimum of three muskies per show, which doesn't seem like a lot, until you consider they are musky. Plus, coming into new locations you never know what to expect from the weather, which can significantly impact the fishing. I have filmed several shows in six hours with six musky, and, I’ve spent four days filming without a bite.”
Ouch. That can make for a long ride home, an experience that all anglers have had at one time or another. But if you check out The Musky Hunter before you go in search of your record-setting 68 pound muskellunge, we’re betting that ride home will be a pleasure.
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.