BBC reveals new fishing TV series

The BBC is to air a brand new TV fishing series this June, Angling Times can reveal.

‘Go Fish with Will Millard’ is set for screening on Friday, June 21 and will follow the BAFTA award-winning presenter through four half-hour episodes in search of giant sharks, monster pike, sea trout, and some of the UK’s biggest carp.

Will, a lifelong angler and author of one of the most popular fishing books of 2017 – The Old Man and the Sandeel – is known to viewers through previous ground-breaking BBC shows including My Year with the Tribe and Hunters of the South Seas, both of which won global acclaim.

He was also a star guest on the John Wilson Legends stage at the recent The Big One Show in Farnborough, where he wowed visitors with stories from his book and the forthcoming series.

“Go Fish is very different to other fishing series on TV,” admitted Will. “It’s not about rigs, baits, or tactics, but each episode has a theme which sees me investigate unusual and classical venues, look at environmental issues, and meet some remarkable people with amazing stories which wouldn’t normally be told.”

Locations for the first series are centred around Will’s adopted home of Wales, with the imposing Wharf Fishery in Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle moat providing the dramatic backdrops for the must-watch carp episode.

“The Wharf is home to possibly the biggest carp in Wales at present, but this episode isn’t just about catching big fish – it’s very much character-led and highlights the sub-culture of the growing urban carp scene and some of the people involved in it,” he said.

“I also wanted to find out whether it was ethical to catch sharks on rod and line so I went out to the Celtic Deeps with a shark tagger to investigate both sides of the story.”

Angling Times Editor-in-Chief, Steve Fitzpatrick has followed Will through the production process of the new series, and has sneaked an early viewing.

“I defy any angler not be inspired by Will’s enthusiasm, his brutal honesty when things don’t quite go to plan, and the joy he exudes when the target fish are caught.

“This isn’t a ‘how-to’ fishing series, it’s much more than that, showcasing the diverse characters in angling, our passion for the environment, and the amazing moments we experience and love about our sport,” said Steve.

l Go Fish will initially screen on BBC1 Wales on Friday, June 21 at 7.30pm with following episodes each Friday. BBC1 Wales is on Sky channel 952. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer.