The "History of Sportfishing": Michael Fowlkes' Landmark Documentary Celebrates the Evolution and Legacy of the Sport

Michael Fowlkes, the award-winning producer and director celebrated for "Inside Sportfishing", has unveiled his latest project, "The History of Sportfishing". This groundbreaking documentary series is the result of years of dedication, charting the transformation of fishing from an act of survival into the sport we know and love today.

Fowlkes is no stranger to fishing aficionados. His "Inside Sportfishing" series ran for an impressive 27 years on Fox Sports West, making it the highest-rated, longest-running fishing show in the network's history. Over the years, his show earned 27 International Telly Awards for broadcast excellence and was twice voted Best Fishing Show of the Year by the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Beyond his well-known series, Fowlkes has also produced 24 feature films, several of which explore the rich heritage of fishing, including the widely celebrated "A Tribute to Tuna".

 

“Fishing has always been a part of my life, interwoven through my earliest memories with family," Fowlkes says. “Two major parts of my plans for this film included using a portion of our proceeds to give back to the sport that has given so much to all of us-and teaching our children the message of responsible stewardship and conservation”.

Fowlkes shared his vision for "The History of Sportfishing", describing it as “'The Endless Summer' meets Ken Burns for sportfishing.” His aim was to capture the drama and excitement of big game fishing, weaving an action-driven documentary that’s as visually compelling as it is historically insightful. After four years of hard work, he has brought this dream to life in "The History of Sportfishing". “Fishing has always been a part of my life, interwoven through my earliest memories with family," Fowlkes says. “To create something that preserves the sport’s legacy while inspiring future generations has truly been a privilege and an honor.”

To provide depth on the sport’s vast history, Fowlkes collaborated with writer Tami Ebbets Hahn. Hahn works as a production consultant and researcher for film and print media projects, and her detailed research, extensive library of materials, and having come from a third generation Florida fishing family have combined with her writing skills to bring a depth and continuity to the series few others could achieve. Hahn is also the curator of the Charles C. Ebbets Estate photography archives which houses a collection of over 3,000 professional fishing pictures that spanned the 1930s-1970s. These still images, combined with Fowlkes’ personal vault of over 40,000 feet of historical fishing films, some of which date back over a hundred years, represent the very heart and soul of "The History of Sportfishing".   

Fowlkes also brought in noted bass fishing historian Dr. Terry Battisti, of the "Bass Fishing Archives", who contributed two spectacular chapters on the legacy of bass fishing. Over the past two decades, Terry has become an acknowledged expert in just about every topic related to bass fishing and has authored over 1,000 publications in major fishing magazines and websites. Battisti recalls, “Michael approached me two years ago about writing the bass fishing chapters. I was thrilled to work with one of my heroes in the industry, someone who has dedicated his life to sportfishing.” For Battisti, being part of a project that tells bass fishing’s history was an opportunity of a lifetime.

The IGFA’s involvement helped make the series a landmark production. Fowlkes expressed gratitude for the IGFA’s support, sharing,

“Honestly, if IGFA Librarian Gail Morchower and IGFA President Jason Schratwieser hadn’t believed in me and the concept of the film from the very beginning, it wouldn’t have turned out anything remotely close to what it is today. When Jason offered to open the IGFA history vaults, it changed everything!”

Fowlkes is appreciative of the IGFA’s influence, other organizations like Trout Unlimited, Bonefish Tarpon Trust, the American Museum of Fly Fishing, the American Sportfishing Association, Bass Pro Shops, and others that backed the project, extending its reach and impact. The collaboration transformed the film from a simple story on big game fishing into a comprehensive tribute to the entire sport.  Fowlkes continued, “Jason instinctively knew this would not only preserve the sport’s history but could potentially help secure its future. I’m eternally grateful for everything the IGFA has done to make this project all it could possibly be.”

Explore standout moments from "The History of Sportfishing" series below—catch a glimpse into the epic journey of fishing's evolution and legacy!

 

 

 

 

 

The series artfully combines vintage and modern photography with never-before-seen archival footage, capturing the incredible progression of fishing through time. It covers everything from big game fishing's early days to the rise of competitive bass fishing and the growth of the charter industry, all while paying homage to the innovations and individuals who have shaped the sport’s landscape. Fowlkes also emphasizes the importance of conservation, spotlighting the angler’s role in preserving fish populations and instilling responsible practices for future generations.

"The History of Sportfishing" is more than a film—it’s a tribute to a way of life cherished by anglers worldwide. To watch the series or learn more, click here.