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

Producer/Director Michael Fowlkes has released his latest project, The History of Sportfishing, an epic documentary series showcasing the evolution of fishing from an act of survival into the sport it is today.

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. “To create something that preserves the sport’s legacy while inspiring future generations has truly been a privilege and an honor.”

Producer Michael Fowlkes describes The History of Sportfishing as “The Endless Summer meets Ken Burns”—an action-packed documentary celebrating the legacy and future of fishing. “It’s been a privilege to preserve this sport’s history and inspire generations to come,” says Fowlkes.

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 noted bass fishing historian Dr. Terry Battisti, of the Bass Fishing Archives, who contributed two chapters on the legacy of bass fishing. 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.

Explore standout moments from The History of Sportfishing series—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.