In this game you never know where you might end up next. An out of the blue phone call in 2014 from good friend Michael Fletcher, eventually led to us jumping on a plane and heading into the remoteness of North East Arnhem Land to shoot a television series 'Fishing The Wild'.
Plenty of challenging moments that's for sure, but bloody well worth it….
Sleeping in a dinghy in a croc-infested billabong, not fearing for my life but rather thankful for the opportunity to experience things that mum would never let me do if she ever found out. Morgan rolls over and his face is just a little too close for comfort. 3 grown men in the boat you see above on the right…but the barra needed to be caught.
The laughs didn't stop the whole trip with Hamish Simpson (Host-2nd from right) leading the charge breaking out 'Ice, Ice Baby…' whenever the indigenous locals asked for it. Morgan Hartney's(Host-3rd from left) on-camera heartbreak story of the Canadian who sent him back to Australia. Then their was Fletcher (Filmer-far right), who's barrage of classic calls in moments of extreme exhaustion and frustration, could bring us back to life for yet another hour of lugging gear to the next camp.
This series isn't just another fishing show, it's a cultural emersion based on the wild country of Arnhem Land, it's inhabitants and their traditional way of life, and I think this show may bridge the gap between husband and wife when it comes to the subject of fishing. A show that can be enjoyed by the whole family not just the enthusiast. Hartney and Simpson are knowledgable and humble characters and I could not think of a better couple of mates to present and produce 'Fishing The Wild'…
Stay tuned for this 6 part series scheduled to air sometime between March-June 2015, on Australian Television.
Imagery: Michael Fletcher
Tide coming in draws an end to this little session.
Myself and Michael Fletcher right before dinner
Morgan Hartney imparting his knowledge. Not sure whether any of it's true or not, but he's convincing none the less.
The Big Pig camera crew boat.