Ben Fogle will front BBC2’s hunt for Britain’s best all-round angler, but the channel that gave us contests about baking, sewing and allotments has resisted the temptation to call it The Great British Cast Off.
Formerly the preserve of Robson Green and his many fishing shows on Channel 5, Fogle will enter the world of extreme angling with his six-part series, The Big Fish.
The former Countryfile presenter will travel with eight amateur anglers to tropical climes and sub-zero temperatures under the tutelage of expert fisherman Matt Hayes.
It is BBC2’s latest attempt to reflect – and encourage – the passions of the nation, including The Great British Bake Off, since transferred to BBC1, the Great British Menu, the Great British Garden Revival, the Great Interior Design Challenge and the Big Allotment Challenge.
Its most recent commission was The Great British Pottery Throw, fronted by former Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox.
Fogle said the contestants would face some “pretty extreme weather” and be “immersed in the countries we are staying in, hopefully coming face to face with some phenomenal fish”.
“I used to fish with my grandfather as a child and have happy memories of fishing as a boy,” he added. “I may not be an expert but I can completely understand the obsession.”
Despite its reputation as the country’s most popular participation sport, fishing and television have not always been natural bedfellows, although Green carved out a niche with shows such as Extreme Fishing and Extreme Fishing Challenge.
Hayes said the series, which will air on BBC2 later this year, was “the most significant event in the sport since Passion for Angling”, a BBC series from 1993.
Hayes said he would “cut through to the issues that really matter – watercraft, natural ability, attitude and technique. Sometimes fishing problems are solved in the mind as much as they are with a rod and reel and that takes character”.
“It takes the sport into the homes of millions of families and gives them an insight into the skills required to be a truly great angler,” he said.
“It’s going to be blend of calm and precision mixed with explosive action and sharp teeth. And all the drama will take place in some of the most spectacular locations on the planet.”
