Power up your television on any Saturday or Sunday and you shouldn't have trouble dialing in a wide variety of fishing shows. Some are strictly salt, some take place among the lilly pads, some feature far away places with species you'll never fish for, and some drop you straight into battle on the tournament trail. With a few exceptions, most serve their purpose and are sprinkled with tidbits of technical information that budding anglers should find useful. But, if you're looking to be deeply moved or inspired, while watching someone else have all the fun, then we have the remedy for you.
Enter - HowardFilms Jamie Howard founded Howard Films in 2003 with the mission of "entertaining, informing and connecting with an audience in new and unexpected ways." The venture is the natural outcome of a decade spent in commercial advertising, where Howard learned the requirements (and the limitations) of writing and directing for an audience he could rarely spend more than 30-seconds with... until now.
Howard's first film, In Search of a Rising Tide, premiered on the big screen back in 2003 and introduced anglers to an exciting, new fishing media. His latest creation, Chasing Silver, packed theaters across the United States.
GAFF had the privilege of meeting Jamie and viewing his films in their video format over the last year. There truly is a difference in the "feel" of a Howard film. First and foremost, his images, settings, and the way in which he captures them on film are stunning. The atmosphere he creates draws you in as you stand shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned anglers, or sit in on a casual conversation with a seasoned local. His ability to virtually put you on the water is on par with what you'd expect to experience while engrossed in a production by the Discovery Channel. Even his music selections are refreshing, as Jamie searches far and wide for fitting tunes from often yet-to-be-discovered artists. With the "inner voice" narration of his easy-on-the-ears co-producer, Todd Free, you will definitely come away a better and more knowledgeable angler.
In Search of a Rising Tide documents a bonefishing trip with two of the best guides in the world. Their mission: to find and land bonefish of trophy size. Taking place on Andros Island, Bahamas, viewers witness candid interviews full of advice and insight from locals who've studied bonefish for generations - including Charley Smith, the inventor of the bonefish fly. You don't have to be a bonefishing fanatic to enjoy this film, and you may just become one. Here's what Randy Hackett of Washington Square Films had to say: "Not since the Endless Summerhas a film been such a revelation in regards to a sport and its culture."
Chasing Silveris formatted into four episodes, and features some of the world's leading tarpon anglers in some of the world's hottest spots. The cast includes five-time Gold Cup winners Andy Mill and Tim Hoover sharing their observations and giving serious technical advise. Other greats include Tom Rowland, Rich Tudor, Fitz Coker and an interview with legendary Hank Brown. Watch and learn as these icons show their skills in venues such as "the stadium" in Islamorada, and other famous locales throughout the Keys.
Chasing Silver: Andy's Returntakes us to Key West for late season tarpon during one of the most challenging years for tarpon on record. Andy Mill and guide, John O'Hearn, take on the elements for all to see with the odds stacked squarely against them. The result? One of the finest angling performances ever filmed.
Location X is considered the impossible conclusion to Chasing Silver. Out of respect for the fishery, Howard added a new twist to this film. Three world-class tarpon anglers were flown in, blindfolded, and placed on skiffs in clear waters teaming with unwary tarpon in a location that will forever remain undisclosed. No maps, no GPS, even the guides stay incognito behind their buffs. This film created a huge stir as anglers around the world felt they knew the whereabouts of Location X. Why do they care? Because, as you'll see in this movie, the tarpon fishing is like nowhere else on the planet.
Get your own! Visit www.howardfilms.comto watch captivating trailers of the movies discussed above, and to purchase each or all of them for your own collection.
HowardFilms was honored to have Chasing Silverbecome a part of the IGFA Hall of Fame in 2007. If you are near Dania Beach, Florida, we invite you to check it out on the big screen!
Also, keep an eye out for Bass: The Movie, due in theaters soon.