2014 Season on Sportsman Channel

Moving to the Sportsman Channel this week, so if you haven't been able to see the 2014 season of Addictive Fishing yet, here's your chance! Check all of your local listings for the Sportsman Channel and get ready for another season of rod bendin' drag screamin' television. We start on Sunday, October 5th at 10 a.m. with "Canaveral Slam." I'm fishing with Capt. Jim Ross right off of Cape Canaveral and hooking into cobia, triple tail and flounder. Great time on the water with one of my favorite captains. Don't miss episode #1 this week! Check out the AF website for replay details. 

I'm heading to Savannah, GA tomorrow to celebrate the opening of a new Dick's Sporting Goods store! Come out and spend some time with me after you get off work. I'll be there from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. and can help ya pick out the perfect rod/reel combo, the right lures, line and everything you need to catch your next Mogan! They always have killer grand opening deals going on throughout the store, so no matter what you need get on in here! Make sure you stop by the Lodge at Dick's and say hello to me. 

After that, I think I'm going to take some time to do some hunting. Bow season is open and I'm in Georgia, so I need to get my hunt on! I spend so much time on the road, shooting shows and doing appearances that sometimes it's just nice to unplug, unwind and listen to the wind blow. Before long, I'll be back on the water shooting next season's episodes. If I'm not fishing, I like to be hunting. How many of you feel the same way? 

Our new Skeeter Boats will be here when I get back. They're on their way from Kilgore, TX and heading into Skeeter dealer, Central Marine in St. Petersburg, FL. Can't wait to pick 'em up. They're sweet fishing machines rigged with the top equipment in the industry. This year I've got a new Skeeter SX240 coming, but without the tower and another SX220 as well. Got Yamaha engines on the back, Minn Kota iPilot, Humminbird Onix and 360 imaging, Talons, Atlas Jackplates, and Engel coolers. New color schemes to keep things fresh on camera. Stay tuned, I'll have photos for you soon. Stay in touch with us. We love to hear from ya! Check out our Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube channel. Got fishing questions, share your photos or just say hey! 

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

That's a wrap!

Just shot the Season Finale of Addictive Fishing 2014! Had a great time last night shooting it, sitting around with the Mogan Music Boys, crew and a few of the 4-legged staff members. It was a tough season, one of the toughest we've had in the history of AF, but we made it through and we're not looking back. I think we put in all our dues to Mother Nature this season, so the 2015 season will be smooth sailing, right? Achem . . . right? 

I say it every year and mean it every time I say it, THANK YOU to our sponsors for supporting us, without them we couldn't bring you rod bendin' drag screamin' television like we do. I've just gotta call 'em all out too . . . thanks to:  Dick's Sporting Goods, Skeeter, Star Brite, Wright & McGill, Trokar, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Talon, DOA Lures, Mirrolure, FINS Braid, Seaguar, Engel Coolers, Altas Jackplates, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, and Florida's Spacecoast. Proud to be part of such a fantastic team! 

THANK YOU to all of the Mogan Maniacs out there who continue to tune in whether it's on television or online . . . we appreciate you and look forward to having more fun in the future!

Speaking of 2015 season, we're heading out next week to start shooting in North Carolina. I'm going to be fishing with an old friend from my FLW Redfish / Kingfish days and can't wait. The reason we're up there in the first place is to kick off the week in Cary, NC at the grand opening of the new Field & Stream store. Field & Stream is a new specialty retail concept that'll be carrying all the best brands that hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts could ever want/need. You've probably seen me this past season wearing those cool lookin' Field & Stream shirts in all the "Rig it Right" segments, well you can pick those up there too! Me and the AF crew will be celebrating the opening of its new store in Cary, NC on Sunday, September 7th from noon - 4 p.m. (Parkside Town Commons 1048 Parkside Main Street, Cary, NC 27519 - O'Kelly Chapel Road/Exit 66B)

Then we'll be heading South to North Myrtle Beach, SC on Saturday, September 13th to celebrate the opening of a new Dick's Sporting Goods store (Coastal North Town Center, 1536 Highway 17 North, N. Myrtle Bch, SC 29582). Me and the AF Crew will be there from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and trust me . . . get in, get shopping and save big! There will be some sweet deals happening and you don't want to miss it.

Cheers to "that's a wrap" for the 2014 season, we're already fishin' for 2015! I'll keep you posted on new things to come.

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Tarpon, Grand Openings and the Carolinas

Where am I? Seriously, been traveling so much lately, I'm not really sure where I am or where I'm supposed to be? Thankfully my wife and/or the AF Crew just point me in the right direction and I'm fine and on time. Just got back from a trip to California with my wife to visit her folks. I'm heading to Coral Springs, FL on Friday for the Grand Opening of a new Dick's Sporting Goods store. Saturday I'll be in Lakeland for another Dick's Grand Opening. Then I'm heading to North Carolina and South Carolina in a couple of weeks, but 1st this week's episode takes me back to Tampa to catch some Tarpon! 

Come see me this Friday afternoon (August 22nd) at the newest Dick's Sporting Goods store in Coral Springs, FL. I'll be there from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. helping you pick out all the fishing tackle you need to catch Mogans! Stock up and take advantage of the grand opening deals in the entire store. I've got some $10 off coupons too! Stop on by after school or when you get off work and get ready for the weekend.

Central Florida, I'll be in Lakeland at the newest Dick's Sporting Goods store on Saturday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (August 23rd). There's always a reason to head on into Dick's, especially during the Grand Opening weekend! Would love to see some familiar Mogan Maniacs and meet some new faces too! 

Check out this week's episode, "Camp Tarpon." We shot this episode in just a few hours with Capt. Chris Camps right off of Anna Maria Island in Tampa Bay. We've known Capt. Chris for years but have never been able to fish together or shoot an episode with him. Finally we get together and he put us on some Mogan tarpon. Had a blast and y'all have to check this out. Tune in tomorrow, Friday, August 22nd at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports. Check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday. 

Hey - I've got to get my suitcase unpacked, get some laundry done and get ready to hit the road again. I hope to get back on the water a little next week in between trips . . . need to get the level of saltwater in my blood back up to normal. I'm sure y'all know what that's like!

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Got More To Show Ya!

We're breaking out some footage you haven't seen yet this season! This stuff is the stuff Mr. Producerman can't fit into an episode, but it's good stuff, so he puts it all together in the "Bits and Bites" episode each year. This episode you'll see me hooking into snook, redfish and fishing with another "first" on AF. First time in 15 years of shooting Addictive Fishing Television we've had a lady angler on the show. And, what a better way to do it than with Engel Pro and model, Miss Darcie . . . she's fishing with the Flats Pink rod, rigged with FINS Pink Windtamer and decked out in Pink to catch her first Mogan Redfish, ever.  

You'll get to see some footage of me fishing with Capt. Ed Zyak from Jensen Beach that you didn't get to see from the "Baitbuster Bridge" episode too. Fishing with Ed is always fun. He knows the fishery, knows DOA Lures and knows all things Humminbird / Minn Kota too. Never a doubt that I learn something when I fish with this guy!

If you saw last week's "Baitbuster Bridge" episode then you saw the snook both Capt. Greg Snyder and I caught, but there was a lot more footage to be seen. We'll get to show you some more in this week's episode. Tune in tomorrow, Friday, August 15th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports for this week's episode "Bits and Bites." Check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday.

Been traveling a bit again lately, this time I'm on the West Coast of the U.S. - California. My wife, Cari is from Orange County and we're back to visit family and go to her high school reunion. I've fished out here a few years ago for Calico and Vermilion Snapper and had a blast. 

Trying to get some fishing in this trip between Angels Baseball games, reunions and family, but not sure I'll get to it. No worries, I'll be back in March for a tradeshow and to do some fishing then . . . and I've seen a lot of Skeeters out here too. Besides, when I come home to Florida I'm back on the water immediately shooting episodes up in the Carolinas so a break out here in California is just fine with me. 

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Takin' me to camp!

Just back from ICAST last week, off to Jensen Beach to shoot some episodes this week, and then we're opening up some more Dick's Sporting Goods stores in Florida soon . . . this train keeps on movin'!

ICAST was probably the best one I've been to yet! There were a lot of new vendors, they added a new "Fly" division to the show and seeing all of my sponsors under one roof debut new product was just plain fun. Here's a just a few of some of the "Best of Show" winners from our team:

Humminbird ONIX with Best of Electronics

Minn Kota Ulterra with Best of Boating Accessories 

Engel with Best of Tackle Management Products for its Cooler Dry Box with Rod Holders

Trokar with Best of Terminal Tackle for its new TK619

Addictive Fishing is proud to be part of such a winning team!! I can't wait to put all these new products to use. We are now down in Jensen Beach filming shows with Capt. Greg Snyder and Capt. Ed Zyak this week. Just went out with Capt. Greg yesterday and got my personal best snook, ever - 45 inches! Producerman may have to go back and check the footage to make sure I won't need a "bleep" when I first hooked into this beast. LOL! Here's a photo of me with Capt. Greg's 42 incher. Guess you could say it was a good day. Can't wait to show y'all this episode. 

Speaking of great episodes . . . we just shot this week's episode a couple of weeks ago and it airs tomorrow - "Camp Tarpon." Shot this one in just a few hours with Capt. Chris Camps right off of Anna Maria Island. We've known Capt. Chris for years and we were excited about finally getting to shoot an episode with him, but even happier after he put us on some Mogan tarpon. Had a blast and y'all have to check this out. Tune in tomorrow, Friday July 25th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports. Check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday. 

I'll keep you posted on what we're doing next and where we'll be for the next Dick's Grand Opening. 

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

It's that time of year . . .

Me and the AF Crew are heading to Orlando next week . . . getting ready right now for one of the biggest fishing industry events of the year, ICAST. All week, manufacturers, vendors, Television Networks, and fishing legends walk the tradeshow floors to buy, sell and plan for the next fishing season. It's a fisherman's candy store I tell ya and it's hard for me to concentrate on stuff. Ha! Something always catches my eye, each of my sponsors' booths are filled with the newest products, gadgets and doohickeys, and it's all I can do to not sneak out and go fishing with them. Plus, it's amazing how many of my fishing heroes I get to meet and see. Should be an interesting week. To kick off the start of the week, I'm taking the McGills (of Wright & McGill) out fishing. They're making the trip from Colorado for ICAST and it's my pleasure to show them a little of the saltwater world before we all have to suit up and work for the week. Hope to have some photos and a nice update for you next time. 

My schedule at the convention is usually a little crazy and all over the place, but I do know a couple of locked down times and booths where I'll be. So if you're at the show this year, and you want to stop by to say "hey," come see me on Wednesday at the W&M/EagleClaw/Trokar booth from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and in the same booth on Thursday from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. After that on Thursday, I'll be in the Engel Coolers booth at 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. They're testing out their coolers to show you firsthand how good they really work. When they load in on Tuesday, Engel is filling a couple of coolers with ice and beer, not touching them again until Thursday at 4 p.m. I will be ready for an "Engel cold" beer by 4 p.m. on Thursday . . . stop by for one too! 

I'm going to miss next week's blog because I'll be at ICAST, so stay tuned for reports and updates on Facebook and the following week in my blog. Gotta go meet with all my wonderful sponsors to see what's new for next year and how soon can we put it on TV. Can't wait!

Tune in tomorrow for this week's episode . . . "Lyin' Hawaiian." I'm fishing with Capt. Tony DelosSantos in the backcountry waters of Key Largo. Had a great time catching snook and redfish, and finally getting to fish with Tony. Watch tomorrow, Friday July 11th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports. Check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday.

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Going Glades

This photo's not technically a "flashback" since we just shot it a couple of weeks ago, and I've already shared it on Facebook. But I've got to say how much I love catching snook and this one was caught the night before a shoot we had down in South Florida with my long time cameraman George. Sweet little backwater snook!

Gotta make this week's update short . . . we're heading out on the water to shoot another episode, and sticking close to home while getting all my gear and my boat ready has gotten me a little stir crazy. I think I better do some fishin' before we go fishin'! 

I'm also getting ready to head to another Dick's Sporting Goods store grand opening. If y'all haven't been out to one yet, they're a lot of fun and you can really load up on some great deals! I'll be in Clermont, Florida next weekend (on Saturday, June 28th from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at the newest store at the Sandhills Commons. Stop by to say "hey" and I'll help ya pick out a new Flats Blue or Flats Pink rod, some killer Mirrolure topwater plugs, DOA Lures and rig it all up with the right Seaguar leader and FINS braid.  

Tune in to this week's episode "Going Glades" (Friday, June 20th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports). I'm fishing the Everglades again with my good friend Capt. Gary Thompson. Y'all might remember a show we did in 2007 ("Tarpon Time") with Capt. Gary. I was battling big tarpon in the mosquito canals down there, and this year we went back for more, but did something a little different. I'm fishing for redfish and snook on this episode and we had a blast. 

Check it out tomorrow!  Also check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday.

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Destined for rough weather . . .

I can't seem to outrun, escape or get away from the weather!! Bah! We have NEVER had such a challenging season as this one. Last you heard, we were in Chokoloskee shooting with Capt. Brian Sanders. Luckily we got a show shot in one day because the weather gave us no choice but to pack up and go home the next day. Then, we head up to Destin because the reports of cobia all over were pouring in, plus we were invited by our good friends and Skeeter Boats dealer, Legendary Marine. We never pass up an invite from those folks. We head out on day one of the shoot and the weather gods do NOT want to cooperate. We were patient that week though and did get an episode. Stay tuned this season and I'll get to show you some Mogan redfish in this episode from Destin.  

Me and the AF crew were even socked in one day on land . . . never stepped a foot on the boat, we found other ways to entertain ourselves at the Harborwalk Village and Emerald Grande. Great place to be stuck inside, I tell ya! I may have gained a few extra pounds from all the great food too. Might have to head back up there soon just for another plate of oysters! 

The other positive was we got to spend time with some very cool anglers and military folks. Legendary Marine and Skeeter Boats put on a killer dinner Friday night to kick off the Royall Rumble - a cobia tournament with the Wounded Warrior program and local captains. Earlier that evening I was introduced to a young man, Chance Roye who was fishing the tournament with his Dad. His Dad said, "My son met his hero!" and I thank you for that, thanks Chance. My heroes were all in the room that night. What an honor to meet these folks and given the opportunity to thank them all for their service and sacrifice. Everyone in the Captain's meeting jumped to their feet for a standing ovation when introduced to our Veterans. Thank you! 

This weekend is a pretty exciting and big weekend for Dick's and for the AF Crew. We'll be in Tampa kicking off the newest store in the Westshore Mall. Can't wait because Dick's is really going all out to welcome Tampa Mogan Maniacs to this new location! I'll be there on Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day. I'll be doing some seminars on inshore and offshore fishing in Tampa Bay. We just aired two of the episodes we shot in Tampa this season, and I'll be talking about those cool lookin' hogfish too! 

Come out and get registered to win a Minn Kota Talon, trolling motor, Costa sunglasses and a couple of guided fishing trips inshore with Capt. Chris Camps and offshore with Capt. Ryan Farner. The sales are on! Come out and get geared up for your next fishing trip too. 

This week's episode we're doing something a little special for our friends at Star Brite. Last season we went to the Dry Tortugas and Key West on the Star Brite (62' Viking) and caught some amazing fish. This year we were scheduled to go again and do something a little different, but they had to postpone due to a "family member" having surgery and treatment coming up. We decided to do a look back to that Key West trip, put in some footage you haven't seen and dedicate it to the speedy recovery of "Jake." We're cheering you on Jake and can't wait to see your tail waggin' again soon! 

Tune in tomorrow to see "Keys Chronicles" (Friday, April 25th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports). Check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday.  

Heading outside to make sure the weather doesn't change just because I'm out there. I'm starting to get a complex! Is it me? 

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Flounder, Cobia and Tripletail - oh my!

I still can't believe we're starting the 15th season of Addictive Fishing Television! Tomorrow marks 15 years of producing shows and I still get butterflies thinking about this week's premiere. Ha!  Tune in tomorrow for episode #1 of the 2014 season - "Canaveral Slam." We shot this episode in my backyard, on the Space Coast with Capt. Jim Ross. We knew we were going wreck fishing off of Cape Canaveral, but just weren't sure what we'd be hooking into, so we had to be prepared for anything. Good thing we were . . . we hooked into cobia, triple tail and some serious flatties - flounder. 

We had a blast and it was the first time we'd taken the new Skeeter tower boat out (SX240) and shot a show with it. The 240 rigged with the Humminbird 360 and Minn Kota iPilot Spot-Lock, sure put us in the perfect spot and held us there so we could hook one Mogan Flounder after another. I say it when I do my seminars and I say it again on the show, if you know you're going wreck fishin' make sure you're rigged and prepared for anything. Have a big stick (Flats Blue) rigged with heavy line (Seaguar/FINS), have some light tackle for those fun fights, back up rigs, hooks (Trokar), and lures (Mirrolure/DOA) so you are ready for anything. We didn't think we would see cobia since it was still technically winter, but one of my cameramen spotted a big manta ray off the side of the boat, and since we had the right rig ready, it was game on! 

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, April 4th) at 10:30 a.m., Sunday at 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. on Fox Sun Sports to see the start of Addictive Fishing's 2014 season - "Canaveral Slam." Set your DVR's if you can't tune in on time, or check back sometime next week online, Mr. Producerman will have the full length episode up on YouTube for y'all to watch soon!  

Click here for a preview of this week's episode:"Canaveral Slam" 

We're heading down South to the Everglades next week and then straight back up to the Panhandle to Destin the week after. It's that time of year again of towin' boats, riggin' lines and fishin' our butts off. I ain't complaining . . . oh no, it's my favorite time of year! 

In the words of Producerman, "Let's Go Now!!"

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Hogs in the fog!

I like this Throwback Thursday thing on Facebook. It gives me a chance to go through some old fishing photos and relive the great catches I've had in the past. Sometimes it's not just about what I'm catching, but what I've helped others catch. Here are a few from 2003 when I went snook fishing in Jensen Beach with my production crew and cousin. We were just out for fun one day and each one of us hooked up to a snook of a lifetime. The photo above is Mr. Producerman Kevin with his Mogan Snook. The next photo is Trice our Operations Manager with her impressive linesider. 

. . . and then my cousin Shane rockin' one for the photo album. The ride home that day was filled with lots of grins!  

Earlier this week we had a really small window of good weather over in the Tampa Bay area and Skeeter Pro Capt. Ryan Farner called to let us know he had a show idea for us - Hogfishin'. Now, I had never caught Hoggies on a hook before, I had only ever caught them spearfishing, so this was going to be a challenge but I was up for it. The only hesitation I had was we had to make sure we could catch 'em for the camera, and the pressure was on. You'll have to tune in to the episode when it airs this Spring, but let me tell you . . . I had a blast catching these crazy and beautiful looking fish. They sure are pretty (and pretty tasty). 

Hey Florida Panhandlers - we're coming back up and will be in Panama City Beach next weekend on Friday and Saturday (the 7th & 8th)!! I'll give you all the details on where to find us in next week's blog. My new Skeeter SX220 will be there for you to check out and Legendary Marine will be bringing out a new SX2250.  We'll be leaving right from Panama City on Saturday to head to Slidell, LA for some fun with y'all on Sunday, March 9th. After we spend the day with y'all on Sunday, me and the crew are heading to do some Louisiana fishing and shoot an episode for the new AF season. Going to be a long, but very fun trip. Hope to see y'all next weekend . . . I'll fill you in on the where/when soon! 

Tune in this week to AF and catch the last airing of "Tortuga Bank" on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. ET (Sportsman Channel). We've got some killer grouper and snapper action to show you from the Dry Tortugas. Then on Monday at 9:00 a.m. and again on Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. check out the "Bits & Bites" episode for footage you didn't get to see before, like blackfin tuna, grouper, redfish and tripletail. Don't forget, if you can't watch it on TV, you can always subscribe to the AF YouTube channel for full episodes anywhere / any time.

I've got to get the oil changed in my truck and get ready to hit the road again. Next stop, Panama City Beach! 

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair