Catch of the day: The story behind Fish’n the Arctic

With 10 minutes, one opportunity, and a passion that’s been building for years; when Ryan Gregory got the chance to make a TV show dedicated to fishing, he reel-ed it in. At the 2018 Yellowknife Film Festival Pitch Competition, Ryan had just 10 minutes to win over the judges and convince them that his idea was worth investing in. Pitching his idea of a TV show that captures the North’s natural landscape and unique fishing challenges, Ryan won the competition. Now a top TV show on Northwestel Community TV; Fish’n the Arctic is a must see for all fishing fans.

About Fish’n the Artic 

Fishn’ the Artic is all about fishing, family, and sharing a Northern lifestyle. 

The show takes place on Great Slave Lake, showing casing the beautiful landscape and unique challenges of the North. While filming the show hundreds of miles from shore Ryan is always prepared for the unexpected. For a one-day fishing trip, supplies are packed to last a week. Once the prep is done, fishing is the easy part. 

Catching the biggest Arctic fish at the perfect time is what makes the show so special. Until the fish become – as Ryan puts it – camera shy. 

Behind the scenes

For Ryan the hardest part was getting started. But as his mom says, “Follow your passion and the money will follow.” He balances producing the show and working a full-time job. Scouting locations, organizing logistics and editing the films takes a lot of coordination, and most importantly passion and persistence. Each show is a learning experience, and he is excited to share his stories with fellow future filmmakers. 

Ryan says all of this made possible by his incredible support network, and motivated by his avid northern followers on social media.

What’s next for Fish’n the Arctic?

Ryan is  working on his editing skills so he can create a style more his own. And, of course, always looking for new locations and bigger fish to catch!

He is excited to share his fishing lifestyle with the whole family. His 7-year-old daughter Arizona even has her own spin-off show, Fish’n with Zoe. She’s setting her own ultimate challenge for next season – to catch a fish that is bigger than she is.

Tune in next season as Ryan turns 40. He wants to make a splash as he swaps boats for kayaks and celebrates the big 4-0 with a special focus on the 40-inch fish, or maybe forty 40-pound fish! 

Watch the Season 2 of Fish’n the Arctic on Northwestel’s Community TV channel 209