Review by Ian Ainslie

The Wildfish series first came to us via SBS television in the late nineties and has been around on video since that time. Hosted by Peter Morse, each of the original 30 minute segments featured a well known fishery and provided great fly fishing footage as well as an insight into the history of the area. Now the Best of Wildfish has been released in 2 volumes on DVD.

The thing that struck me most as I watched the first DVD, apart from the very fresh face of the host, was the clarity of the images. No television ghosting, no video tape flicker—just a full 68 cm screen of perfect digital video. Technology has come a long way in recent years.

Each of the DVDs contains 3 of the 30 minute Wildfish segments. Volume 1 features Taupo Rainbows, Nhulunbuy and Hinchinbrook. In New Zealand, Peter joins well known guides Frank & Carol Harwood on the Tongariro in June chasing fresh run rainbows. The Nhulunbuy episode features the Wessel Islands where the lasting image for me is of an indigenous fisherman, spear in hand, standing beside a modern day angler, both sight fishing for barramundi. The 3rd episode, Hinchinbrook, features well known guides Steve Jeston and Allan Philliskirk and records one of the first ever Australian permit captures on fly from the shallow flats. Best of Wildfish–Volume 2 features the Fraser Coast, Snowy Mountains and Arnhem Land.

The Wildfish series is as relevant today as it was in the nineties. The fishing is pretty much the same, the guides are still guiding and the host is still roaming the countryside and writing about his adventures. The release of the ‘Best of’ series on DVD is a very good reason to relive a few of those adventures.

Purchase both DVDs for $50 or individually for $28 each. Online orders at www.offshoreproductions.com.au or fax 07 5455 6411