Outdoor Channel Lures Three Celebrated Saltwater Fishing Shows

TEMECULA, Calif., July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD), America's leader in Outdoor TV, today announced three new and highly acclaimed fishing shows. "Madfin Shark Series," "Spanish Fly" and "Zona!" will come to Outdoor Channel in 2011.  Formerly on ESPN2, these three established shows enhance and solidify Outdoor Channel's commitment to the popular saltwater fishing genre.  

"Outdoor Channel viewers are passionate about saltwater fishing, and we are bringing the highest quality, most established shows in the genre to our network," said Jeff Wayne, Executive Vice President of Programming at Outdoor Channel. "Broadcast in the spectacular clarity of 100% native HD, Outdoor Channel is the premier destination for best-in-class saltwater fishing programming in 2011."

"Madfin Shark Series" takes the best fishing guides in the world and puts them nose to nose with the ocean's most fearsome predators in the only televised catch and release, light tackle shark fishing tournament. "Spanish Fly" features saltwater legend Jose Wejebe as he takes you to the world's most interesting and picturesque sportfishing spots. "Zona!" features the incomparable Mark Zona in his unscripted and unpredictable angling escapades.  

For these three series, Outdoor Channel partnered with CSE, a pioneer in delivering compelling content to the outdoor enthusiast via television programming, live events and online channels. CSE connects brands with fans through integrated marketing, media content, sponsorship, talent management, experiential marketing, digital and retail into big campaigns that drives business.  

In addition to "Madfin Shark Series", "Spanish Fly" and "Zona!," CSE's programming includes The STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Series, The Fishin' Hole with Jerry McKinnis and the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series hosted by Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona. CSE has produced award-winning shows that connect with the viewer for 25 years.

"For 25 years we have used our fishing shows to take our viewers on worldwide adventures and tell great stories," said Mike McKinnis, Vice President of Media Content for CSE. "We are excited to partner with Outdoor Channel to reach its audience of avid anglers, outdoorsmen and women and to take them on the boat with us as we battle sharks, visit incredible locations and fish the best waters available.  With Jose Wejebe and Mark Zona, I'm pretty sure we'll have some fun too." 

New Shows:

Madfin Shark Series

Madfin Shark Series, formerly on ESPN2, takes the best fishing guides in the world and puts them nose to nose with the ocean's most fearsome predators in the only televised catch and release, light tackle shark fishing tournament. In this competition, four two-person teams brave the warm waters of the Florida Keys to catch and release a variety of sharks over the course of three days. It's the survival of the fittest in this winner-take-all affair. Those teams with the lowest point total are eliminated after each day, and the team with the highest score on the tournament's final day becomes the Madfin Shark Series Champion.

Spanish Fly

New to Outdoor Channel from ESPN2, Spanish Fly chronicles some of the greatest adventures in sport fishing. Join renowned Capt. Jose Wejebe as he travels to the world's most beautiful and sought-after saltwater angling spots." Spanish Fly drives home the message that fishing and the saltwater world is an adventure, regardless of where one participates. In past seasons, Capt Wejebe has transported viewers to amazing saltwater destinations in Mexico, Key West, the Seychelle Islands and Cape Canaveral - just to name a few. 

Zona!

Formerly host of The World's Greatest Fishing Show and currently the co-host of the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series on ESPN2, Zona! joins Outdoor Channel in 2011.  Zona! focuses on the unpredictable.  The special allure of fishing is not knowing what's going to happen next, and each episode of Zona! captures the spirit of the unknown. Join host Mark Zona as he fishes with the very best anglers on the planet.  From bass to shark fishing, Zona! covers it all and will keep viewers guessing on what the next bite will bring.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America's largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel