It is time to set sail for new shores, and Playa Flamingo Marina in Costa Rica seems the best place to start. It is the largest marina in the country and a major destination for game fishing. On the menu are wahoo, marlin, tuna and the spectacular sailfish. Purported to be the fastest fish in the water, the creatures have been known to reach speeds of up to 68mph. Can the actor hook the ultimate prize? After being exposed to the elements in Costa Rica, Robson wonders whether he is out of his depth fishing on the open sea. Thankfully, he is aided by two savvy seamen, who teach him some essential tricks of the trade. Trolling slender ballyhoo lures, which zip through the water, they set about trying to attract tuna. It is not long before the crew spots a pod of dolphins – a sure sign that tuna are about Next, it is up to Upala in the north, near the border with Nicaragua, to meet up with some very special anglers. The Club National de Pesca is Costa Rica’s most exclusive fly-fishing organisation. River-angling may be Robson’s domain, but these fishermen use a decidedly more extreme technique After meeting some of the club’s esteemed members, Robson and the group go down to the water’s edge. The actor is appalled to see that the river conditions are less than perfect, as the water is coloured and very deep. But his guides are not deterred, announcing that they will don lifejackets and float down the river, trawling their lines with them. This is a big shock for a man who is used to having his feet planted firmly on the riverbed. But the worst news is yet to come – the men are fishing for machaca, a relative of the piranha... The last leg of Robson’s Costa Rican junket sees him travel to southern Utala to spend some time with an indigenous tribe who rely on fish as their main source of food. The Maleku people teach Robson to use a basic line-fishing method in which fruit provides the bait for some hungrier machaca.
For the second leg of his adventure, Robson heads to the Tennessee river in the Deep South of the US to try 'catfish grabbling'. This perilous sport involves catching giant catfish without using rods.
Robson travels to South Africa, where he finds himself in shark-infested waters while paddle skiing. He also tries his hand at reef fishing in a bid to land the biggest salmon of his career.
Robson is closer to home in this final instalment, but his European fishing trip promises many exotic and varied sporting challenges. First, he is on the hunt for the classic prize of game fishing – the mighty blue marlin. The intrepid seaman’s base is Faial, an island in Portugal’s Azores group. As Robson sets out, clouds gather on the horizon. Will the weather thwart his mission? Next stop is the Canary Islands where Robson attempts to test the limits of his gut by tasting escolar – a snake mackerel found in warm waters around the world. Consumption of escolar is banned in several countries because of its ability to make the eater violently ill as rapidly as half an hour after a meal. The Canary Islanders are big fans of the delicacy. Will Robson share their enthusiasm? The final destination of the series is the River Ebro in Spain, home to the wels catfish. This freshwater monster, which can grow up to ten feet in length, can only be found in European rivers and lakes. Robson is a dab hand at reeling in a 20lb salmon. But how will he fare against one of these beauties, which can be 16 times that size?
New series. The actor embarks on a journey encompassing the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and the Arctic, tracking down some of the most impressive fish in the world. In this first episode he braves the wild waters of British Columbia, Canada, to find caviar-rich sturgeon and prize salmon. He then takes part in an angling contest and spends 24 hours on a commercial trawler in the treacherous open ocean off Vancouver Island
Robson's fishing quest takes him from the north Atlantic to the South Pacific.
Actor and devoted fisherman Robson Green, travels from the freezing waters of the north Atlantic to the summer seas of the south Pacific. In this instalment, Robson heads for the dramatic scenery of New Zealand on the hunt for giant hapuka, green-lipped mussels, brown trout and rock lobster.
Robson Green’s off to Oz to face some of the world’s most dangerous creatures. He meets the crocodile that starred in Crocodile Dundee before heading to the Northern Territory in search of barramundi. Then he’s off to Darwin to track down some milkfish, followed by a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
Robson faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet when he visits the eastern seaboard of the United States. The North Atlantic is famous for the number of sharks patrolling the waters – ‘Jaws’ was filmed here – but is Robson brave enough to try and catch one? Although great whites are very rare, there are plenty of other shark varieties, such as the vicious mako. But when Robson finally nets himself a shark, it is slightly less frightening than Spielberg’s creation...
Robson heads to southern Australia to catch some of the most exotic creatures he has yet encountered. He dives in a shark-proof cage to recover abalone, a form of mollusc; tangles with feisty blue manna crabs; retrieves poisonous octopuses; and joins in the World Championship Tuna Toss.
The actor profiles the hottest fishing destinations around the globe, beginning with Thailand, where he samples the delights of Bangkok's infamous fish market before attempting to land the fast and feisty arapaima. He visits the River Kwai and spends a night on a raft in the middle of a lake. He rounds off his trip by trying to catch a stingray.
The actor travels to the Philippines, where fishing plays an important part in the economy and people's diets. He begins by hunting the highly intelligent green and blue dorado, before catching and eating a jellyfish. He visits Casulian Island to learn about the illegal practice of dynamite fishing and meets two men convicted of the crime. Finally, Robson is left to fend for himself overnight on a tropical island. Last in the series.
Robson begins his journey at Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, Africa, where he hunts down the vundu catfish, known locally as the `steam train' because of its strength. He also examines the kapenta fishing industry, which is integral to life in the country because it provides protein for the low-income populace. In Victoria Falls, he has to prove his courage when angling for tiger fish in a deep pool called the `boiling pot', before braving the grade five Zambezi whitewater rapids.
The actor heads for the east coast of Kenya, where the Indian Ocean offers some of the best game fishing in the world. Joining a local expert, he encounters a large wahoo fish while searching for the elusive dorado, before going back to basics to learn a traditional fishing technique that consists of just lines and bare hands. Robson also visits Lake Victoria, where an unusual method is employed to catch whitebait.
The actor casts off in the Chinese regions of Zhejiang and Xiu Shan, where fishing is a very important skill. At Qiando Lake he joins 100 locals in trying to land a bighead carp and samples the revered catch. More culinary experiences await as a result of Green's hunt for octopus, and he tries his hand at cormorant fishing - but has trouble restraining his bird's constant efforts to escape.
The actor continues his journey in Sri Lanka, where fishing is the lifeblood of the coastal communities. He visits the Kandy Perahera festival, where he observes the traditional water-cutting ceremony, and heads for the seaside town of Koggala to join the Weligama stilt fishermen, who have practised their technique of balancing on poles for decades. He also confronts his dislike of the dark at the Uda Walawe national park, and tries to capture a mahseer in the Mahaweli river.
The actor goes angling in Brazil, where he fishes for deadly black piranhas in the Amazon river. He then heads to Rio Negro where he encounters pink river dolphins, and goes to the remote fishing community of Jaraua as he sets out to catch the world's biggest freshwater fish - the 10-foot long pirarucu.
The actor heads to the coast of west Africa, where he begins by hunting for the Atlantic sailfish. In Guinea-Bissau, he hauls out two red snappers and a bigeye jackfish, before landing himself a marbled grouper, renowned for being one of the tastiest fish to eat in the world. The following morning, Robson visits a large wreck that is full of sea life, hoping to catch his first barracuda, but things do not go according to plan.
The actor heads to Cuba, where he begins by fishing with locals on an esplanade in Havana. He then visits one of the country's biggest rivers, the Rio Hatiguanico, to hunt for tarpon, before travelling to the remote island of Cayo Romano in search of bonefish. Having landed some impressive game fish, Robson sails to a reef near Trinidad marina in the hope of catching something for his dinner.
Robson starts his Japanese adventure with an early morning visit to Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji market – the largest fish market in the world. Ten per cent of all the fish caught across the globe pass through this vast emporium, which takes millions of pounds every day. Some 400 different types of seafood are sold here – amongst them the highly poisonous fugu, or blowfish. “It says a lot about the Japanese that their favourite delicacy is a fish that could send you six feet under,” reflects Robson. “And they’ll pay up to a hundred quid for the pleasure!”
Robson’s Panamanian adventure begins in the 164sq ft Lake Gatun in the middle of the Panama canal. To increase his chances of landing some of the beautiful peacock bass reported to inhabit these waters, Robson has joined up with world record-holding angler and local legend Ciccio, who is brimming with confidence about this trip. “I can’t wait to get stuck in!” enthuses Robson. After feeding fruit to some local monkeys, Robson casts his first line with assurance. However, it is not until a few hours and several unsuccessful casts later that Robson lands his first peacock. “I’m happy about the fish, but I’m even happier I best Ciccio to the prize!” he says. Not to be outdone, Ciccio quickly brings in another – much larger – fish, but Robson’s good mood remains. ”What a way to start my trip!” he says. “I’m beginning to fall in love with Panama.”
The actor heads for the city of Kochi on the south-west coast of India, where he tries his hand at a fishing technique developed in the early 15th century. He is also given a chance to take part in an evening dance performance, but fails to make any catches at the popular Alappuzha resort. He concludes this leg of his adventure in the Maldives, but when bad weather strikes he resolves to persevere, and his determination is rewarded when he lands a red snapper.
The actor teams up with Cpt. Taco Perez at Fort Lauderdale in Florida to catch a sailfish, but is disappointed when his expedition proves less than successful. However, his efforts finally pay off in Miami, where he finally manages to land the fish with the help of a local man with 30 years' experience in the field. Later he heads inland to the lakes and creeks of Gemini Springs to try his hand at bowfishing from a flat-bottomed airboat, and visits the West Palm Beach Fishing Club to hunt for the bull shark - an aggressive predator that has been known to attack humans
The actor heads to California on the final leg of his seven-month adventure. He teams up with a guide for a fly-fishing experience at Mission Bay in San Diego, but instead of catching the trout to which Robson is accustomed, the duo go after blue sharks. He later returns to the location and succeeds in a night-time mission to land the giant Humboldt squid, but the following day spent on the Salton Sea lake proves less fruitful. He concludes his world tour by crossing the state line into Arizona, where he journeys down the Colorado River in search of rainbow trout.
The actor goes angling in Brazil, where he fishes for deadly black piranhas in the Amazon river. He then heads to Rio Negro where he encounters pink river dolphins, and goes to the remote fishing community of Jaraua as he sets out to catch the world's biggest freshwater fish - the 10-foot long pirarucu.
The actor heads to the coast of west Africa, where he begins by hunting for the Atlantic sailfish. In Guinea-Bissau, he hauls out two red snappers and a big eye jackfish, before landing himself a marbled grouper, renowned for being one of the tastiest fish to eat in the world. The following morning, Robson visits a large wreck that is full of sea life, hoping to catch his first barracuda, but things do not go according to plan.
The actor heads to Cuba, where he begins by fishing with locals on an esplanade in Havana. He then visits one of the country's biggest rivers, the Rio Hatiguanico, to hunt for tarpon, before travelling to the remote island of Cayo Romano in search of bonefish. Having landed some impressive game fish, Robson sails to a reef near Trinidad marina in the hope of catching something for his dinner.
Robson starts his Japanese adventure with an early morning visit to Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji market – the largest fish market in the world. Ten per cent of all the fish caught across the globe pass through this vast emporium, which takes millions of pounds every day. Some 400 different types of seafood are sold here – among them the highly poisonous fugu, or blowfish.
Robson’s Panamanian adventure begins in the 164sq ft Lake Gatun in the middle of the Panama canal. To increase his chances of landing some of the beautiful peacock bass reported to inhabit these waters, Robson has joined up with world record-holding angler and local legend Ciccio, who is brimming with confidence about this trip. “I can’t wait to get stuck in!” enthuses Robson. After feeding fruit to some local monkeys, Robson casts his first line with assurance. However, it is not until a few hours and several unsuccessful casts later that Robson lands his first peacock.
The actor heads for the city of Kochi on the south-west coast of India, where he tries his hand at a fishing technique developed in the early 15th century. He is also given a chance to take part in an evening dance performance, but fails to make any catches at the popular Alappuzha resort. He concludes this leg of his adventure in the Maldives, but when bad weather strikes he resolves to persevere, and his determination is rewarded when he lands a red snapper.
The actor teams up with Cpt. Taco Perez at Fort Lauderdale in Florida to catch a sailfish, but is disappointed when his expedition proves less than successful. However, his efforts finally pay off in Miami, where he finally manages to land the fish with the help of a local man with 30 years' experience in the field. Later he heads inland to the lakes and creeks of Gemini Springs to try his hand at bow fishing from a flat-bottomed airboat, and visits the West Palm Beach Fishing Club to hunt for the bull shark - an aggressive predator that has been known to attack humans.
Robson’s journey begins in the dead of night, at RAF Brize Norton. Only from here can he reach his first destination; a tiny outpost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and the most remote place Robson has ever fished – Ascension Island. There’s less than a thousand people here at any one time and, with its underfished waters, it promises Robson the fishing of his life. Here, he gets the chance to go after his biggest ever fish; the Six Gill Shark. This prehistoric beast grows to well above 500 kilograms and Robson feels every bit of it as he tries to reel it in. Ascension Island is teeming with fish, so just about every local is handy with a rod and line. The unspoiled waters also give him a chance to go totally old school, wading into the sea to try and catch one of the local Triggerfish with his bare hands. And, he’ll go out with local fisherman Noddy, who is assuring him of a fish fest like he’s never experienced. After only an hour on the water, Robson’s exhausted, and back at shore they need a crane to bring in the catch.
Robson’s journey continues in Patagonia, a region spanning the southern parts of Chile and Argentina. He is on a mission to fish at the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. This place really is the end of the Earth – if Robson went much further south, he would end up in Antarctica. But before Robson gets there, he is after an extra-special prize. Ushuaia is in Argentinean Patagonia. But on the Chilean side of the border, in Torres del Paine, there could be waiting one of the catches of Robson’s life. Robson was raised on salmon fishing, and in the waters here swim Chinook salmon, the largest on the planet. The biggest Robson has ever caught was round 18lb. In these waters, he hopes to get one double that size. When he gets one on the end of his line, he can barely believe the fight this mighty fish puts up. With its runs and leaps, this is one of the most spectacular sights ever seen on the water. But with a fish like this, there are no guarantees – and just because Robson has it on the line, it doesn’t mean he is going to get it to the shore.
Robson touches down in Papua New Guinea, a volatile, volcanic island that is home to multifarious tribes who speak over 800 languages. It is also home to the Papuan black bass, cited by many as the top prize when it comes to freshwater fighting fish.
This week, Robson grabs his tackle bag and sets off to experience the bleak midwinter in Khabarovsk, eastern Russia. Khabarovsk is known as the Nice of the east because it shares the same latitude as the French city. But, as ice flows down the Amur river, it appears to share very little else with the Mediterranean resort. Two hours north of Khabarovsk, in Sikachi-Alyan, live the Nanai people, who fish the Amur with the hope of snaffling a northern pike. The day starts with a traditional dance, blessing the fishermen on their endeavours. A crab-like lure is attached to a line on a rudimentary stick-rod, then dropped through a hole in the ice. Then, the silent waiting begins
This time Robson’s way past Australia and out into the Pacific, where he finds a fishing paradise waiting. New Caledonia is a sun-kissed island, home to the world’s largest lagoon and a place where new fish species are still being discovered. Robson’s aiming to travel to the outer reaches, where westerners rarely venture, and learn the fishing ways of the tribes people who live there. Today, Robson’s hunting for a New Caledonia specialty; the Flame Snapper. It’s a fish he’s never seen before, but one he’ll not forget quickly. Father and son team, Yann and Joelle, are amongst the best fishermen on the island and today Robson’s their apprentice, and he’ll need to impress as he quickly learns Yann doesn’t suffer fools. It’s not long before Robson’s fighting to bring in a one-meter long Spanish Mackerel. To the north of the island lie the territories of the island’s native population, the Kanak. These lads know how to fish and they give Robson a warm welcome, but the fish aren’t so accommodating, as Robson is singled out for a jellyfish attack. New Caledonia is the destination for one fish; the Giant Trevally, and Robson has permission to fish the Kanak waters for them. When he gets it on the hook and feels the fight on the end of his line, he realizes he’s not going to be disappointed. Now all he has to do is land it.
Robson heads to the town of Itatí in the north eastern province of Corrientes in Argentina. On the southern shores of the second biggest river in south America, the Paraná, Robson lays some baited-lines to catch the largest freshwater fish in world – the short-tailed river stingray. Further down river he searches for the pacu, a close cousin of the piranha. Using a curried-fruit lure, the boys mix up the bizarre fish food, then cast towards the reeds and wait for the normally timid fish to feed. But Robson’s first real bite is not at all timid! Leaving the river behind, Robson’s next stop is the Iberá marshes, to a traditional working cattle ranch. Robson is here for the lagoons which are home to packs of piranha. But before getting near the water, Robson earns his Gaucho spurs fishing for cattle with a lasso. Robson gets a chance to catch both yellow and river piranhas, the hook just has to be in the water for a second or two before there is a tug. Robson’s last visit is to a place renowned for producing record breakers, the Salto Grande Dam on the river Uruguay.
Robson remembers some of his favourite moments from four years of fishing adventures. Clips he has chosen include his battle with a shark near Ascension Island in the south Atlantic and his visit to Papua New Guinea.
