World Fishing Network, the leading entertainment destination and digital resource for anglers throughout North America announced its winter 2014 programming schedule that includes 30 new and returning series headlined by World Fishing Network’s new original production, Hookin’ Up with Nick and Mariko featuring New Jersey/Delaware Bay Field Editor and former staffer for The Fisherman Magazine and Editor at Large for Saltwater Sportsman Nick Honachefsky.
Combining her love for travel and passion for fishing, Mariko Izumi has taken viewers across the globe to experience the best that both have to offer on Hookin’ Up with Mariko Izumi, a viewer favorite over four seasons. Starting Sunday, Jan. 5 at 12 p.m. ET, World Fishing Network presents a new twist to the Hookin’ Up franchise as sport fishing and travel journalist Nick Honachefsky teams up with Mariko as they embark on all-new travel adventures on Hookin’ Up with Nick and Mariko.
"Travelers – and our viewers – have become more and more discerning over the past few years," said Ana Rodrigues, Director of Programming for World Fishing Network. "They want more than just experiencing the action on the water; they want to discover everything that the destination has to offer off the water as well."
Nick and Mariko arrive at each new destination with three goals in mind as they aim to experience the best of it all: Learn the secrets, find the hidden gems and catch some fish, revealing the true extent of each destination’s diversity and offerings. The duo participates in two very different excursions as they fish under the watchful eye and expertise of local guide and are then left to their own vices, relying on what they think – or thought – they know. And while their demeanor off the water is friendly, it’s not always the case on the water where the competition between Nick and Mariko is fierce as they battle to see who will win the day.
"We’ve sought to deliver a true travel-adventure show, and given the strong following that Hookin’ Up has garnered in past seasons, we thought it was the perfect platform to build on," added Rodrigues.
The first four episodes of Hookin’ Up with Nick and Mariko feature:
Episode 1, Pine Island, Fla. – Nick and Mariko venture to the idyllic and inviting paradise of Pine Island, Fla. When not fighting sharks to the boat, pulling snook out of the mangroves and dropping lines off a bridge for jacks, they find time to relax long enough to beachcomb the soft sands for collectible shells.
Episode 2, New York City – Nick and Mariko’s city hopping includes fantastic fishing in the Verrazano Narrows, dropping some lines into Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, a ping pong battle with one of NYC’s iconic players and a nighttime stroll through Times Square.
Episode 3, Monterey, Calif. – Nick and Mariko take in California’s Monterey Bay. Highlights include hopping on a party boat to target multicolored rockfish, taking a guided bike tour along the Cannery Row coastline, pier fishing for octopus and witnessing spectacular whales on their annual migration.
Episode 4, Puerto Rico – Nick and Mariko are in the land of the Lambada to marlin fish the deep waters of the Puerto Rican Trench, take a lesson in salsa dancing, embark on a tour of the markets in Old San Juan and fish off one of San Juan’s most bustling bridges.
For more information visit World Fishing Network at www.worldfishingnetwork.com or Nick Honachefsky at www.nickymagnummedia.com
