Fishing boat on a lake at sunrise

The Fish’n Canada Show · Since 1986

About us.

At Fish’n Canada, we have been sharing those stories since 1986.

1986WHERE IT BEGAN

“CATCH YOUR LIMIT,
BUT LIMIT YOUR CATCH”

Angelo Viola
Angelo and Reno Viola, founders of The Fish’n Canada Show

Our story

Founded by brothers Angelo and Reno Viola, The Fish’n Canada Show grew from a passion for fishing and a desire to share the extraordinary outdoor experiences this country has to offer. That passion has carried us across decades, through changing seasons, onto unfamiliar waters, and into the homes of generations of viewers. Along the way, we have met remarkable people, explored unforgettable places, and continued learning from a sport that always has something new to teach us.

Today, that journey continues with Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman, alongside a growing team that includes Dean Taylor, Steve Niedzwiecki, and Nik Viola. Each brings a different perspective, a lifetime of stories in the making, and an enthusiasm for getting out on the water. Together, we share the discoveries, decisions, friendly competition, and unexpected moments that make every fishing trip its own adventure.

Experience has taught us plenty. It has also taught us to stay curious.

Weather changes. Familiar patterns stop producing. A promising stretch of shoreline turns out to be quiet, while an overlooked patch of water holds the fish you have been searching for all day. These are the moments that keep fishing interesting. They give us a reason to ask better questions, try another approach, and pay closer attention to what is happening around us.

Helping people understand those moments has always been at the heart of Fish’n Canada.

Our approach is built around three enduring principles: knowledge, location, and presentation. Learn about the fish you are pursuing. Understand where they live and how they move. Choose an approach that suits the conditions in front of you. From there, every outing becomes an opportunity to build confidence, develop your instincts, and enjoy a deeper connection with the water.

We bring that approach to the stories we tell, whether we are exploring a new technique, working through a difficult bite, discussing fishing electronics, or sharing the details that can help someone get started. We want the excitement of an episode to stay with you, along with something useful to take on your next trip.

And wherever you are in your fishing journey, there is a place for you here.

You might have decades of experience or a tackle box you have barely opened. Your favourite fishing spot might be a remote northern lake, a neighbourhood pond, a public pier, or a stretch of river a short walk from home. You might fish for the challenge, the company, the chance to feed your family, or the simple pleasure of spending a few uninterrupted hours outside.

We welcome that range of experiences. Our community includes people of different ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities, connected by curiosity and a love of the outdoors. We believe in welcoming questions, sharing what we know, and treating one another with respect. Everyone starts somewhere, and a little encouragement can turn a first outing into a lifelong interest.

Fishing boat heading through lake islands

Canada gives our passion an extraordinary place to grow.

From the waters of British Columbia to the rivers and coastlines of Atlantic Canada, through Ontario’s lake country and into the North, our travels have introduced us to places that leave a lasting impression. The fishing draws us there, and the people give each destination its character.

We meet guides who understand the smallest changes in their home waters. Lodge owners who welcome returning guests like old friends. Families whose stories are tied to a particular lake, river, or stretch of coast. Their knowledge and hospitality are part of what makes these journeys worth sharing.

Through Fish’n Canada, we invite you to discover those places and the communities around them. Sometimes a story offers inspiration for a trip you have been dreaming about. Sometimes it gives you a new appreciation for the opportunities close to home. Both can lead to something memorable.

Aerial view of a lake and wooded island

Our relationship with these waters also comes with responsibility.

As three-time CASBA winners, Fish’n Canada has been recognized for pioneering life jacket safety and use in Canada. We also pioneered catch-and-release fishing across the nation, helping make conservation part of how Canadians fish.

Healthy fisheries and thriving habitats make every future fishing story possible. We believe anglers have a role to play in caring for them through responsible fish handling, respect for local regulations, awareness of invasive species, and thoughtful decisions on and around the water. Through conversations with researchers, conservation organizations, guides, and fellow anglers, we keep learning about the challenges facing our fisheries and the ways we can contribute to their future.

Fish’n Canada filming beside the water at sunset

That conversation now reaches well beyond television.

Through our videos, articles, destination features, fishing resources, and Outdoor Journal Radio podcast, we continue sharing ideas and experiences with people wherever they choose to join us. Your questions help shape those conversations. Your stories bring new perspectives. Your enthusiasm gives us another reason to keep exploring.

After four decades, there are still waters we have yet to visit, techniques we want to understand, and people whose stories deserve to be heard. There are still mornings when the anticipation feels exactly as it did at the beginning.

We are glad to have you along.

Welcome to Fish’n Canada. Let’s see where the next cast takes us.