Mark Melnyk

Mark Melnyk is the host of WFN's Reel Road Trip, and an IGFA International Committee Representative.

1. Where did the idea for Reel Road Trip come from?

WFN's Reel Road Trip actually began as a series of short features highlighting what is happening in the fishing industry across North America. Our first stories came from the Wisconsin Musky Expo and Northern Minnesota ... I remember it clearly as it was -45 degrees most of the trip... in one spot, our ice auger, snow machine and pickup truck froze while on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes in Northern Minnesota. WFN brass liked the features and thought it would make a great industry show, I believe WFN's Reel Road Trip is the first of its kind in the world.

2. You have traveled all over North America and the Caribbean shooting your show. What was the most exciting shoot and why?

Tough Question! Each location has exciting elements so to choose one would be near impossible. Hand Grabbing for Catfish (Noodling) in Murray Kentucky stands right out as does swimming with and shooting feeding sharks in the Bahamas. I love the dangerous elements of many locations, that's why I try my best to put something a little edgy in each show... Jumping into the water to tape a sailfish we caught off the coast of Tobago was definitely a life highlight - swimming with her slowly into the deep was a moment I won't soon forget!

3. Who was the most interesting guest that you have had on Reel Road Trip?

Hands down - Hamilton Alabama's Clay Dyer. Born without arms or legs, he is competing as a pro angler on the FLW Tour. I had the pleasure of fishing with Clay. Watching him work his magic on the water was eye opening. He ties knots with his tongue, sets the hook using his torso, he holds a fishing rod like a violin and flips, pitches and casts with accurate precision. I get to meet many different people from all walks of life... Clay literally changed my life.

4. Reel Road Trip has allowed you to see the industry from a point of view that most anglers do not get to see. Has there been anything in the industry that has surprised or impressed you?

The humility of pro anglers never ceases to amaze me. I have fished with or interviewed many of our industry leaders. Every Single One has been courteous, kind, friendly and completely accommodating - hey even BASS Elite Pro Mike Iaconelli is following the Reel Road Trip on Twitter! How cool is that?

5. What are some issues that you think will be important to the future of the industry that anglers should learn more about?

Where to start? I'm not going to list tangible "issues" because every angler's region is uniquely different, I think the key to this question is "learn." Anglers must educate themselves in their specific region to make wise choices in the outdoors. Responsible outdoor practices and taking the time to pass those practices to other outdoor enthusiasts is vital, not just the next generation, your peers, your mentors. Learn the difference between Conservation and Preservation.

6. There are many "weekend warrior" types that aspire to be television hosts. How did you get into the television business, and what advice could you give to them?

I've been in the television business since I was a kid. My Father is a sports broadcaster, so I grew up in the industry. My first job in TV was as a Runner at the 1996 World Nordic Games in Thunder Bay, Ont. Canada. This is where I fell in love with television production. If someone wants their own fishing show, here is some simple advise. Go out and make one. In today's technological world, anyone can be a show host for their own fishing show... I'm not kidding!. With minimal financial investment, (a video camera and basic pc or mac editing software) each and every person who goes out on the water can create their own fishing show to enjoy. It's the perfect memory of time outdoors with friends, family or by yourself.

7. What is your favorite program on WFN?

My favorite show on WFN is Flats Class with C.A. Richardson and Ray Van Horn. Extremely high TV production value coupled with excellent teaching techniques and palpable passion for the sport makes this show tops in my book!

8. What is it about fishing that interests you the most?

I was speaking about this just a couple of days ago with someone while fishing the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in South Georgia. The answer is 2-fold - 1) the adrenaline of it all... I have heard some describe fishing as moments of boredom followed by moments of sheer pandemonium. It doesn't matter if I'm throwing micro tubes for Jumbo Perch or dragging lures for grander Blue Marlin, each catch is 100 percent adrenaline for me. The 2nd part of the fishing equation is the problem solving aspect - What are they going to eat? When? How? And when you get a fish on, what is it? How big is it? Can I land it? What's it going to do? Can I handle it? I often ask pro anglers if they liked doing puzzles as a child... not surprisingly, most did... so did I.

9. What is your favorite technique or type of fishing, and what species of fish?

I like fishing for anything that swims... literally it doesn't matter.

10. Where is someplace that you would like to fish but haven't yet had the chance to?

Panama for Blue Marlin or Guatemala Sailfish on the fly.

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