Ultimate Fishing Town: Port Alberni, B.C. to Air on WFN September 29
OutdoorHub 09.28.11
Toronto – September 28, 2011 – The small British Columbia town of Port Alberni made a big splash when it was named Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town by the World Fishing Network, last year and now millions will have the opportunity to see why. WFN takes an in-depth look at the fishing Mecca during a special feature presentation, Ultimate Fishing Town: Port Alberni, B.C., premiering Thursday, September 29, 7:30 pm, ET.
Additional airdates for Ultimate Fishing Town: Port Alberni, B.C., include, Friday, Sept. 30, 11:30 am ET; Saturday, Oct. 1, 6:00 pm ET; and Sunday, Oct. 2, 10:00 am ET. For additional details please check www.worldfishingnetwork.com.
“WFN’s search for the Ultimate Fishing Town was not just about identifying the best place to catch the most fish, but also about finding an angling community that could come together” said Mark Rubinstein, President and CEO of World Fishing Network. “Port Alberni deserved the honor and has leveraged it to increase tourism. This special will showcase why it is a great place to spend memorable days on the water and catch a lot of fish.”
WFN Host Mariko Izumi takes viewers chinook and sockeye fishing in Alberni inlet and tours the self-proclaimed salmon capital of the world, checking out MacMillan Park, home of the Cathedral Grove forest; the firefighting airplanes at Martin Mars Coulson Flying Tankers; and the local tackle shop, Gone Fishin’.
“Never doubt that a small town can move mountains,” said Carolyn Lasken, who coordinated the Port Alberni Ultimate Fishing Town effort. “The past year has been just fantastic for business and community spirit, but once the show airs, we are sure even more anglers will plan a trip to partake in Port Alberni’s incredible year-round fishing opportunities.”
Lasken is featured in the program along with a host of other locals including, Mike Carter, Executive Director of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce; Jake Leyenaar, President of the Alberni Valley Salmon Enhancement Society; and Neil Milbon, General Manager, McLean Heritage Mill & Alberni Railway.
In 2010, WFN asked Canadians to name the best place to wet a line and close to one million loyal anglers and 160 different communities nationwide stepped up to tell WFN why their town is Canada’s best place to fish. Port Alberni, BC, with a population of less than 18,000, claimed the crown and the glory of winning a hard fought fight. In addition to the television program, the prize also included a $25,000 donation from WFN, which is being used by Port Alberni to gain more funding for a larger scale project at the McLean Steam Mill Heritage site, where there is a small scale hatchery and a fish ladder in need of attention.
In 2011, WFN expanded the promotion to select one town in Canada and one in the U.S. Chapleau, Ontario, was named the 2011 Ultimate Fishing Town Canada, and Roscoe, New York, was selected as the 2011 Ultimate Fishing Town USA. Features about the two towns are currently in development.
About WFN: World Fishing Network
WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN’s wide-ranging programming lineup includes primetime theme nights, a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any TV channel. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world’s top anglers, the schedule includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including; Hookin’ Up with Mariko Izumi, Reel Fishy Jobs with Mark Melnyk, Lost Lake and Getting School’d with JP DeRose. The beauty of WFN’s programming is available in 100 percent stunning High Definition. WFN’s multimedia platform includes a mobile portal, WFN Fishing Log (fishing app for the iPhone and iPad) and a robust fishing website, www.WorldFishingNetwork.com.
