THE FACE OF WISCONSIN FISHING. ALSO, THE CHEST OF WISCONSIN FISHING. A cast member from Unprofessional Fisherman grasps the fruit of his latest aquatic hunting adventure.

If you’ve ever watched a television fishing show (and really, at this point, who hasn’t?), chances are you’re left feeling more envious than inspired. 

“The guys out there on TV with all that stuff just aren’t representing a lot of us,” says Chance Orth, an Eau Claire native and one of the founding members of  the web series Unprofessional Fisherman. 

On  most fishing shows, a smooth-talking pro barrels across a pristine Saskatchewan lake in a boat fitted with the latest gear. Orth and his friends Orion Miller, Chris Willger, and Jacy Catlin take a much more spartan approach to their video series. They load up their canoes with fishing and camping gear, grab some waterproof video cameras, head to a local river, and “pack in as much adventure as we can in a weekend,” according to Orth. 

The resulting footage is cut down to short, humorous web episodes that feature a blend of idyllic cinematography, jovial banter, and occasionally adept angling. Orth and his colleagues want their show to be about the whole experience of fishing, not just money shots of trophy fish held aloft. 

“A main goal of ours is to appeal to more than just hardcore fishermen,” Orth admits. So far they’ve been successful, with the first few episodes already earning hundreds of views. Also, Orth is set to make regular guest appearances on the syndicated Outdoor Trails Radio Network. 

If you want to follow Orth and his friends – and you definitely should – check out UnproFishing.com.