Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau Hosts Filming of Fishing University

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau hosted the film production team and special guests from internationally televised, Emmy-nominated television show Fishing University last week. Two episodes will air in 2018, featuring not only area lakes, but local dining, activities and attractions.

Hosts/fishing legends Charlie Ingram and Ray Brazier were joined by world-champion kayaker and area-resident Eric Jackson who served as the local host. Jackson, a Rock Island resident, showcased the area, inviting viewers to visit “his backyard,” highlighting Cookeville-Putnam County and the surrounding Upper Cumberland region.

Fishing University holds a viewership of more than 63 million households, airing in all 50 states as well as in 51 additional countries. The Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau coordinated the project as a strategic marketing tactic to reach a target audience of potential guests seeking an outdoor travel destination.

“Working with Fishing University is a natural fit to accompany other marketing and advertising plans for 2018,” said Zach Ledbetter, vice president of visitor development for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau. “We will not only be able to put a spotlight on the world-renowned fishing opportunities in our region, but also feature the community, culture and activities that guests can experience while visiting.”

Within each 30-minute episode of the show, a 90-second tourism spot will be included. Hosts Ingram and Brazier will also include numerous mentions of their location during each show.

In addition to filming promotional spots and fishing, the hosts and film crew presented one-hour programs at both Upperman and Monterey High Schools, as a means to share with area youth the importance of attaining an education and the outdoor career options available. Local professionals from Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency were on-hand to share their stories in attaining successful outdoor careers. These locals were joined by another Tennessee resident, professional FLW angler and Forrest Wood Cup champion Brad Knight.

The competitive fishing show is packed with how-to tips and tricks of the trade, making it popular among competitive amateur and professional anglers. Viewers of World Fishing Network and the Outdoor and Sportsman Channels tend to spend more time on the water and are more active consumers than those of competing networks.

Learn more about Fishing University at FishingU.com.
Explore more about Cookeville-Putnam County at VisitCookevilleTN.com.
Join area travelers by following @CookevilleTN #ckvlcool + #ckvlsports

PHOTO:
Area resident and world-champion kayaker Eric Jackson set-up at Cane Creek Park in Cookeville for Fishing University filming.

2018 Airing Dates (check local listings):
Show 1
Aug. 22 Wed. 6:30pm
Aug. 23 Thu. 1:30am
Aug. 23 Thu. 12:30pm
Aug. 24 Fri. 6:00am
Aug. 24 Fri. 1:00pm

Show 2
Aug. 29 Wed. 6:30pm
Aug. 30 Thu. 1:30am
Aug. 30 Thu. 12;30pm
Aug. 31 Fri. 6:00am
Aug. 31 Fri. 1:00pm