Jeremy Wade, widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost fishermen, is returning to public view with a new fishing-focused show launching this month. The 70-year-old former biology teacher and son of a vicar first gained international attention through his Animal Planet series River Monsters, which ran for nine seasons beginning over a decade ago. In that series, he tracked and captured some of the largest and most elusive freshwater fish around the globe, often in remote and challenging environments.
Wade’s fishing exploits have spanned multiple continents, and he has endured significant hardships—from surviving malaria in the Congo to a plane crash in the Amazon and encounters that led to arrests and exposure to dangerous radiation. Despite these experiences, he remains passionate about fishing in all its forms, embracing both the thrill of pursuing apex aquatic predators and the calm meditation of angling closer to home.
Now based in Somerset, England, Wade has found a new audience online, amassing 1.7 billion views across YouTube and TikTok over the past year by sharing stories about diverse fish species. He attributes fishing’s broad appeal to its universality, noting that the sport transcends language and culture. Wade is multilingual, speaking Portuguese, French, Spanish, and Mandarin, reflecting decades of travel and fieldwork.
For Wade, fishing is less about competition and more about the connection to the environment and fellow enthusiasts. “It’s very meditative and absorbing,” he says, emphasizing the importance of patience and observation. He creates his own bait for fishing, viewing it as a thoughtful craft akin to an athlete’s preparation.
His new venture, the podcast Fish On! With Jeremy Wade, premieres on October 27 and will focus on conversations about fishing near-misses, unusual fishing locations, and practical tips rather than solely dramatic catches. He co-hosts the show with salmon fisherman Scott Tankard, aiming to provide a more relaxed and informative take on the sport.
During a recent outing on a river near his home, Wade demonstrated his approach to fishing, highlighting the importance of reading the water and understanding fish behavior. After a short wait, he successfully caught a sizeable chub, which he released after a quick photo. Wade practices catch-and-release fishing to support sustainability unless fishing from abundant stocks for food.
Wade traces his passion for fishing back to childhood experiences on the River Stour in Suffolk. His journey shifted from early disinterest to obsession after a trip to India inspired by a magazine photo. His subsequent travels took him to Thailand, the Congo, the Amazon, and other freshwater hotspots worldwide. The success of River Monsters came unexpectedly, sparked by a dramatic catch filmed during challenging monsoon conditions.
Despite his global adventures, Wade appreciates the simplicity of fishing in local streams and ponds. He is known for his relaxed style and humility, challenging stereotypes of fishermen as overly competitive or gear-driven. Wade openly acknowledges the risks involved in some of his more dangerous expeditions but relies on his scientific background and careful preparation to manage these challenges.
Though Wade maintains a low public profile off-camera, he has become a figure of inspiration for younger generations discovering fishing through social media. His affinity for teaching and exploring the mysteries beneath the water’s surface continues to resonate with fans around the world as he embarks on this latest chapter in his career.