Fishing guru changes tack with new show

For the first time in 13 years, Matt Watson and his team have no plans to make another series of the ITM Fishing Show.

But the Far North's award-winning fishing show host isn't putting away his bait board. He's just changing tack.

Matt Watson and Mabel Murray with her 'dream snapper'.

The first episode of the new show, ITM Hook Me Up! screened on Prime at 7.30pm on Monday, the series focusing not on Matt's adventures but his guests', who get to choose the fishing trip of their dreams. Then it's up to Matt and his team to help them achieve their wildest fishing fantasy.

Many of the guests are household names - Joseph Parker, Ryan Fox and Stephen (Beaver) Donald, but there are everyday Kiwis too, like the woman who is scared of sharks but wants to spear a big game fish, and the builder with a heart condition who wants to battle a swordfish.

Famous or otherwise, what the guests have in common is a passion for fishing and a dream they want fulfilled. In each episode viewers get to know them as they travel around New Zealand or overseas on an adventure that always throws up challenges and surprises.

Potential guests can have a shot at getting on the show by visiting the ITM Hook Me Up! Facebook page to state their case.