The Ice Men TV Show

A fresh and electrifying television series, ICE MEN entertains and educates audiences by revealing a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to prepare for, compete in and win world-class ice fishing tournaments. A completely unscripted plot delivers plenty of comedy and drama as we closely follow the successes and failures of four two-man ice teams locked in competition against hundreds of others over a full season on the North American Ice Fishing Circuit.

"This is not your typical fishing show," says Mike McNett, the show's Executive Producer and Director. "We wanted ICE MEN to be educational, yet entertaining and appealing to the broadest possible audience."

So, how does one go about creating a popular and successful television program about subject matter that tends to threaten the consciousness of most people? "We recognized the need to shatter commonly held perceptions about ice fishing," responds McNett. "We also knew the show wouldn't work unless we could really pull back the curtain on tournament ice fishing." But when your primary goal is to reintroduce a sport in a way that changes perceptions in this country (think soccer), you had better be innovative and fearless. ICE MEN delivers on both accounts. The show is part sporting event, fishing clinic, and documentary, strategically hashed together and cleverly disguised as high energy character-driven reality TV.

Audiences return for an engaging story and dynamic, off-beat characters, but they are getting quite an education as well. Viewers are shown the latest techniques and gear used by professional ice anglers in the heat of competition, when every ounce counts. "We wanted to make the educational aspect of the show effective yet seamless and understated," continues McNett. "Some of the most valuable information comes from watching what these guys do under pressure in real-world situations. Viewers wind up gaining genuine insight and are more likely to retain and apply it successfully."

Wednesdays, 9:30am EST / 8:30am CST on VERSUS