Off the Hook: Extreme Catches
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Enthusiastic host may lure tweens, but expect swearing.
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Based on 1 parent review
Nasty nasty
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What's the Story?
Professional wrestler and hobbyist outdoorsman "Showtime" Eric Young travels the country in pursuit of unusual fishing challenges in OFF THE HOOK: EXTREME CATCHES. From New England shores to the California coast, Young seeks out the experts in extreme fishing styles that utilize nontraditional equipment like paddleboards, jet skis, fire extinguishers, kites, and even panty hose. The experiences push him to his physical and mental limits as he faces off with sailfish, sharks, and other ultimate catches of the country's waterways.
Is It Any Good?
Young is a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling ring, but little of his professional training prepares him for the opponents he encounters in the water, and his willingness to play the novice helps distinguish Off the Hook from the multitude of other reality fishing-style series that exist. While it can be hard for an average viewer to get hooked on watching experts' fishing expeditions, it's a different story when your guide is a macho, charismatic, raspy-voiced amateur enthusiast who's willing to try anything so long as it brings him closer to netting "The Big One," and who is happy to laugh at himself along the way.
The downside to Young's obvious ease in front of the camera is that you never really know what will come out of his mouth, and although the strongest words are bleeped, language is a concern for kids. If your tweens are familiar with Young from his wrestling career, then they'll likely want to tune in to see how he handles these unorthodox opponents on a less forgiving playing field, and the host's ability to appeal to general audiences makes this an entertaining show to share with them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their hobbies. What do you find satisfying about the hobbies you enjoy? Do you have specific goals you'd like to meet? What life skills have you picked up along the way?
How does this series compare to similar reality shows like Deadliest Catch? Does this one feel any more or less real? Is Young an effective host? Why or why not?
Use this series to start conversations about the environment and conservation. What factors have a negative impact on the natural habitats of water-dwelling fish and animals? How does their demise affect the economies and lifestyles of nearby towns? How can we help protect these areas from further harm?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 29, 2010
- Cast: Showtime Eric Young
- Network: Animal Planet
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts , Ocean Creatures , Science and Nature , Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
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