I’m dating myself now, but every Sunday on KSFY out of Sioux Falls I would watch Championship Fishing with Virgil Ward. I know the opening song by heart. He was the first fishing show I can remember. I even sent him a letter. Kinda corny, I know. He sent me a handwritten letter, an autographed postcard with a big striper, and a lure. Anyone else remember this guy? He was great.
It’s been a while since I’ve even thought of him but I remember Virgil Ward well.
Probably the first of the TV fisherman. I can’t say I remember watching him but I do recognize his name.
Virgle Ward was great but I remember Gaddabout Gaddis, fishing all over the country on TV. DK.
I watched Virgil. Every time he caught a fish he’d say,
“Won’t he look good in the fryin’pan ?”
We watched his show and then later Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. One of Virgil’s favorite lines, “Just cast it out and retrieve it with a slow pumping motion.” or something to that affect. He loved Uncle Josh pork baits too.
How about Gadabout Gadis and Homer Circle. They may of been before Virgil.
Mwal
My friend Dan Galusha made this documentary about Virgil several years ago. They were very close friends and Virgil was Dan’s Mentor. https://youtu.be/sVDxxTX49Sc I hope you enjoy it.
When I was a kid when I heard From the lakes of northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico… I’d break out the tackle box and look through it during the show.
I like how he ran the lure through the aquarium at the end of the show to show the lure’s action.
Thanks for sharing Robby really nice show
not sure, but I remember his shows, certainly one of the first, didn’t he promote beetle spins?
Remember the show well. The frames on those black rimmed glasses looked about 1/2 inch thick.
Fri nights at 1130 pm. Still singing the theme song.
My friend Dan Galusha made this documentary about Virgil several years ago. They were very close friends and Virgil was Dan’s Mentor. https://youtu.be/sVDxxTX49Sc I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks Robby, that was great. I had never watched that before. He certainly was at the forefront of some very famous and successful companies.
Its been over forty years ago I watched him?? UGG!!
Thanks for the reminder that I am older than I thought I was, sheesh, now my day is shot to heck.
Funny. Just thought of him 3 days ago for some reason.
He was the fishing neighbor next door that could carry on a relaxing conversation about fishing.
Brian, Wade Kuehl says you are quite a cat fisherman.
Love the song
IDO needs a song!
From the lakes of Northern Canada
To the Gulf of Mexico
Wherever fish are biting
That’s where we’re gonna go.
There’s a lot of exciting country
Just waitin’ to be explored
So join us now in the great outdoors
The World of Virgil Ward ~
Music to my ears.
Music to my ears.
Be stuck in my head all night now…
…Oh well, am getting sick of Christmas music for sure ~
I will also say this. Virgil was a good, squeaky clean, honest Gentleman. No dirt on him. Some other’s in the early days of fishing media attempted to slander him. He ignored it, and all was false. But that is how cut throat things could be back then. I will not name people, as some are still alive and working. Shame on them and a sad deal. I am sure they will all answer to Our Maker. Good enough for me.
Love the song
IDO needs a song!
I like the way you think.
not sure, but I remember his shows, certainly one of the first, didn’t he promote beetle spins?
He created Beatle Spins!
It would crack me up that he would be using marabou jigs or a spoon, but wound inevitably show the beetle spin in the aquarium. Don’t know who pimped the sponsor more, Virgil or Greg.
Loved watching that show!
Found this in a box in the basement tonight with some old baseball cards.
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Not Virgil Ward but I have a signed letter and book from Doug Stange from back in the day.
I had written him about odors in the house or shop affecting the smell on lures and line stored in those places.
He said it shouldnt but I cant imagine a fish being attracted to diesel fumes or uhm, er, ahem,, kitchen fires, did I say fires? I meant experiments that went wrong.
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