From the producers of Bill Saiff’s Rod & Reel, Streamside with Don Meissner and Cabin Country comes Fishing Behind the Lines with Don Meissner, a new series with the premise to “take a Soldier fishing” and in the process, learn about life in the military.
Soldier’s share their experiences in the Army while fishing is introduced as a natural way to relieve stress and give a glimpse into one of the most popular outdoor activities. Fishing Behind the Lines invokes the soldier’s story, their lives serving in the United States Military and its effect on their families, and their overall life experiences.
Each episode highlights a day of fishing in one of the great lakes, regional streams or rivers. The show Hosted by Don Meissner with active duty or retired Soldiers as special guests. This program will do much to link the military and civilian communities and foster national pride.
Fishing Behind the Lines with Don Meissner is sponsored by American Military University, Oswego County, New York and the St. Lawrence North Country Foundation.
Episode #101 Sergeant Hernandez
Don takes Staff Sergeant, Joey Hernandez, on the beautiful Lake Bonaparte. SSG. Hernandez is an Army Ranger and a novice fisherman. Don and guide, Chris Flint, introduce Army Ranger Joey Hernandez to catch and release in Northern New York. SSG Hernandez shares amazing stories of military life and deployment during war.
Episode #102 Sergeant Hackler
On the Mohawk Reservation in Northern New York, Don takes an army combat medic who was recently deployed to Afghanistan, on the Akwaesasne River to experience bass fishing. Sgt. Benjamin Hackler shares his experiences in Afghanistan and his growth and maturity in the US Army.
Episode #103 Captain Ferguson
Don with guest, Captain Max Ferguson and friends take a six-mile journey on the Grasse River in search of the elusive and legendary Muskie. Captain Ferguson is an Army Ranger and has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Visit with Captain Ferguson and his family as we learn about his amazing military career.
Episode #104 Specialist Tines
Don takes Specialist Rodney Tines down the famous Salmon River in Pulaski, New York. Specialist Tines is a combat medic in the US Army with a recent tour in Afghanistan. Don teaches Specialist Tines how to catch Steelheads on the Salmon River and learns about the pressures of military life on families of soldiers.
Episode #105 Sergeant Geig
Don tackles the St. Lawrence River near Waddington, New York. Don and special guests Sergeant First Class David Geig and his son, Nick, who turned 13 years old on that day enjoy a day on the mighty St. Lawrence River. Sergeant First Class Geig is in the Military Police at Fort Drum, New York and an accomplished artist. Don helps SFC. Geig and his son catch bass on this special birthday episode.
Episode #106 Two Brothers
A journey to Lake Ontario in Oswego, NY with two brothers in the National Guard. This episode shows the challenges of fishing in open water as the waves rock the boat side-to-side as well as the passengers aboard. Hear from brothers, Danny and Patrick Edwards, as they share their experiences about serving in combat as brothers. Also, watch as they face the challenges of battling the swells of Lake Ontario.
Episode #107 Pilot Conlin
Kurt Conlin, a retired army helicopter pilot and war veteran, joins host Don on the cold and snowy banks of the Salmon River. They venture through the elements with seasoned fisherman and Vietnam veteran, Jim Kelso, who tries to help Don and Kurt learn the art of catching steelheads.
Episode #108 Cadet Brown
Ice fishing with Tyler Brown, a college cadet at the prestigious Norwich University. Tyler is joined by his father, Scott Brown, and guide “Air Force” Bob as they teach Don the particulars of fishing on ice in the St Lawrence River. Discover why a young man decides to become an officer in the Marine Corps and how it affects his family.
Episode #109 Captain Williams
Captain Jason Williams of the United States Army goes fishing with Don in Jefferson County, New York. Guide Ricky Moore takes Don and Captain Williams on a wild and fun excursion down small creek fishing for some very large salmon. Enjoy the spectacle of chasing down and grabbing large salmon while using only their hands as nets. Captain Williams shares the special challenges of commanding soldiers during a time of war.
Episode #110 Specialist Pulsifer
On the Mohawk Reservation with guide Will Clute, Don takes Army Specialist Bill Pulsifer of the National Guard fishing for some of the largest fish he has ever caught. Like other areas in Northern New York, the Reservation has an abundance of fish. Watch Specialist Pulisfer’s excitement as he catches large bass and shares the story of serving his country.
Episode #111 Mike Rist, Retired Army
Don takes retired SFC Mike Rist to the Mohawk Reservation. Soon the fish begin to jump, and the two begin to really have a lot of fun. Guide Will Clute gives Mike Rist an experience he will never forget. Listen to a heart-felt story of losing a close friend in combat.
Episode #112 Gerald and Elaine Esposito, Wounded Warriors
Don and Captain Ernie take two wounded veterans who happen to be husband and wife shing on Lake Ontario in Oswego, NY. Gerald and Elaine Esposito share their stories of the struggles for wounded warriors as they adjust to their new lives. Learn how fishing can be a therapeutic tool for soldiers who come back wounded from war.
Episode #113 The Best of
Re-visit some of our favorite moments as Don recounts the highlights from this season’s episodes. Each week highlighted a day of fishing with active duty or retired military personnel. With rehabilitative recreation through fishing, we learned of the soldier’s experiences and what motivated them to serve in the U.S. military.
Mondays at 7:30PM
Streaming on your computer, iPhone and Android at watch.wpbstv.org one week after the original broadcast.
Series Premiere
Monday, June 10 at 7:30PM
Coming to Saturday Mornings in July.
Watch Staff Sergeant Joey Hernandez on PBS. See more from WPBS.
Don Meissner was the host of Rod & Reel Streamside for 18 seasons. Most recently, Don was named the spokesperson for FISH CAP, a multi-media campaign to assist in promoting St. Lawrence County as the fishing capital of the region, and possibly the world. According to Don, “this program means more than fishing and celebrating our region. According to Don, "This program means more than fishing and celebrating our region. Fishing Behind the Lines gets down to highlighting the most basic forms of humanity and how we connect to people through recreation. This program will reduce prejudices and build bridges with our military community."
St. Lawrence-North Country Community Foundation
The Alcoa Foundation, the Corning Incorporated Foundation, North Country Savings Bank, SeaComm Federal Credit Union, the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency, the City of Ogdensburg, New York, and the Towns of Brasher, Massena, and Waddington, New York.
