Host:
Joe Thomas

Official Site
http://www.reeloutdoorstv.com/

Contact the Show
reeloutdoors@aol.com

Reel in the Outdoors actually started as an idea several years ago. While there are plenty of great fishing shows on the tube, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to see why Americans absolutely and undeniably love fishing.

So I set out, camera, microphone and a rough idea in hand, to find out what makes America so interested and intent on angling. What we found not only surprised us, it entertained us, too. Not only did we get a chance to spend time with some of the top anglers in the country on their favorite body of water, but we also got to meet people who are passionate about not only fishing, but their unique style of fishing.

This season on Stihl's Reel in the Outdoors with Joe Thomas, I'll travel from Mexico to Alaska, fish farm ponds and streams, chase bass, king salmon, muskie, catfish and whatever else will bite, and try to pass along tips, hints and secrets I've learned from over 25 years on the pro tournament trail to help you enjoy angling more than ever before.

And now you’re wondering…why is a chainsaw company sponsoring a fishing show? Well, I’ve been fortunate enough to be associated with Stihl and Bryan Equipment Company, the Stihl distributor in my home region, for many years. The folks at Stihl get it. They understand that the same passion and desire that attracts people to angling also attracts them to the do-it-yourself spirit that Stihl embodies. Stihl didn’t become the number one chainsaw manufacturer in the world by accident. It’s hard work, dedication and a commitment to excellence that drives the Stihl brand. So visit your local Stihl dealer or their website. Let them know you support a company that support your passion and the great outdoors.

ABOUT JOE THOMAS

Enthusiasm and hard work have paid off in a steady climb up the tournament ladder for Joe Thomas. The 46-year-old Cincinnati native received his first visibility as a tournament angler at the young age of 18 by winning the Ohio State B.A.S.S. Federation Championship in 1980. The years that followed led this young man from the pursuit of a Fisheries Biology degree to prominent status on both the B.A.S.S. and the Operation Bass Tournament Trails. Joe has qualified for the prestigious Bass Masters Classic four times.

Joe ultimately became a true champion as the winner of the 1990 Red-Man All-American Championship Tournament in Buffalo, NY, with a cash prize of $100,000.

His total career tournament winnings have recently surpassed the $800,000 mark.

Joe's accomplishments as a professional angler do not end on the tournament trail. He can be seen nationally on Outdoor Channel as host of Ultimate Match Fishing. In July of 2008, Joe also hosted the exciting freshwater fishing show, Stihl's Reel in the Outdoors. Additionally, Joe's NASCAR-like Outdoor Channel Boat and Truck are fixtures at many trade shows and promotional events nationally. His one-of-a-kind rig is recognizable wherever it goes.

As an author, Joe's book, Diary of a Bass Pro, reveals a year on the inside of fishing's fast track, which provides a rare view of the lucrative and highly competitive world of tournament bass fishing. His consistency on the national tournament circuit and ability to communicate have made Thomas a much sought after representative of companies both in and outside the fishing industry.

Joe currently competes in the prestigious FLW Tour and FLW Eastern Series. He also speaks at more than 40 sport shows and fishing schools each year.