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Get hooked: TV show spotlights the best of UT
Regional Fishing, United States Fishing Articles, Utah Fishing Articles | Utah HookedOnUtah PM
Writing about the outdoors is just as much a thrill for me today as it was 15 years ago when I sold my first article.
Over the years, I have interviewed some of the best names in the business, and I am in constant awe of their abilities, their insights and passion for life. In most cases, these outdoor celebrities have magnetic personalities, can tell a good story and have the natural ability to mesmerize their audiences.
Allow me to introduce you to Gary Winterton, a Lindon resident and good friend who, in my opinion, could become an outdoor industry leader through his new television show, “Hooked On Utah.” This outdoors show promises a new take and perspective on the wonders of Utah that are just waiting to be discovered and explored.
I caught up with Gary as he was returning from an ice fishing trip to Eastern Utah and saw a glimpse of his vision for not only for the TV show but his passion to share the best of Utah with the world.
“Utah is the original Disneyland,” he said. “The world can’t get enough of what we offer, from Zion’s to Moab, from Lake Powell to the mountains of northern Utah, and I can’t wait to promote our state. It’s everyone’s dream to make a living doing what they love.
“Just last January, I woke up one night and decided right then and there that I was going to this. I was ready to go. I’ve watched outdoor programming on cable and I said to myself, ‘Gary, I think you can put on a better show than some of the guys already in this business, so why not do it?’ ”
No stranger to start-up companies, Winterton realized that building a successful TV show wouldn’t be easy. Armed with an aggressive business plan, he’s filmed a handful of episodes and landed spots with KSL television and The Sportsman Channel in just the past few months.
“We’re not just about fishing, though I love to fish,” Winterton said. “We want to focus on the complete adventure, one that can be duplicated by those who watch the show. For me, it’s not the trophy we’re after, it’s the family experience, it’s the father and the son who look at each other after watching the show and say, ‘We need to go do that.’ ”
In August, the extended Allphin family invited the Winterton family to our annual crawdad boil on Strawberry Reservoir. Close to 75 of us enjoyed an evening of fishing, food, and song that will be remembered for the rest of our lives.
“This is what we want to bring to our show,” Winterton said. “We want to produce a ‘wow’ experience for our viewers, and we won’t rest until that’s accomplished. We plan to shoot over 40 shows a year and look forward to capturing a small portion of the incredible adventures available right here in Utah.”
Hooked on Utah appears on KSL at 11:30 p.m. every Sunday, and at five different times on The Sportsman Channel. Check your local listings for their times. This week’s program features Gary’s involvement in the “Catch A Cure For Cancer” tournament filmed on Starvation last June.