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North Bay fishing program will kick bass, exec producer says UPDATED

Angelo Viola, the executive producer of The Big Cull, provides details of the new program at a news conference at North Bay city hall. His brother Reno stands to his right.




















Angelo Viola, the executive producer of The Big Cull, provides details of the new program at a news conference at North Bay city hall. His brother Reno stands to his right.
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Call it Survivor with a fishing rod.

A new reality television series called The Last Cull will be shot in North Bay this summer from July 5 to 10, and it will bring 50 fishers from across the continent in search of the biggest bass and a $50,000 grand prize.

Fishing will take place on Lake Nipissing, and the winner will also be given a new fishing show to host.

Details of the program were trotted out this morning at a packed news conference at North Bay city hall.

Angelo Viola, executive producer of The Last Cull, started off by giving a definition.

Depending on whether it is used as a noun or verb, the word cull can mean either eliminating the inferior or highlighting the cream of the crop, Viola said.

“Regardless of which description you use, one thing is for sure and that is this exciting event will be showcasing arguably one of North America's premier fishing destinations and in particular one of the best kept secrets in the bass fishing world: North Bay and Ontario’s Near North,” Viola said.

The Last Cull will be a reality-based program, Viola said, which will highlight Canada’s number one recreational activity—fishing.

“This promises to be the most unique entertainment package to hit the airwaves since Survivor - oh and I guess this would be as good a time as any to mention that the host of this thrilling new program is none other than Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor Africa and one of the hottest television personalities in the business today,” Viola said.

Zohn isn't the only star secured for the program either, Viola said.

"Roland Martin, who is the unquestionable champion on the planet as far as tournament fishing goes, the biggest money winner in the history of professional fishing, winning the most events, and the most recognized individual in fishing worldwide will be the fishing colour man and commentator working with Ethan," Viola said.

"So we’ve got two of the biggest hitters in outdoor television working on this show."

Viola added the 13-episode series will air on prime time Saturday nights beginning Sept. 18 in Canada, with a broadcast schedule to be announced later for the United States.

Viola also said the broadcast agreements now in place "will provide in excess of 10-million impressions for North Bay."

As well, Viola said, the program will spread the word about North Bay across North America as a place to come to fish.

He added the local economy will receive a shot in the arm while the production is being done because 150 television technicians, corporate executives and World Championship Fishing staff will also be in the city in addition to the contestants.

To audition for the program click here.