RIP Jerry Mckinnis
Here we go, when I first started watching a fishing show was
now knocking on the door of 50 years past. I may have been only 10 or 11 years
old. What would broadcast on then what
the Judge called “The Idiot Box” was an outdoor show called “The Southern
Sportsman with Frank White”. In future years, this and only one other outdoor
program “The Fishing Hole with Jerry McKinnis” would be the only two outdoor
shows I was so enthused about I would actually record them on my VCR and watch them
over and over. Both programs in a way would influence my outdoor television
career in the years to come. However, while Frank White was an entertaining
blow hard environmental advocate, Jerry Mckinnis on the other hand was one of
only a hand full of people that started, actually created a worldwide outdoor
entertainment and sports revolution, yes an entire industry. Jerry McKinnis was
a key factor to the evolution and success of that industry. Jerry also produced
his program “The Fishing Hole” for 44 years. That in and of itself is an
amazing accomplishment and it was a great show.
He was a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, National
Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and the International Game Fish Association
Hall of Fame as well as co-owner of the Bass Master Sportsman Society. His production company JM Associates in Little Rock remains a major post house and
producers of many television shows and various projects. It was Jerry and his
company that was the force behind the weekend outdoor television block on ESPN.
This was even before any syndicated Outdoor Networks of which there seems to be
dozens of in todays marketplace. So yes… Jerry McKinnis was a BIG deal in the
industry of which we probably will not see the likes of again. Jerry was
fortunate to be at the very beginning of what soon would be a billion dollar
industry and he managed his input with grace, style, and a lot of class.
I first met Jerry at the then AFTMA show back in 1990 in New
Orleans. It was a big deal for me because I was such a fan of his show. As busy
as he was Jerry took the time to speak with us and I actually spent a couple of
hours talking with his associate Jim Manion. Jim gave me a lot of invaluable
advice about the television industry and at the time our show was only two (2)
years old. So one can imagine what this meant to me.
From then on our paths would rarely cross, maybe a trade
show here or there, some phone calls from me to Jerry trying to figure out if
ESPN would be a good fit for us. It was not, but he was extremely kind to give
me the time and info that he did. In the years to come social media would come
around and I would keep tabs on what he was up to and of course msg him about
his book when it came out. A fine read.
Jerry was a major influence on our outdoor show and in a way
that he never knew nor has anyone else until today. People probably would guess
that my love for his show was because he would go to these awesome places and
catch fantastic small mouth and trout. However the fact is my admiration for
his program really had nothing to do with fishing, but everything to do with
Jerry and his son Mark. Here are the three reasons why his show stood out so
much… at least to me.
1)
Film : Jerry McKinnis shot his show on film.
Film is never easy and especially an outdoor show when lighting can be a real
bear at times. The fact that his film look just really matched his on air style
and certainly bode well with landscape photography. Even when Jerry was on
David Letterman Dave mentioned, ”yeah you’re the guy that shoots film” His show always stood out for that.
2)
Non Commercial: While watching the Fishing Hole
you never saw 50 different logos on his shirt or boat that looks like a living
billboard. Sure he had sponsor billboards at the top and maybe end of his show
but that was about it. Jerry understood the importance of story, and each
episode was story telling, not a commercial. This defiantly set the Fishing
Hole apart from other outdoors shows at the time. Also Jerry was just a natural on air talent
without a bunch of hype, watching him you just liked the guy. It was easy to
do, and people did.
3)
Music: Ok, this is the biggie for me and what
has made such an impact on our own outdoor productions that now is going on 32
years. TRUE STORY… One day I am sitting
there maybe 30 years ago watching the fishing hole, it was a good show and
then, Jerry takes us on a montage, a journey on horseback through some beautiful
canyons and gorges. Meanwhile his son Mark who worked in production at JM Assoc
and is an accomplished musician, composed and performed this simple yet
wonderful and truly inspiring music. All set to film of people on horseback
riding through canyons.
Now, this went on for quite a while.
Nothing but images of horseback riding and awesome music. It was so beautiful I
kid you not, I got a tear in my eye. Can you believe it? Tearing up watching a
fishing show? It was so cool and NOTHING that you would ever see on any other
outdoors show. It was to me sort of a National Geographic moment mixed in with
a great fishing program.
Well at the time I thought because of this episode I watched,
it sorta gave me the license to make our soundtracks a major part of our
productions, and we have.
So as one can tell, Jerry McKinnis was a major influence on
my career and am honored that I got to meet him. As many people have already
written, Jerry McKinnis influence on the outdoor world cannot be overstated,
never more true words have been written. A great man, a true legend in the
outdoor world.
When Jerry signed his book for me he wrote I would really
enjoy the chapter on television. He was right.
Prayers to his loved ones, Jerry will be truly missed by all
that his life touched.
Thank you Jerry, and what a life you led!
Godspeed.
Jim Baugh
Jim Baugh Outdoors TV
