On The Rise

Trout Unlimited's television program "On the Rise" airs on the Sportsman Channel each week. Hosted by Telluride, Colorado fly fishing guide, Frank Smethurst, the show features some of the best fly fishing around the country. Traveling across the country where TU is working to restore rivers and streams, Frank travels where TU has made a difference and takes the viewer on a fish-filled journey across America.

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Frank Smethurst is the host of Trout Unlimited's  "On the Rise." Raised outside of Atlanta, Georgia, he went on frequent family trips on the Eastern seaboard that contributed to his early fascination with the outdoors.  Frank began fly fishing at the age of 6 under the mentorship of a neighbor, Ron Curry, who was an early pioneer of salt water fly fishing in the Florida Keys.  By age 12, Frank was working at the Fish Hawk in Atlanta, and learning still more about the sport from the shop's owner, Gary Merriman.  Frank supplemented his wages by tying custom flies for everything from trout to tarpon, and worked steadily at the Fish Hawk until he was 18.   

Frank attended the University of Georgia, and after fishing extensively in the greater Athens, Georgia area, graduated from the Henry W. Grady Journalism School with a degree in radio, television and film production.  As Frank finished his education, he simultaneously began his career as a fishing guide in Telluride, Colorado.  He moved there permanently in 1989.

As Frank developed his guiding career, he began to blend his passion for fly fishing with his studies, and has appeared in numerous television and film productions over the years.  he placed third in the 2003 Fly Fishing Masters and won the 2004 Fly Fishing Masters along with his friend and teammate, Giff Maytham. He also produced and appeared in the acclaimed film, Running Down The Man with his friends Ben Knight and Travis Rummel of Felt Soul Media.

In Trout Unlimited’s "On The Rise,"  Frank continually travels the American countryside, striving to blend the stunning visuals and great settings which fly fishing for trout continually offers.  Along the way, he highlights TU’s important efforts towards preservation of  coldwater resources, and learns more about the big picture of TU’s contribution toward the sport and the resource that he loves and cannot live without.

On the Rise is produced by Barrett Productions in Missoula, Montana.  Barrett Productions is an independent, state-of-the-art, High-Definition production house. Since its formation in 1989 the company has established itself as an industry leader in entertainment, event, sports, adventure travel and outdoor television production. Barrett Productions produces over 140 shows every year, many of which are for the nation’s leading conservation groups. In addition to Trout Unlimited, the company produces television series for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International.

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