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Editor's Note: The National Geographic Channel will air an encore of Hooked on Bass on Saturday, February 28 at 8 PM ET/PT.

WASHINGTON (January 29, 2009) — The life of the bass fish exists in two very different environments, its life below and above the water's surface. On Monday, February 2, 2009 at 10 PM ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) premieres Hooked on Bass, a new film that explores both worlds as it blends natural science and modern culture to provide a unique and rarely seen window into the life of this creature, as well as those who are obsessed with catching it. Narrated by renowned outdoor sports broadcaster Tommy Sanders, Hooked on Bass immerses you in a culture steeped in its own traditions.

Below the water's surface, the bass is the top predator in freshwater lakes, rivers and creeks. A voracious eater with an appetite for any creature that swims, crawls or falls into the water. Emerging from its hiding places in underwater logs, weeds, and rocks its swift and violent strikes make it the #1 sportfish among America's 40 million anglers. From the weekend fisherman to the highly compensated professional angler, this simple creature with a 3% survival rate at birth has unknowingly spawned a billion dollar industry.

Above the water is the frenetic culture of fishermen who are focused on one objective, catching their prey! NGC takes its viewers on three distinct bass hunting journeys: one of obsession, one of reflection and finally, one of redemption. The first revolves around a trio of friends who grew up fishing together on Dixon Lake in Escondido, Calif. Their chase for a big green bass would eventually turn into a chase for the world's biggest green bass — named "Dottie" for a small dot on her gill. A rumor, followed by a sighting of the massive female fish ends up defining their journey. They devote every minute of their free time to catching her, believing she would be large enough to score them the most coveted and historic record in bass fishing.

A second story follows two men, a father and son, who are no less passionate about their own dream of winning the 2008 Big Bass Splash, the world's largest amateur bass tournament, held on Sam Rayburn Lake in Houston, Texas. To them, fishing is not only a hobby, but their way of preserving and strengthening their family bond.

Finally, the journey of top bass fishing pro Kevin VanDam is recounted as he fishes his way to history on Oneida Lake (N.Y.), capturing his fourth Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year award. VanDam first won the coveted title during his rookie season on the circuit in 1992 and has captured it three times since (1996, 1999, 2008).

Though each of the fishermen you will be introduced to while watching Hooked on Bass may have different levels of experience, the passion they each have for the sport of bass fishing is the same; whether they are searching for the world's largest bass fish, trying to win the world's largest amateur tournament or trying to retain the title of "World's Greatest Bass Fisherman."

The National Geographic Channel will air an encore of Hooked on Bass on Saturday, February 28 at 8 PM ET/PT. Hooked on Bass was produced for the National Geographic Channel by the award-winning Career Sports & Entertainment (CS&E). For CS&E, producer and director is Tim Schick. For the National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Chris Valentini, senior vice president of special programming is Michael Cascio and executive vice president of content is Steve Burns.

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