Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface and home to 50-80% of all life forms, it’s no wonder oceans are the focus of numerous documentaries. We’ve curated a list of the best documentaries about oceans and fish that you can stream online. Enjoy!
1. River Monsters
Jeremy Wade’s relentless pursuit of aquatic giants makes “River Monsters” the best fishing show I’ve watched. Directed by Lisa Bosak Lucas (“Wild Frank”), this docuseries dives deep into the hunt for legendary river creatures.
One of my favorite episodes features the giant goonch catfish, notorious for allegedly “taking people.” Wade builds a fire by the river to lure this predator and dives in to catch the massive, 160-pound fish with shark-like teeth.
Another must-see highlights episode of the infamous Amazonian candiru. Thrills and chills await at every turn.
If you’re looking for a fishing documentary, look no further than HBO Max. But you may ask: “How to watch HBO Max in Canada?” Yes, many of us are seeing a message saying that HBO Max isn’t available in your region. You can access HBO Max using a VPN. It turned out to be simple, you just need a good VPN and connect to one of the servers in the USA.
2. Deep Sea Fishing by Welt Documentary
Deep sea fishing in the Arctic Circle is no easy feat, but that doesn’t deter German crews from chasing black halibut. This documentary takes you aboard one of the largest trawlers, showcasing the immense effort and trust required to make a living in these harsh conditions. Amid daily storms and snow, strong bonds of friendship are formed. Experience firsthand the hard work involved in bringing in a catch and making ends meet. With stunning visuals and exclusive interviews, this documentary offers an unforgettable glimpse into the world of deep sea fishing.
3. Into The Amazon – Discovering New Fish Species
Ready for an adventure into a world of never-before-seen fish species? Join us as we explore the depths of the Amazon in this full documentary. Journey through the vast and mysterious rainforest, uncovering amazing and unique fish species, including electric wonders and beyond.
4. Low and Clear
“Low and Clear” is a documentary that explores the profound connection between fishing and friendship. It follows two old friends who have drifted apart as they try to reconnect on one final fishing trip. In a world of constant surveillance, this is already fantasy. Although you can protect yourself today if you use Chrome VPN and are careful with your data. Set against stunning landscapes, the film beautifully captures the taming of the American West.
5. Providence
Confluence’s latest hit, “Providence,” follows the success of “Drift,” “Rise,” “Connect,” and “Waypoints,” continuing their captivating Seychelles saga.
Shot with FlyCastaway at Providence Atoll, this film features an impressive team including Jim Klug, Chris Patterson, Colin Witherill, Camille Egdorf, Gerhard Laubscher, and Tim Babich. Their mission? Fishing in waters that were off-limits for six years—not due to overfishing, but because of pirate threats.
Their catch list? Spectacular. From GTs and bluefin trevally to bonefish and tigerfish. The twist? Somali pirates have returned.
6. Silver King: The Birth of Big-Game Fishing
Silver King: The Birth of Big Game Fishing chronicles the fascinating history of tarpon fishing. It all began on April 18, 1885, when William H. Wood caught a 93-pound tarpon off Florida’s Sanibel Island using just a bamboo rod and mullet bait. Wood’s incredible catch soon attracted anglers from around the globe, including Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover, eager for their own trophy fish.
7. Only The River Knows
Set on the legendary Lethe River in New Zealand’s stunning South Island, this film follows fly fisher Rolf Nylinder as he discovers the journal of fly fishing icon Lars Lenth. Back in 1988, Lenth spent three months exploring the river and catching its unusually large trout. Nearly 25 years later, Nylinder reconstructs Lenth’s journal, capturing not only the insights on fishing the river but also the essence of fly fishing itself. This film showcases the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s backcountry and the timeless allure of the sport.
8. Deadliest Catch
Thom Beers, the creator of “Ice Road Truckers,” takes us into the treacherous Bering Sea. Crab fishermen battling relentless waves and real danger. Every episode is a gamble between life, death, and giant crabs.
A typical conversation on deck:
Captain: “This storm?”
Crewman: “Might be our last.”
The show feels like a high-stakes reality series. The authenticity, especially during Coast Guard rescues, is mind-blowing. These moments are genuine and can’t be staged—those are my favorites. Unbelievable.
Conclusion
Fishing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life, full of adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. These documentaries capture the thrill and excitement of fishing in different ways, from chasing river monsters to battling treacherous seas. So grab your gear and get ready for an epic fishing journey with these must-watch films. And who knows? You may even discover a new favorite fishing spot or species along the way.