1. Tom Boley. I think I consistently learn more from him than anybody else. He really explains the techniques and his 365 videos on Facebook are often great.
2. The Next Bite. Entertaining (minus chase) good information and high production value. Some of it is getting a bit crazy but I tend to believe most of Keith’s reactions are genuine. I think Keith would be my first pick if I could fish with anybody else.
3. IDO. The format is great even though I loathe ice fishing James is about the only guy I will watch do it. A few years ago IDO would have been my number 1. Recently it seems clinical at times. Although the last 2 episodes this season were great. James would be a very very close 2nd for somebody I want to fish with.
4. John Gillespie. Yup get the frabill and choke down a johnsonville. Still I love his format and I find him to be ridiculously genuine. Plus I met him at Lambeau Field this spring and heard him speak. The story of how he got started was amazing and he was incredibly gracious and I talked with him for probably 10 minutes. He honestly seems like a good dude.
5.(tie) Jason Mitchell. His shows are consistent, he’s a good teacher, and he just sounds like a fishing host.
5. Mike Keys. As everyone has said his passion is great. His cinamatography is 2nd to none. Met him a few times and he’s ridiculously down to earth. I don’t musky fish but I don’t miss one of his episodes.
Some honorable mentions would be
Larry Smith. His format of the weekly show provides valuable information. His shows quality is up and down however as far as information and education.
Jeremy Smith, angling edge. Met him at the lambeau field thing. Very easy to talk with. Seemed genuinely thankful when I told him he was my favorite guy on the program. I forsee him sneaking into the top 5 this year.
Uncut angling is entertaining but needs more shows. Another season of 39 hours is supposed to be in the works which would be great.