LIP'EM & RIP'EM Sportfishing Television Series originally premiered on the Altitude Sports & Entertainment Network in 2008, to rave reviews by an audience of anglers who were seeking something new and refreshing in outdoor programming.
Hosted by Shannon "Lefty" Larsen, this travel oriented fishing program focuses on fisheries in the Rocky Mountains and West. Shannon - or "Lefty" - lost his right arm in an accident in the early '90s. Here, he shows that his amputation is of little concern when trolling, casting, or fly fishing for monster trout, pike, and salmon.
Each episode focuses on practical techniques and tools of the trade, but is seldom boring - with an infusion of odd and off the wall, honest humor. Rather than being a "cleverly disguised infomercial", as most of this genre programming can be, it is more a reality style adventure with integrity and honesty.
By 2010, LIP'EM & RIP'EM left Altitude Network to join the Sportsman Channel, where they aired one of their most popular episodes to date with "Bubba Survivorman" (a character created by Tony Severio) - which was a parody of its own franchise.
In 2011, they were recruited on to the Versus/NBC Sports Network where they enjoyed good Nielsen ratings in a difficult day-part time slot.
In 2013, LIP'EM & RIP'EM joins the TUFF TV Network, founded in 2009. Here, they continue to create new episodes, targeting states all over the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. Originally targeting Rocky Mountain species such as trout, walleye, pike, and salmon - they now explore bass and deep water species.
TV Hosts also include Greg Giacomazza and Scott Thompson with a focus on more high profile guests such as comedians, actors, and sports pros.
Episodes feature such notables as Josh Blue (LAST COMIC STANDING), Kevin Gogan (NFL Star), Karl Mecklenburg (NFL Star), Aaron Hagar (Rock Legacy/Artist), and Miljenko Matijevic of SteelHeart (Mark Wahlburg's voice in ROCK STAR).
