Calling his show an ‘underwater detective story,’ Jeremy Wade explores the lesser-known river fish, in the most remote locations on Earth, with this season focussing on South America. Revealing that this season has been most challenging, Wade explains that the investigation inevitably begins with an injury or death near the rivers. While freshwater fish are normally his suspects, on one hunt, he ditches the rod and reel, going deep underwater into a creature’s lair to catch the culprit. He tells us more.
What makes River Monsters different?
People are not familiar with fresh water fish because the waters are murky. It is easier to see underwater in the sea. But here, we need to first find where the creatures are. What makes it more intriguing is that people don’t even know what to expect. Quite frankly, a lot of the time even I am surprised.
Highlight
I went in to investigate what happend to a boat that sank. It turns out that it was salvaged from the river, redone and renamed. Then I realised the original one that sank, was the first one I cruised down the Amazon in, when I visited South America! So that was a twist to the tale.
Biggest challenge.
I have done two shows before, where I caught a type of cat fish called Piraiba-a predator. This time, I went to look for the big ones. The hunt was difficult as they’re getting increasingly rare.
What do you like most about the show?
The genuine sense of discovery. The unknown results are what drives me and the surprise element is unique. People think I am fearless. But I do feel fear. It drives me to be prepared and understand my enemy.
When: Monday to Friday, from 8 pm to 10 pm, through May on Animal Planet