The Fisherman's Apprentice shows heroic Englishmen at sea - not on the pitch

Having agreed to review a fishing programme on the same night that England's footballers faced Holland, I was, understandably, a bit miffed.

However, I think I probably got the better end of the deal on reflection. In comparison to the first half of the match, at least. I certainly got to see a heroic bunch of Englishmen.

In this first episode, marine biologist Monty Halls headed to far south Cornwall, to the fishing village of Cadgwith. Just 20 miles from Lands End, the pretty village with its thatched cottages is to be Monty's base as he starts an eight-month – yes eight-month – period as a fisherman.

The Lizard Peninsular has been the fishing grounds of many small businesses for more than 700 years.

One such business belongs to the semi-retired Nigel Legge, who, in his tiny boat, is charged with training Monty. With his white beard, Nigel is Obi Wan Kenobi to Monty's Luke Skywalker, training the young apprentice in the ways of the force – well, fishing.

The small community includes a selection of characters, some of which we get to meet, including crab fishermen, those seeking lobster, a netmaker and fishmonger.

This close-knit community of salty old sea dogs tell tales of days gone by and injuries during time at sea.

It was like the scene in the movie Jaws where chief Brody and skipper Quint compare scars, but somehow it also brought to mind Aldi's new fish finger advertisement. If you haven't seen that yet, you are in for a treat.

Excuse me while I flick the channel over. No score on ITV1.

Flicking back to BBC2, Monty gets an exercise in what to do in the event of going overboard. The body shocked by the coldness, it is a relief to be taken back to the ship. It is an important lesson. One that may save his life.

In fishing villages like Cadgwith, everyone knows someone who has been lost to the sea. Everyone.

Still 0-0 on the other side.

Setting off to sea with Nigel on a relatively calm spring morning, it looks to be an idyllic lifestyle. And Nigel looks most at home returning under-sized creatures to the depths, after all, as a marine biologist it is in his nature to study and preserve life, not to hunt and kill. It is a contradiction that the scientist struggles with.

Widely regarded as the most dangerous job in the UK, each of these fishermen is likely to earn little more than £15,000 a year.

So why take on such a feat? Excitement and anticipation are more likely to be the reasons to fish on this scale than economic reward. It is more a way of life than a job. It is the beating heart of Cadgwith. Without fishing, the village could become little more than a theme park – full of life in the summer months, dead in winter.

Over on ITV1 it's half-time, and the millionaire footballers are still staring at a blank scoreboard.

Returning to BBC2, Monty and Nigel are having a much more fruitful time, catching various fish including a strong dog fish which is soon returned to the sea.

The following day, Saturday, and no fishing today. Monty, kitted out in scuba gear gets a closer look at the marine life, getting a true glimpse of how this low-impact fishing fits i with the eco-system.

How very different it could be if trawlermen dominated the peninsular.

Having been an apprentice for a month, Monty is assessed by Nigel, and given the thumbs-up he takes to the waves on his own for the first time.

Back of the net.

Paul Naylor