TV Review: Robson's Extreme Fishing Challenge

But enough of the lame fishing references.

Our favourite Geordie Robson Green is casting his net wider these day in the second series of man versus fish, where he takes on the challenge of landing some of the most exotic species as well as being entertained by some of the world's crankiest characters.

Green is one of those engaging celebrities, clearly well-heeled and successful, but retaining a real charm. Unlike his fellow north-easterners, the excruciatingly dull Ant and Dec.

For five years he has been travelling the globe on his fishing adventures. Sea, sunshine, and travelling while doing something you clearly love. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.

Fishing is one of the most popular sports in the UK, if you can call it a sport, with millions of participants. I tried it once and was hard pressed to stay conscious for more than 10 minutes, while handling maggots and worms was about as attractive as having a rubdown with a Portuguese Man o' War.

But Green's form of fishing is just so different. It wild, chaotic and great fun to watch, especially as he takes on the thoroughbreds of the oceans, from marlins to Bluefin Tuna.

Heading Down Under to south Australia for a kind of angling Ashes, he takes on the Aussies in their own back yard with a series of challenges. The journey takes him to one of the richest marine environments on the planet, at Marion Bay.

First up is Herbie Glacken, a man with colourful language, in a challenge to see who can land the most species in five hours. The marathon session ends all square, but the highlight is the battle to land one of the ocean's super predators, the huge Bluefin tuna that can swim at speeds of up to 65mph.

He then squares up to a former boxing champion at a crayfish catching contest. With their large nets trawling for the spikey creatures, they put you in mind of young children exploring rockpools. Conveniently for Robson, this contest against the pugilist also ends up as a draw.

Trapping the huge and wily Murray cod, Australia's largest freshwater fish, is next. They can live to 100 years and have seen it all and proved too cute and elusive for our bumbling anglers. Another draw at 0-0.

Returning to Marion Bay, another Glacken, this time Herbie's wife Kirstie is the opposition in the battle to catch as many salmon as possible. One up to the Pom.

The excitable Geordie rounds off his journey in the heart of an Aboriginal community, at Dead Man's Island where he learns how to spear-fish with a pair of local ZZ Top lookalikes who hand out the words of wisdom before heading off to spear butterfish. Second place this time.

So it ends up with honours even, and our traveller preparing to head off to New Zealand for the next angling hokum

All pretty pointless with some shots not for animal lovers, but it is entertaining television and Robson's enthusiasm is infectious.

Not a bad way to earn a living.

Bill McCarthy