Fishing with Widespread Panic
By Team JamBase Nov 10, 2008 • 5:10 pm PST
JamBase Gets On the Boat Before Charleston, SC Shows
Words & Images by: Dave Vann
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I was lucky enough to get invited to go out for the recent taping for GillznFinz TV in October just outside of Charleston. John Bell, Jimmy Herring and Todd Nance from Widespread Panic agreed to come out for a day of boating, fishing and laughter on their day off before the two Widespread Panic shows in Charleston.
We went out on the 57-foot Carolina boat “The Adamada” with three smaller boats with the film crew in tow. Originally, we were supposed to go about 60 miles out for some deep sea fishing for sailfish. However, the weather was not cooperating and 15 foot swells were looming. So at the last minute we modified the plan and went fishing for redfish on the beautiful coastline just outside of Charleston. The water was still choppy but that didn’t stop the good times.
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Based in Charleston, SC the GillznFinz crew wanted to create an image of fisherman that may not fit the typical stereotype. “We are not two guys in a boat kissing fish,” says Paul. “We drink, we have fun, we have ADD, we cuss, we yell, we tell jokes, we drink – wait I said that already – well you get the point.” The concept is simple. Show the viewer what goes on while the cameras aren’t usually rolling, catch some big fish, have a renowned chef cook them up and throw in some killer live music to tie it all together.
“If the show was just about me,” says Paul, “it would get boring real quick. What we’ve done is create a show where you get to meet the best fishermen in the world and learn from them as we travel on some epic adventures. But, fishing isn’t just about being in a boat and reeling in some lines. It’s about that feeling you get when you hear an incredible tune, taste something amazing or see one of Mother Nature’s marvels. I think we were able to capture that feeling and translate it to anyone that watches.”
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“What can I say, I love music, and any fisherman who says music doesn’t make the fish bite is full of it. It is just a natural fit and gives the viewer a chance to learn some new tunes or sing along to some of the favorites,” says Paul. “You know we really are all the same – fishermen, rock stars and chefs – we love the ultimate experience, plus we are all equipment junkies!”
GillznFinz started in 2007 as a social networking website, where fisherman could log on and share tips, pictures, videos and stories. Paul wanted to provide content to the site so he started GillznFinz TV and made short humorous videos. The creativity caught the eye of Steven Pruett, a longtime TV producer, who decided to help Paul take the show national through syndication. In just six weeks GillznFinz became the top show on the World Fishing Network and pulls in incredible ratings on local affiliates throughout the country. This first season one of the featured anglers is Jordon McCullough, a beautiful 19-year-old female, who on the show became the youngest person to ever complete to the Royal Billfish Grand Slam – catching all nine species of billfish in a lifetime.
The entire GillznFinz crew also had the opportunity to enjoy the Charleston SC shows, which were great. The setlists and a full photo gallery are on the next page. Special thanks to Parker Williams for his help with this article.
Fishing with Widespread Panic – October 23, 2008
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Continue reading for photo galleries of the Charleston, SC Panic shows…
Set One: Jam* > Driving Song > No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature > Driving Song, Machine > Barstools & Dreamers (w/ Thank You Rap), Time Zones, Can’t Get High, Me and the Devil Blues, Dyin’ Man*
Set Two: Jam* > Better Off, Diner, Junior > Sleeping Man > Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Impossible, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl > Imitation Leather Shoes
E: Heaven, Chainsaw City
Comment: * with DJ Logic
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Continue reading for photos of 10/25…
Set One: Jam* > Ribs and Whiskey, Blackout Blues, Walkin'(For Your Love) > Climb to Safety > Walkin’ > Rock, I’m Not Alone > The Take Out > Papa Johnny Road > Porch Song
Set Two: Jam* > B of D > Pigeons, Bust It Big > Jack, Fairies Wear Boots > Drums and Bass*^ > I Walk on Guilded Splinters > Love Tractor > Flat Foot Flewzy
E: End of the Show, Ain’t Life Grand
Comment: * w/DJ Logic, ^ w/Hunter Williams
Hunter Williams and DJ Logic with Widespread Panic 
JamBase | On The Water
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