EH BC's of Rural Tourism Podcast – Featuring Wes David In this episode of the EH BC's of Rural Tourism Podcast, hosts Greg and Colin Girard (The Brothers of Tourism) welcome Wes David, host and producer of Fishing the Wild West TV, to discuss how fishing helps drive tourism and economic activity in rural communities across British Columbia and Western Canada. Wes shares his personal journey from professional bull rider to one of Canada's best-known outdoor television personalities.

 

After injuries ended his rodeo career, he turned his lifelong passion for fishing into a successful television series that has now been filmed for more than a decade and reaches audiences across Canada and the United States. The conversation explores how fishing tourism extends far beyond the lakes and rivers.

 

Wes David of Fishing The Wild West TV Show shares that visitors support local restaurants, hotels, gas stations, grocery stores, tackle shops, museums, guides, outfitters, and countless small businesses, creating a ripple effect throughout rural economies. A recurring theme is that while anglers may arrive for the fish, they leave remembering the people. Wes recounts numerous stories of meeting welcoming locals who shared fishing tips, local knowledge, and genuine hospitality—experiences that often became more memorable than the fish themselves.

 

The discussion also highlights several important trends: Rural communities are the foundation of many of Canada's premier fishing experiences. Canadian anglers are increasingly travelling within Canada, providing new opportunities for rural tourism businesses. Small-town hospitality creates lasting visitor loyalty and encourages repeat travel. Fishing television and storytelling inspire people to explore destinations they may never have otherwise considered. Conservation, responsible angling, and protecting natural resources are essential to ensuring future tourism success.

 

Throughout the episode, Greg, Colin, and Wes blend humour with practical insights, emphasizing that successful rural tourism is built on authentic experiences, community pride, strong partnerships, and memorable human connections.

 

Key Takeaway: The episode reinforces that fishing is much more than a recreational activity—it is a powerful tourism driver that supports local economies, showcases rural Canada's natural beauty, and creates meaningful connections between visitors and the communities they explore. As Wes David explains, while people often remember the fish they caught, it's the people they met and the welcoming small towns they visited that keep them coming back.