Have you ever wondered what it would be like to train like an NFL Super Bowl champion or drive at crazy high speeds in a NASCAR race? Mike Iaconelli will take you along for the ride as he steps into those worlds and then swaps places with athletes and celebrities and brings them into his world as a professional bass fisherman. The new six-part series, My World with Mike Iaconelli, premieres Monday (Aug. 30) at 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Each episode follows Iaconelli on his adventures into the lives of other athletes and then on to a fishing challenge against them.
During each episode, Iaconelli gets a first-hand look at what it’s like to train and compete in the extremely physical world of professional football, bull riding, MMA fighting and more. He finds himself beaten up muddy in some cases, but lives to see another day as he takes each of these athletes into his world on the water. With various fishing challenges in freshwater and saltwater situations, the athletes learn what it takes to be one of the most accomplished anglers in the world.
“I’m excited to partner with CBS Sports Network and this team of amazing professional athletes from so many different sports,” says Iaconelli. “Each one of them brings a passion and unique skill set to their sport just like I bring to the sport of fishing We’re all fierce competitors, but can they fish? Can I hold my own in their sport?"
In the first episode, Iaconelli heads to the ‘Bro Barn’ for a rigorous training session with Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson. The day is filled with a grueling preseason workout with Johnson and his NFL training partners and fellow players. Will Ike make it through the day with all his body parts intact enough to challenge Johnson to a fishing encounter in which they purse a ‘Philly Philly Philly with a Bonus’? This was a challenge to catch a largemouth, striped bass and channel catfish with the bonus snakehead from the waters of the Delaware River.
Other episodes will feature the following guests:
Martin Truex, NASCAR Driver
Truex, the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and 2021 Darlington Raceway winner, introduces Ike to the basics of NASCAR racing on an old-fashioned go-kart track, later graduating to a next level dirt track. Switching gears to a big bass challenge, they then head to Maryland’s Upper Chesapeake Bay in pursuit of 5-pounders.
Kyle Troup, Pro Bowler
With Hurricane Elsa fast approaching off the Jersey shore, Troup, the 2021 Pro Bowling Players Championship winner, and Ike switch it up and set out on a saltwater, multi-species challenge in an attempt to beat the storm. The popular two-handed bowler with the big personality and bigger hair is a fishing newby. With a storm approaching, can the two get it done and complete the challenge? Day 2 is spent in Troup's territory, a bowling center. Can Ike throw a bowling ball like he can cast a line?
Jim Miller, UFC Fighter
Miller, the winningest UFC MMA lightweight division fighter trains, Ike in his best moves to face off in the octagon. Will Ike remember the moves or run screaming from the fight? With an amazing fishery nearby, the will explore what was one of Ike’s favorite childhood fishing holes. Does it live up to his memory or do they leave empty-handed?
Keyshawn Whitehorse, Pro Bull Rider
Whitehorse, ranked 8th in the PBR world circuit, teaches Ike the ropes in a quick training session before mounting a bull at the Cowtown Rodeo in southern New Jersey. Does Ike have what it takes to last the eight seconds, or will he be fishing from a seated position the rest of his life? Day 2 is spent fishing a multi-species challenge at a local lake. Does Whitehorse's trout fishing experience give him a leg up in succeeding at this challenge?
Marina Alex, LPGA Tour Professional
With a break in her golf schedule, fellow New Jersey native Alex pairs up with Ike to see if she can get a fish in the boat as they navigate the waters of the Upper Delaware River. On day 2, they head over to Harkers Hollow Golf Club for a par-3 challenge. Will Ike be able to stay on course or will he drift toward the pond?
