Brothers On and Off Screen

Todd and Troy Hollowell each filming fishing show

Todd and Troy Hollowell are like most brothers – they differ.

Todd is the Type A older brother with an obsession for bass fishing. Troy is the Type B younger sibling that enjoys the whole buffet, whether it’s bass, crappie, walleye, muskie or whatever.

Despite such differences, the two Walmart FLW Tour pros share a common occupation – they each have their own fishing show. Like the brothers themselves, however, the shows contrast in many ways.

Todd’s Bass Dr. show is set to launch its second season in early January on The World Fishing Network and FOX Sports South. As one could guess from the name, it’s all bass fishing all the time. Troy’s show, on the other hand, doesn’t stick to one species.

“Bass fishing is what I love, and I try to blend a mix of fun and entertainment with education,” Todd says. “I want the viewer to learn something he can take to his lake.”

While fishing partners such as FLW Tour pro Troy Broussard – no stranger to TV himself, considering he stars on the History Channel’s Swamp People – and Harlem Globetrotter Dizzy Grant added entertainment in Season 1, brother Troy provided plenty of on-screen fun as well.

“It was great getting that experience of being on camera and filming a show,” Troy says. “I just soaked it all in.”

That time on camera was enough for one of the mutual sponsors of the brothers to approach Troy about doing his own show. The catch was that it couldn’t be all about bass, which suited him fine.

“Back in college, I guided at a resort up in Canada for walleye, muskie and pike,” Troy says. “I love multi-species fishing.”

“Troy has a lot of experience with other species,” Todd adds. “So it’s perfect for him.”

While the show – called Trophy Hunters – is not set to launch until early 2016, Troy hasn’t wasted any time filming. While many pros were climbing into deer stands, Troy headed to Lake St. Clair in October to tangle with some giant muskies. Emphasis on “giant.”

“Todd’s show is all about catching more and bigger bass a variety of ways,” Troy says. “Mine is a trophy show. We’re not going for numbers; we’re going for the biggest fish we can catch.

“Like Todd’s, the show will be a blend of fun and education,” he continues. “I want to help a viewer searching for that fish of a lifetime to pick up some details that will help him catch it.”

As unique as it is to have two brothers that each host a television show, neither is paying the bills solely through his show yet. Instead, they have to balance filming with a full schedule on the FLW Tour. Yet neither seems terribly concerned with the extra stress.

“Filming is actually some of the most fun fishing I do all year,” Todd says. “From March through August, I’m focused on tournaments. So when I finally get to do some filming, it’s just me getting a chance to fish with a buddy. There is no shaking off bites or protecting fish. It’s all about enjoying fishing again.”

“Filming is going to keep my passion and excitement for the sport of fishing at its highest all season,” Troy says. “Tournament life and always having to catch bass can wear on you. So getting the chance to fish for a different species like sturgeon or muskie lets me relax a bit.”

They even differ on why they enjoy their shows. See, typical brothers.