Top Hooker: Behind the Scenes of Episode Two

 

By "Grampa" Greg McNamara

Well this is certainly a tough one to post as one of my worst outings ever was recorded and televised on national TV. Hey, but thats why they call it fishin' and not catchin'!!! "Water under the bridge" and honestly, I was just glad to get out of this one alive.

Getting the bronze in the casting competition was a bit disappointing being the only true surfcaster of the bunch.  Hats off to both Attila and Chris for pulling off very impressive numbers.

Prior to the casting competition I was giving some of the guys pointers on how to maximize distance. After seeking out medical tape from the on site medic, I made sure that everyone's casting finger was taped as braided fishing line is very abrasive especially when casting a 6 oz. lead weight. Safety first and we were all going to need that very important finger going forward in the competition. Despite the fact that this is a competition, when a particular challenge catered to one individual's strength, that individual did everything he or she could to help out the other competitors in that challenge. This clearly became the norm as it happened prior to almost every  challenge going forward. Not your typical reality show/competition dynamic, wouldn't you say?  I thought that this dynamic would be refreshing to our audience as it was to the producers who embraced our dynamic and didn't steer us in any dramatic directions. Loved that!

Amazing Animal Dads Celebrate Father's Day

 

Think your dad is the greatest? Check out some of these examples of amazing animal dads!

For example, did you know seahorse dads actually carry the babies and can give birth to 1500 babies at one time? Now that's commitment!

To see more amazing animal dad videos, check out this playlist! Or click over to this photo gallery.

Top Hooker: Behind the Scenes of Episode One

 

By Greg "Grampa" McNamara

 

Image Credit: Stephanie Diani/DCL

During the goldfish challenge I went first with four others: Chris, Larysa, Patrick and Dzifa. At the beginning, the fish were lively and really tough to get. It took a good minute for me to get my first goldfish. For the next few minutes I'd get one here and there. With one minute left in the challenge I went on a tear getting a couple doubles. Let me tell ya, they were like Japanese Fighting fish in my mouth. I can't believe I'm saying this! I think with all the splashing and swimming we stunned and tired out many of the goldfish and it became easier as time passed. Anyway, as the buzzer sounded, I rose up out of the water and ended up right between Patrick and Patrick's bucket. Patrick knew he couldn't get to his bucket in time as the seconds were counting down so he basically makes a three point attempt (basketball reference) and spits his mouthful of water and goldfish towards the bucket.... Right as I was coming up out of the water. Yep. He spit right in my face. If you notice at the end of that challenge he and I were cracking up laughing and that was why.

For the zipline challenge, which, let me say, was fun as hell, we actually had a dry run and then the actual run you saw in the show. With the dry run we held the net but were told not to drive it in the pen. The dry run was so camera angles could be established and we could get our timing down. The second run it was on. I knew it was going to take some power to drive the net in the water and hold it in a good position going 20 mph. It was like hitting a brick wall. I felt my whole lower body wanting to topple over my head. So now its Atilla's turn. He's the Hungarian guy. As a pro-squash player and former gymnast , he is very competitive. His team was down and he had to perform to keep them in it. He goes and drives his net down but he never pulled it out. His net slammed into the back end of the pen, then shot forward and SLAMMED into the camera person who was in the water getting the water shot. The net hit the camera and the camera hit her right in the head knocking her back about 3 feet. A Medic was on site, checked her out and she was fine. That was crazy to witness.

During the elimination challenge, our team (yellow) had the day off so we just chilled and hung out and got to know each other. It was a great first experience with those guys.

After the elimination challenge was over, Dzifa was immediately sequestered and the yellow team and I never had a chance to say bye. I was pretty bummed about that because he and I had talked briefly during auditions and hit it off instantly. He is a great guy and he will be missed.

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For more behind the scenes photos and stories please "like" "Grampa" Greg McNamara's official Top Hooker page.

Kitty Cat Goes Cray Cray, Mutates Into Gremlin

 

Cat People friends! Here it is! The BEST cat video making the rounds on the internet today. You're welcome.

 

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Betty Chu is a Digital Media Executive Producer for AnimalPlanet.com. Follow her on Twitter @beddychew or Facebook for the cutest animal posts EVER.

 

Pug Riveted By Homeward Bound Ending, Us Too *Sniffle*

 

If you ever questioned the brilliance of dogs, get ready to have your mind BLOWN.

The ending of Homeward Bound may be one of the most feel-good movie moments ever — even the canine critics agree!  This precious pug watches for the first time and is RIVETED by every minute.

Watch the happy ending and how one ELATED pug celebrates!

 

 

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Betty Chu is a Digital Media Executive Producer for AnimalPlanet.com. Follow her on Twitter @beddychew or Facebook for the cutest animal posts EVER.

 

River Monsters: Hunting the Legendary Loch Ness Monster

 

For more than 30 years hardened angler Jeremy Wade has taken on the world’s most legendary river monsters bar one - the Loch Ness Monster.  It’s a challenge he’s been reluctant to take on, until now. 

On an epic mission to track down the world’s most famous cryptid he traveled from the depths of Loch Ness to the volcanoes of Iceland and beyond.  How did he fare on his Nordic odyssey?  Did he really uncover the mother of all monsters, the legend of legends?

See how he caught one elusive beast and probable culprit of Loch Ness lore:

Watch the How to Catch a River Monster series >>

Find out more on the conditions they faced during their journey through Norway in search of this mythical monster:

Ice Cold Gold: Meet Excavation Expert Zach 'Gator' Schoose

 

Are you ready for the season finale of Ice Cold Gold? Tune in this MONDAY at 10PM E/P for the action-packed ending to a thrilling season. Until then, learn more about excavation expert Zach "Gator" Schoose and about his time spent in Greenland.

Animal Planet (APL): Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from and what’s it like for you there?

Zach Schoose (ZS): I’m an excavation and demo contractor from Mesa, Ariz. I was born and raised here – and it’s the place I’m most comfortable with and know the best. I own my own contracting business so my days vary dramatically. Some days I’m doing paperwork, others I’m meeting with clients or bidding for contracts or I’m actually in the field working. Business has been a little slow over the last few years, so I’ve sort of shrunk my business down, so I’ve been out in the field more. I really enjoy being out in the field more and being able to run the machinery. I really take pride in my work and like interacting with my customers more.

WATCH: Five Piranha Feedings in 50 seconds!

 

Have you been tuning in to our live piranha feedings every night at 9PM E/P? No? No worries - we got you covered. Check out this intense video of five different piranha feedings in 50 seconds.

Want more monster action? Tune in tonight at 8PM E/P for Invasion of the Mutant Pigs!

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Jodi Westrick is a Digital Media Producer for AnimalPlanet.com. Follow her on Twitter @jodilyn and/or Instagram @jodilynw for photos of and posts about her ridiculously cute cats, Otis and Etta.

Prepare to CRY: Tornado Victim Reunited with Pet During Interview

 

We are all deeply saddened here at Animal Planet HQ over the devastation in the Oklahoma City area.  Our hearts go out to all the victims -- including family, friends and pets.

Watch this touching video where survivor Barbara Garcia is reunited with her dog. They took shelter together in the bathroom of her home when the monstrous twister hit.  Ms. Garcia never lost consciousness but she was separated from her precious companion in the aftermath and rubble.  Watch the reunion: 

 

Our friends at the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States have provided us with top pet preparation tips to ensure pet safety in disaster situations.  Get more tips on pet emergency preparedness from our Daily Treat blog >>

 

For more information on how you can help, visit:

Central Oklahoma City Humane Society - find our how to help displaced or injured pets.

Red Cross of Oklahoma City - You can donate online directly to help Oklahoma City. Or, find information on locating loved ones, finding hot meals, shelters and more.

The Salvation Army is providing food and emotional support to survivors. You can donate directly to their efforts here.

 

 

 

WATCH: Longest Burmese Python Gives Us Reason to Never Leave Our House Again

 

Just in time for Monster Week, a Florida man wrestled with and eventually killed the longest Burmese python ever captured in Florida, measuring in at a whopping almost-19 feet long.

According to an article on NBCNews.com, Burmese pythons are an invasive species in the area that tends to destroy the state's natural ecosystem.

Watch more of the story below: