The Weather Channel orders competition series from Optomen

US cable network The Weather Channel has ordered a fishing competition series produced by British producer Optomen.

The broadcaster, which is owned by NBC Universal and private equity firms including The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital, has ordered 6x30mins Reel Rivals, which follows the fierce competition, regardless of the weather, to land Florida’s biggest and most trophy fish.

The series, which is set in Florida’s Islamorada, will launch in May 2013 and will join The Weather Channel’s slate of original series including Deadliest Space Weather, Coast Guard Alaska, Iron Men and Ice Pilots.

Reel Rivals is produced by Optomen USA, the American division of the All3Media-owned producer, which also produces The Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America and Nat Geo Wild’s Man Vs Monster.

“Reel Rivals captures the adventure, excitement and fierce competition of this unique world, where rivaling captains do whatever they can – in any weather – to help people bring their trophy fishing dreams to life,” said Michael Dingley, senior vice president, content and development, The Weather Channel. “It’s a wild ride to see them in action, whether it’s battling big fish, weather conditions, or each other.”