🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Christopher Cain
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Adventure
- Release year: 1997
- Runtime (length): 1h 34min
- IMDb rating: 4.8/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 9%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two friends go fishing and everything goes wrong, but they still somehow manage to find treasure and catch a legendary fish, proving that even if you’re incompetent, luck can still be on your side.
🍿 Gone Fishin’: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Winning the Fishing Trip
Joe Waters and Gus Green, two lifelong, somewhat hapless friends, win a contest for a free fishing trip to the Florida Everglades. They’re excited about the opportunity to finally have their ultimate fishing adventure. Their wives, though supportive, have their reservations, especially with Thanksgiving approaching.

Disaster Strikes Early
Their trip quickly goes awry when a con man, Dekker Massey, steals their car and all their belongings. Determined to salvage their vacation, Joe and Gus embark on a series of misadventures trying to retrieve their car and continue their fishing trip. This includes accidentally setting fire to a gas station and other slapstick mishaps.

A Bloody Trail and Treasure
Joe and Gus eventually recover their car, discovering a bloody knife and a map inside. They realize Dekker is not just a thief but a murderer, and the map leads to hidden treasure. They decide to pursue the treasure, hoping to turn their luck around, completely unaware of the danger they are getting into.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Joe Waters (Joe Pesci): A working-class buddy and enthusiastic fisherman who often finds himself in comical misadventures.
- Gus Green (Danny Glover): Joe’s lifelong friend and fishing partner, known for his good nature and tendency to sleepwalk.
- Rita (Rosanna Arquette): A woman who teams up with Joe and Gus to track down the thief who stole her money and jewelry.
- Dekker Massey (Nick Brimble): The con man and killer who steals Joe and Gus’s car, leading to a chaotic chase.
- Billy ‘Catch’ Pooler (Willie Nelson): A philosophical and skilled fisherman who serves as an admired figure to Joe and Gus.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Gus Green: “I was just thinking. Say, 100 years ago, we were goin’ fishin’. This is what we would be doin’.” – Gus reflects on their simple enjoyment of fishing despite the modern world.
- Gus Green: “Now, we can’t let that guy ruin our Florida vacation, eh?” – Gus trying to stay positive after a man steals their car.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $53,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $19,745,922
- Worldwide Gross: $19,745,922
💥 Gone Fishin’ Reviews
Personal Review
I have to admit, I went into ‘Gone Fishin” expecting a disaster, given its reputation. While it’s definitely not a cinematic masterpiece, I found myself chuckling at some of the absurd situations Joe and Gus find themselves in. The train scene was so ridiculous it was funny! It’s the kind of movie you can just relax and not think too hard about, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. I wouldn’t rush to recommend it, but it definitely has its moments.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Joe Pesci and Danny Glover”
- “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted slapstick comedies”
- “Families looking for a clean comedy to watch together”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild slapstick violence”
- “Brief scenes of peril”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: ““Gone Fishin’” is a light, inoffensive comedy that relies heavily on the comedic chemistry of Joe Pesci and Danny Glover. While their bickering is occasionally amusing, the contrived plot and predictable slapstick fail to deliver consistent laughs.
- The New York Times: “This buddy comedy is a series of unfortunate events strung together with forced humor. Pesci and Glover try their best, but the script is devoid of wit, and the direction lacks any sense of comedic timing, making for a thoroughly forgettable film.
Audience Reactions
The chemistry between Joe Pesci and Danny Glover was the only thing that made the movie bearable.: Some viewers appreciated the innocent, family-friendly humor and the likable characters.
Mad Maggie was a ridiculous and laughable villain.: Willie Nelson’s cameo as the fishing legend.
Overall Consensus: “Gone Fishin’” is generally considered a weak comedy, saved only by the chemistry of its leads. Most found the plot contrived and humor lacking, while a few appreciated its lightheartedness.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “One of the stuntwomen, Janet Wilder, tragically died during filming in a boating accident.”
- “The film underwent a director change early in production, which may have contributed to its mixed reception.”
🖥️ How to Watch Gone Fishin’?
As of today, you can find “Gone Fishin'” available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check these platforms for current pricing and availability. Unfortunately, as of this moment, it is not known if this film is available on mainstream streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Gone Fishin’, you might like these similar films:
- Out to Sea (1997): Another comedy released in the same year featuring mishaps and misadventures of two friends on a vacation.
- Dumb and Dumber (1994): Similar slapstick humor and the dynamic between two not-so-bright friends getting into absurd situations.
🛒 Gone Fishin’ Related Products
- Gone Fishin’ [DVD]: Own a piece of comedic history. This DVD includes bonus content and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Joe Pesci – 3 Film Collection [DVD]: Own a collection of Joe Pesci’s best films including: ‘My Cousin Vinny’, ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Casino’. Perfect for film and Pesci fans.
- Lethal Weapon 1-4 Collection [DVD]: Enjoy all 4 Lethal weapon films. See Danny Glover and Joe Pesci as their best selves.
- Fishing Gear Set: Complete fishing gear kit for beginners. Includes rod, reel, line, and tackle box.
🎧 Soundtrack
Gone Fishin’ features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Gone Fishin’ is a comedy film about two best friends, Joe and Gus, who win a fishing trip to the Florida Everglades, only to have everything go wrong, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and a run-in with a criminal.
Yes, Gone Fishin’ is generally considered family-friendly, with slapstick humor and no strong language or mature themes. However, some may find the humor to be a bit silly or over-the-top.
Gone Fishin’ was filmed in various locations in Florida, including the Everglades and Ochopee.
🔥 Bonus Content
Joe Pesci & Danny Glover Don’t wanna squeal like a pig!
Remember that hilarious scene with Joe Pesci and Danny Glover? This short clip is a perfect reminder of their on-screen banter, and trust me, it’s pure comedic gold! You have to watch it!
Gone Fishin’ Booby Traps Montage (Music Video)
Did you love all the crazy booby traps in Gone Fishin’? Someone made a montage of them set to music! I think it’s a pretty fun watch that you should check it out.
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