Reel Fishy is a business developed by avid angler Martin Connolly who has been working in video production for the past five years. The idea for an on-line angling directory came about while on a fishing holiday with long standing friend Philip McGarrity in Guatemala, Central America. While in Guatemala they met with a group of American anglers who were fascinated with everything Irish. They wanted to know everything about Irish angling. One of them made a statement that sparked the idea for Reel Fishy: “You guys have a real hidden treasure, but I guess you want to keep it that way.”
Statistics show us that in 2005, 36 million people bought fishing licences in the USA. There are over 15 million people in the UK who actively take part in the sport and here in Ireland over 500,000 enjoy this great outdoor pastime, so without considering the rest of the world, we are looking at over 50 million who should have access to our wonderful resource.
But before any of these potential angling tourists commit to an Irish angling experience, they need to know all the relevant facts.
- Where do we go?
- How do we get there?
- Which species can we catch and when can we catch them?
- What are the guides and charter boats like?
- Where can we stay and what can we do when not fishing?
Reel Fishy will show every potential visitor exactly what to expect should they decide to experience angling in Ireland.
By producing high quality mini movies, featuring guides, charters, accommodations etc and offering this unique visual experience FREE to anglers both here in Ireland and across the globe on reelfishylive.com, people in the Irish angling tourism industry now have the opportunity to promote their product or service in a fresh, new and exciting fashion.
Failte Ireland and The Central Fisheries Board have developed a “New Strategy for Irish Angling Tourism”. The outcome from this study shows that:
- Potential growth is significant
- The industry must provide a high quality experience for visiting anglers
- We should not just promote angling, but all elements of the holiday
Travel, Stay, Fish & Play
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Martin Connolly
Managing Director
Martin spent most of his childhood fishing the lakes and rivers with his grandfather in Co. Monaghan. In 1990 he moved to Drogheda Co. Louth and retained his passion for angling. Sea fishing off the south coast of Ireland and Salmon fishing on his local River Boyne are his favourites. |
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He has also travelled around the world fishing to places like South America, Asia, Mauritius, Kenya and West Africa but always maintained that there’s no place like home. Martin’s day job is camera man, editor and producer and it’s the passion for both work and play that has brought Reel Fishy to life. |
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Susan Connolly
Secretary & Administration
Susan is Martin's wife and mother of three young passionate anglers. This self proclaimed fishing widow looks after the day to day book keeping for Reel Fishy. |
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Michael Comyn
Voice Over Artist & Presenter
Michael records most of the voice over content for the Reel Fishy movie clips. In the past he has worked for RTE, various National Radio Stations and is very well known throughout the corporate world for his voice recordings. |
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Aoibheann O’Toole
Presenter / Researcher
Although Aoibheann is relatively new to the fishing scene, she has quickly developed a keen interest in all aspects of angling. Aoibheann presents and records voice over for the Reel Fishy Movies. |
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