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Fishing TV, the dedicated fishing TV streaming platform, has announced a strategic partnership that will give global tackle brands access to more valuable content sponsorship opportunities to reach its vast audience.
Fishing TV has partnered with ITV Studio’s digital business – Zoo 55 – to accelerate the growth of its audience across YouTube, Facebook and other online platforms. Fishing TV already has a substantial specialist audience, with approximately 250,000 social followers, 50,000 opted-in email subscribers, 5,000 paying subscribers, 4.5 to 6 million monthly social-video views and 100,000 to 150,000 monthly platform viewers. That will now grow under the deal with what is a powerhouse in the UK of niche audience channels.
The collaboration supports Fishing TV’s long-term strategy of expanding its international base while continuing to invest in high quality original productions, documentaries and feature-length films.
The first flagship project to benefit from the deal – and to offer industry involvement through sponsorship – is 1000lb BLUEFIN: The Return of the Giants, a planned six-part adventure-fishing documentary series following experienced captains in the UK and northern European waters in pursuit of giant Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Ed Burgass (left) CEO of Fishing TV, said: “For tackle manufacturers, the appeal is particularly strong. Bluefin tuna provide one of the most demanding real-world tests for rods, reels, lines, hooks, lures, clothing and boat equipment. Rather than appearing in a conventional advertisement, products can be seen functioning as part of a genuine expedition – alongside expert anglers, captains and marine specialists.
“The opportunity also reaches beyond tackle. Potential category partners include marine electronics, engines, boats, vehicles, technical apparel, sunglasses, weather and ocean-data, travel, accommodation and charter brands. Fishing TV intends to work with a small number of meaningful category partners, giving each a clear and authentic role in the production.”
He added that with the production being planned around the 2026 bluefin season, principal sponsors will ideally be secured before filming begins, allowing their products, technology and expertise to be integrated naturally into the editorial and production process.
“For the trade, the ITV Studios partnership signals a significant new route to market: professionally produced angling content with the potential to deliver both immediate visibility and years of discoverable, global brand exposure.”
Burgass said that editorial credibility will remain fundamental. “Brand involvement must support the expedition and the story, rather than turn the programme into an infomercial. That approach reflects Fishing TV’s emphasis on authenticity, expertise, premium production, respect for fish and fisheries and long-term value for anglers and commercial partners alike.”
Founded in 2015, Fishing TV has grown into one of the world’s largest specialist fishing video platforms, offering more than 1,200 hours of programming spanning fly, coarse, carp and sea fishing, alongside travel, conservation and documentary filmmaking. The platform is available globally across web, mobile and connected TV devices.
Burgass added: “Fishing TV has spent more than a decade building a unique collection of fishing content and a loyal global community of anglers. Partnering with ITV Studios gives us access to world-class digital expertise that will help us reach new audiences while continuing to invest in ambitious original programming.”
Graham Haigh, Chief Operating Officer at Zoo 55 – ITV Studios, said: “Fishing TV has built an impressive specialist content business with a highly engaged audience. Off the back of the huge success of River Monsters in this space, we are excited to work with the Fishing TV team to help grow its digital presence and unlock new opportunities across multiple platforms.”
For partnership enquiries contact ed@fishingtv.com
