A fly angler wearing sunglasses and a cap stands in shallow water holding a large redfish, with trees and rocks in the background.
Atollas Ambassador

Martin Connell

Martin Connell
Angler | Outdoorsman

Martin Connell

Martin is an outdoorsman with a long-time love for fishing based in Victoria, Australia. He was previously in Hong Kong, where saltwater fly fishing really kicked off for him. When not fishing or working, Martin is exploring the Victorian backcountry in a 4x4, camping, and looking for adventures and new places to fish.

Follow Martin

Why do you love fly fishing?

I come from a family that loves fishing. On one side it’s fly fishermen from New Zealand, and on the other it’s lure fishermen from Africa. Fly fishing was introduced to me at a very young age. In the last few years I picked up saltwater fly fishing while I was in Hong Kong and helped put Hong Kong on the map as a destination for catching redfish on the fly. Saltwater fishing brought back that love for fly fishing

Where is your favorite place to fish and why?

Of all the places I’ve fished in the world, I would have to say Hong Kong was the most unique place and maybe my favourite. A lot of people don’t know how tropical Hong Kong is on the east side, and the diversity of fish is really amazing. Catching redfish on the fly in clear tropical water on an island is just an amazing experience.

What is your dream destination to fish?

I’m living in my dream fishing destination right now. Australia has some of the best fly fishing in the world, saltwater, freshwater and I’m currently just getting stuck into it.

Why is the Atollas brand special to you?

I first found out about Atollas through some saltwater fly guys in the US. They introduced me to a fly box they said was the best quality box they had used, the “2GO Box” - designed by a small business run by some very cool people. When I looked it up and got in touch, they were amazing and had the box sent to me so quickly internationally from the US.

When I got my hands on it, I knew right away that this small business took pride in producing a very high-quality fly box. I would support any small business that puts that much effort into their customer service and building a high quality product. I personally own the entire range of fly boxes from Atollas, and the design and build quality just keeps getting better.

What Atollas product(s) are in your everyday carry? 

Since the 1GO Box came out, it’s been my go-to when I’m out in the field all day. I’m a light tackle fisherman and I don’t like to carry too much gear, so it really is the perfect sized storage.

Which one is your favorite and why?

My absolute favourite, and the one I recommend to so many people, is the Micro Fly Box. It’s honestly the perfect grab and go fly box for quick sessions before and after work. Its pocket sized, has a magnetic platform and fits a load of flies.