Michael De Avila is primarily known for his groundbreaking work as the host and producer of the award-winning fishing series, "Lunkerville." The show featuring regular folks at their secret honey holes has enjoyed a 20-year run on national television, diving deep into fishing culture by bringing stories of everyday anglers. Michael's engaging hosting style and commitment to authentic storytelling have garnered "Lunkerville" fIve Sportsman Channel Awards, a Cine Golden Eagle, and built a robust social media fanbase of over 800,000 organic followers, making it a beloved staple in the fishing community. Beyond the banks and docks, Michael's career is equally distinguished. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film from Purchase College. His first feature film, the experimental horror fantasy "Lost Prophet," earned him acclaim in the NYC art scene and received reviews from notable publications, including the New York Times, Variety, and the Village Voice, cementing his status as a filmmaker of considerable skill and vision. During his foray into fishing television, Michael co-owned a video production agency for nearly 23 years, creating innovative video content for retail fashion brands such as Chanel, Armani, J.Crew, and Victoria's Secret. His expertise spans various disciplines, including directing, producing, cinematography, editing, graphics, mixing, copywriting, and brand strategy, showcasing his versatility and creative prowess. Michael's journey took a pivotal turn post-9/11 when he turned to recreational fishing as a source of solace. This personal passion led to the creation of "Lunkerville," blending his love for fishing with his expertise in storytelling and media production. His adaptability is further evidenced by his strategic pivot to social- first content, with "Lunkerville" reaching new heights on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. His efforts have seen tremendous success, with dozens of viral videos, including one reaching an astounding 15 million views on TikTok. In addition to his work on "Lunkerville," Michael revisited his indie dramatic comedy "Burnzy's Last Call" during the pandemic lockdown, re-editing and remixing it into a new HD Director's Cut. This version was released on Apple TV, Prime Video, and TUBI in the Spring of 2022, introducing his early work to a new generation of viewers. Michael deAvila's career is a testament to his enduring passion for storytelling, whether through the lens of a camera or the reel of a fishing rod. His ability to connect with audiences, combined with his extensive experience in multimedia production, continues to influence and shape both the fishing and filmmaking communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices