Hayes has appeared in several TV series alongside his fishing companion and fellow programme contributor Mick Brown. These include The Great Rod Race, The Greater Rod Race and Wet Nets. The first two are both about 30 day challenges from the west coast of Ireland, to the east coast of England.

Hayes also starred in the TV series Mainstream, in which he travelled down the UK's most famous rivers from 'source to sea', wetting a line or two along the way.

He also starred in 24 Hour Rod Race (Series 1 – June 2012) and 24 Hour Rod Race (Series 2 – October 2013) in which he has no companion. Both series involve episodes with Hayes being set a target which he must meet within 24 hours.

He also starred in the multi-series Total Fishing series.