How to Get Your Picture on the Cover of a Fishing Magazine

Make sure photos intended for fishing magazine covers include an impressive fish.

Part of the thrill in landing a gigantic fish is getting to pose for the obligatory trophy photograph, dutifully emailed to friends, co-workers and family members or framed to hang in the hallway. For some fishermen, however, informal kudos from loved ones isn't quite enough.



Some people dream of getting their picture on the cover of a fishing magazine, perhaps hoping to earn the envy of thousands of magazine subscribers. Such a feat takes some planning and research. But landing the magazine cover may feel just as rewarding as landing the fish.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing pole
• Fishing bait and equipment
• Camera
• Photographer
• Current fishing magazines
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Catch an impressive fish. The big, juicy fish is a must-have for a proper trophy photograph. Increase the chances of capturing a magazine cover-worthy photo by upping the chance of catching a worthy fish. Boost the number of planned fishing trips. Consider booking a long-awaited fishing charter in locations known for superior quality fishing, including Alaska, Hawaii and Baja Mexico.

2. Partner up with a reliable photographer. Join forces with a fishing buddy and invest in a professional quality camera, or comb the classifieds for an up-and-coming photographer or photography student who may be willing to climb aboard to shoot the fishing expedition. Sweeten the deal by offering them any financial proceeds should a magazine publish the photo as a cover or interior shot.

3. Flip through fishing magazines. Decide which fishing magazines are most suitable to your preferred style and technique for fishing. Pay attention to the photo choices on the cover and within the pages of the magazine.

4. Prepare for the shoot. Using knowledge gained from the magazine cover research, work with the photographer to develop a game plan. If the goal is an action shot, verbally go over a few scenarios to determine the best vantage point for the photographer to capture a dramatic moment. If the fisherman is at the boat's stern with a fish on, for example, the photographer may want to climb into the cockpit or bridge for a bird's eye view of the action.

5. Submit, submit, submit. After landing a worthy fish and photo, email the photo with a brief note to the fishing magazine's photo editor. Don't be shy about following up with a reminder note if you don't hear back within the magazine's stated time frame for reply as emails can get lost in the shuffle.

Tips & Warnings

• When submitting to photo editors, make sure the editor's name is accurate and spelled correctly. Incorrectly addressed notes and emails are often quickly discarded.

References

• Midcurrent: Why Do Fly-Fishing Photos Always Look The Same?
• Midcurrent: 10 Ways To Improve Your Fly-Fishing Photography.