There’s a special kind of magic that happens out on the water. It might be when the sun cracks the horizon and the first cast of the day lands in just the right spot. Maybe it’s the jolt of adrenaline when the drag starts screaming, or that moment just before you see color beneath the boat. But sometimes, it’s just the quiet satisfaction of being outside, rod in hand, away from the noise of the world.
These are the stories that make fishing what it is. They’re the moments we talk about for years. And more often than not, they don’t always come from the record books or the tournament wind – they come from everyday anglers like you. The ones who fish the beaches before work, drift the bays with their kids on summer weekends, or brave the spring cold just to be the first to hook up in the season.
At The Fisherman, we believe those stories deserve to be told. That’s why we’re inviting our readers – that means you who is reading this, to send us your fishing photos, videos and tales from the water. Whether it’s a trophy catch, a quirky “you wouldn’t believe what happened” moment, or a sentimental day that reminded you why you love this sport, we want to help you share it with the entire Northeast fishing community.
Fishing is more than just a sport. It’s a lifestyle, a tradition, and for many of us, a connection to family, to nature, and to a sense of place. Every angler has a story – from the first fish ever caught on a snapper rod, to that unexpected cow bass that inhaled a plug just as you were about to reel in. These stories are the make up our fishing culture, and they reflect the incredible diversity of our fisheries, and our people.
When you share your fishing experience, you’re doing more than just showing off a great catch. You’re inspiring others to get outside, to try a new technique, or to introduce a friend or family member to the water for the first time. You’re reminding all of us why we keep coming back – season after season. We’re not looking for just polished or professional photography — though we certainly welcome both! If you’ve got a good photo and a story to go with it, we want to hear from you. Here’s what makes for a great submission:
Photos: Clear, well-lit shots of you with your catch, action shots of a fight, scenic moments on the water, or even funny mishaps (we’ve all got a few). Cell phone pics are totally fine with the high resolution cameras most have these days just make sure they’re in focus and high enough resolution to print. And if you want a shot at a cover take your photos in vertical format showing off a lively fish without any blood if possible. Be sure to include your full name, hometown, the general location where you were fishing and who else was with you. If it’s a special milestone – like a first catch or a personal best – let us know.
Stories: Just write like you’d talk to a friend. Tell us where you were, what you were targeting, what bait or lure you were using, and how it all went down. Include any twists, surprises, or memorable moments – even if the fish wasn’t the biggest. If it meant something to you, it’ll resonate with others. Tale End pieces are around 750 words or so with a photo that relates to the piece.
We’re also active across social media platforms, so you might see your catch shared with thousands of fellow anglers across the Northeast – with full credit, of course.
Getting your story to us is easy. Just email your photos and a short write-up to mbroderick@thefisherman.com. If you use Instagram, send us a direct message at @thefishermanmag or hashtag #thefishermanmagazine – we monitor those closely and often reach out for print permission if a post catches our eye.
So the next time you’re out there, whether you land a giant or even just a great shot, snap a photo, write it up, and send it our way. Let your story be part of something we can share with others.
