Anyone who has spent any amount of time fishing no doubt has a favorite story to tell about the big one they caught or the big one they didn’t. After listening to readers share their stories from the previous season at all the shows and events, I know this for a fact. The Fisherman readership is likely the most loyal in the industry, as demonstrated by unheard-of renewal rates in the publishing business. They are also extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their fishing, and many are highly skilled anglers. All one has to do is look at the Dream Boat standings year after year to see the quality of the entries submitted by readers. This year’s Dream Boat prize is a sweet 21-foot center Console Steiger Craft powered by a 150 Yamaha. All this fishing time translates into some great fishing experiences that we would like you to share with other Fisherman readers.
The Tale End column appears in each of our monthly issues and provides the perfect forum for you to relate to your favorite fishing tale. And now, starting in July, the Tale End column will be localized, meaning the fishing stories will all pertain to the Long Island/Metro area. So many of these great fish stories while talking to readers at shows, seminars, club meetings, and even just at the dock, yet they rarely find their way to print, despite me encouraging these folks to write and share their stories. There is no reason to be intimidated by writing about your experience — it’s all about the details and sharing your feelings or emotions at the time. Give us that, and we’ll do the rest. It could be about your first striper, first 50-pound striper, that double-digit fluke, that tog that broke you off and left you wondering where you went wrong, or how you survived a disaster at sea. Even something humorous or scary, something that makes people laugh or cry. If you’re a freshwater angler, it could be about the huge trout you have been trying to catch all season. Some of the best stories are memorable experiences you and your child shared and a trip out fishing. I’m sure you’re getting the idea. I know those stories are out there, so sit down at your computer, bang out 600 to 700 words, and let us worry about cleaning it up. We would appreciate it being in Word format, and including a photo that relates to the story makes it even better.
And don’t forget to share your fishing photos. There are plenty of opportunities to have your catch published as a news photo in the Report Section, in the Photo Gallery, or as a cover on the weekly supplement. We are always looking for quality cover shots for the glossy monthly edition. Maybe some of those great photos you post to Instagram are suitable as a cover shot that just might put a nice chunk of cash in your pocket. We’re not talking about hero shots holding up a dead fish — we need high-quality, high-resolution images in a semi-vertical format (must crop to our cover dimensions) with a live fish fresh out of the water and displayed in a unique pose, not just holding the fish up in a vertical position by its gills. Ideally, there is no bloody fish or decks, and we prefer the angler not to wear sunglasses. Hats should be tilted up so as not to cast a dark shadow over the angler’s face. You don’t need a $1,000 camera to get the right shot. Today’s iPhones and Androids can produce high-resolution images like the best cameras. I know this because I took the May cover of myself on my iPhone on a self-timer. If you have a photo that fits into any of these categories, email me at [email protected] with your best submissions.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s sent in.
