Chris Marcolin: Ice Fishing Tournament Angler

Chris Marcolin is a prominent angler from Omak, Washington, known for his exceptional ice fishing skills and his association with Mack’s Lure, as a pro angler. He has made a name for himself in the competitive fishing scene, particularly in ice fishing tournaments across the Pacific Northwest. In this Team Mack's photo, Chris Marcolin is holding two Kokanee he caught while ice fishing. 

Passion for Fishing

Chris Marcolin’s passion for fishing is evident through his achievements in the sport.  Growing up in a region rich with fishing opportunities, he honed his skills targeting species like trout, kokanee, and burbot and  developed his skills on fishing throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Achievements

Chris Marcolin has achieved notable success in ice fishing competitions. One of his most significant wins was at the Northwest Ice Fishing Festival held at Sidley Lake, where he took home the grand prize in the adult division with a catch weighing 6.5 pounds. He received a $500 check and a $500 gift certificate from the Oroville Country Store for this achievement.

In another notable event, Chris Marcolin won the multi-species category at an ice fishing tournament on Lake Bonaparte. He caught a tiger trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout with a total weight of 2.58 pounds, earning him a Vexilar basket and $1,319 in cash.

Association with Mack’s Lure

As a pro-staffer for Mack’s Lure, Chris has been featured in podcasts like We Are Outdoorsmen, where he discusses how Mack’s Lure products contribute to his ice fishing success in North Central Washington. His partnership with Mack’s Lure underscores his commitment to promoting high-quality gear.

Chris Marcolin’s is a fan of the Sonic BaitFish, which he has uses for ice fishing. He has highlighted its lifelike design and effectiveness in attracting a variety of fish species, including trout and kokanee. He also praises the Wedding Ring Mini Pro due to its subtle presentation, and the Koke-A-Nut’s glow-in-the-dark features and prismatic flash tail make it a versatile choice for trolling

Fishing Style and Preferences

Chris Marcolin is particularly skilled in ice fishing, often targeting species like tiger trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout. His success in multi-species competitions showcases his versatility and adaptability on the ice.

Chris often highlights the importance of preparation and understanding fish behavior. In his articles and podcasts, Chris stresses the importance of dynamic jigging techniques for ice fishing. He advises anglers to “pound the bottom, lift the lure, and pause,” which he describes as an effective way to attract fish under the ice.

Chris emphasizes the unique opportunities of burbot fishing during winter. He describes burbot as “a fish also known as freshwater lingcod,” often overlooked due to harsh weather conditions. He encourages anglers to take advantage of this fishery, noting that “burbot are highly active during this time and can be targeted effectively with jigs”

Contributions to the Fishing Community

Through his articles and public appearances, Chris Marcolin has become a respected voice in Washington State’s angling community. His ability to educate others on effective techniques—such as targeting multiple species or utilizing specialized lures—has made him an influential figure among both novice and experienced anglers.

Chris Marcolin continues to inspire others with his dedication to the sport and innovative approach to fishing. Whether through competitions or educational content, he is a valued contributor to the angler community, and a valued member of the Mack's Lure Team.