Photo of the Year 2026 Winner

Celebrating a Year on the Water: Mack’s Lure Photo of the Month Winner the 2026

The Mack’s Lure Photo of the Month contest is more than a showcase of great fish it’s a celebration of family, tradition, community, and the unforgettable moments that happen when anglers trust proven gear and share time on the water.

Throughout 2025, anglers submitted incredible photos that captured not only trophy catches, but the heart of what fishing with Mack’s Lure is all about. Here’s a look back at our outstanding Photo of the Month winners and the announcement of our 2026 Photo of the Year.

May 2025

Kicking off the season, Marc Bush of Twisted Waters Guide Service earned May’s honors with a striking photo of a Columbia River Chinook salmon caught during a guided trip in September 2024. Pictured alongside angler Ronna Schnell, Marc showcased the effectiveness of Mack’s 6mm beads, proving their versatility in fall Chinook fisheries. The image perfectly captured the power of Columbia River salmon and the excitement of guided fishing in the Pacific Northwest.

June 2025

Albert Zartman June’s winning photo delivered color, connection, and Kokanee perfection. Albert Zartman submitted an image of his son, Jaxon Zartman holding a brilliant Kokanee salmon from Samish Lake. The fish was caught using a Double Whammy® Kokanee Pro paired with a Double D™ Dodger, a lethal combination that continues to dominate Kokanee fisheries. The joy on Jaxon’s face and the brilliance of the fish made this photo an instant standout. 

July 2025

Levi Rodelo July’s winner reminded us that great fishing memories don’t require a full day. Levi Rodelo captured a joyful after school trip featuring Emma Rodelo, guided by Ross Outdoor Adventures. With fish in hand and a huge smile on her face, Emma’s moment embodied the fun, accessibility, and magic of fishing anytime, anywhere.

August 2025

Albert Zartman returned to the winner’s circle in August with an iconic Northwest Sockeye scene on the Skagit River. His photo showcased five Sockeye salmon, it was a masterclass in presentation and a powerful display of Mack’s versatility. 

September 2025

Lonnie and Skylar September’s winning photo was a true celebration of generations. Lonnie and his 10-year-old granddaughter Skylar proudly displayed a 4-pound Sockeye caught at Lake Wenatchee. Using a Mack’s Sling Blade and Barber’s red hooks, the entire family worked together mom on downriggers and great-grandfather at the helm. The photo captured the essence of tradition, teamwork, and passing down a love for fishing.

October 2025

Mark Swann October’s winner, Mack’s Pro Staffer Mark Swann, shared a heartfelt moment on Watauga Lake, Tennessee. The photo featured grandson Ronan holding a 16-inch Rainbow Trout caught on a Chartreuse Green Blue Dot Sling Blade and Green Splatter Glow Clear Wiggle Hoochie. With brother Will steering the boat and Grandpa Mark guiding the day, the image radiated family, mentorship, and fall fishing perfection.

November 2025

Cody Smith November brought us to Drano Lake, Washington, where Cody Smith landed a beautiful Chinook Salmon using the trusted Mack’s Smile Blade. Against the stunning backdrop of the Columbia Gorge, this photo captured the power of Chinook fishing and the proven flash and vibration that Mack’s gear is known for.

December 2025

Mark Swann Closing out the year, Mark Swann earned his second win with a touching summer photo from Watauga Lake. His grandson Will proudly held a 21-inch Smallmouth Bass caught on a Sling Blade and Wiggle Hoochie combo. With mountain scenery and youthful excitement, the image perfectly reflected Mack’s values family, youth in the outdoors, and unforgettable fishing moments.

2026 Photo of the Year Winner

After reviewing an incredible lineup of winning images, one photo stood above the rest. The 2026 Mack’s Lure Photo of the Year goes to…

June 2025 Albert Zartman

Albert’s June submission captured everything the Photo of the Year represents: vibrant color, youth involvement, and Mack’s Lure gear performing at its best. Young Jaxon Zartman holding that shining Kokanee salmon from Samish Lake caught on a Double Whammy® Kokanee Pro behind a Double D™ Dodger is a moment that perfectly embodies the future of fishing and the strength of the Mack’s community.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Photo of the Month winners, and a special congratulations to Albert Zartman and Jaxon on earning 2026 Photo of the Year. Thank you to everyone who shared their moments, memories, and fish with us we can’t wait to see what the next season brings.