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2026 Photo of the Year Contest

Submission Period: September 1-14, 2026
Voting Period: September 15-30, 2026

Stunning photography has always been an essential part of Marlin, and big-game fishing. Those shots inspire and preserve the moments that define our sport: a marlin airborne behind the boat, a sailfish release at the transom, the anticipation of a sunrise run offshore or the intensity of the cockpit in the middle of a bite.

Marlin’s Photo of the Year Contest celebrates those moments, and the photographers who capture those moments and the images that tell the story of our sport.

For 2026, we are once again looking for the photographs that best represent the excitement, beauty, people and experiences of big-game fishing around the world.

Submissions are open Sept. 1-14. Send us your best shot and put your image in the running to become the 2026 Marlin Photo of the Year.

How to Vote

Select your favorite photo and enter your email to vote. A valid email address is required. Automated “bot” voting will result in permanent disqualification from the tournament. By voting you agree to receive communications from Marlin and you consent to our Privacy and Data Policies. You may opt out of email messages / withdraw consent at any time.
 

Contest Rules

  1. The 2026 Marlin Photo of the Year Contest is open to eligible offshore fishing photographs submitted during the official entry period.
  2. The submission period runs from Sept. 1 through Sept. 14, 2026.
  3. Photographers may submit a maximum of two images. Entries should be submitted as high-resolution JPG files.
  4. Following the close of submissions, the Marlin editorial staff will review all eligible entries and select the 10 strongest images based on photographic quality, composition, creativity, overall impact and their ability to capture the spirit of big-game fishing.
  5. The 10 selected images will become the official finalists for the 2026 Marlin Photo of the Year Contest.
  6. Public voting will take place from Sept. 15 through Sept. 30, 2026. The public will vote among the 10 finalist images to determine the overall winner.
  7. One vote is permitted per valid email address. Finalists are encouraged to share their images and invite friends, family and followers to participate in the voting.
  8. The finalist receiving the most valid public votes will be crowned the 2026 Marlin Photo of the Year.
  9. The winning photograph and photographer will be featured and recognized in the 2027 Best of Big Game Annual Guide, published in December 2026, and the winner will also be honored at the 2027 Marlin Awards Ceremony.
  10. A valid email address is required for voting. Automated, fraudulent or “bot” voting may result in disqualification.
  11. By entering or voting, participants agree to receive communications from Marlin and consent to Marlin’s applicable Privacy and Data Policies. Participants may opt out of email communications or withdraw consent at any time.
VIEW FULL CONTEST RULES
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