
The multiple reflections and textures of Delano Jennings’s photo make it a work of art.
Photo by Delano Jennings
This year’s “20 Days in September” Contest was our most popular yet, producing hundreds of great photos from anglers around the world and a record number of folks who reached the goal at the heart of the contest. Even those who couldn’t get the full 20 days in seemed to enjoy discovering new waters right in their backyards and sneaking off for a few casts at lunchtime or after work.
Last week, we presented you with 10 finalists for the contest’s prizes. The voting started off tight, but over the final weekend, we saw one image run away from the others. After almost 2,000 people had weighed in, our winner was on top by almost 200 votes. Congrats to all the photographers who made the finals!

Your top choice was Delano Jennings‘s mesmerizing shot (above) of a rainbow trout in a clear rubber net. Voter T.L. Schiavone wrote, “The photo with the trout in the net was so moving to me as a fly fisher. A moment in time caught so clearly with the fish, the water and the net. It takes me back to a sport I love on the water and share with all of you.” For capturing such a powerful image, Delano will receive a Helios 3 Fly Rod of his choice.

Voters loved how all the elements of this shot work together to capture the magic.
Photo by Nathan Andrew
In second place was Nathan Andew’s great photo of a an angler and child at Maroon Lake in Colorado. Voter Kristen B. commented, “Father with child picture was incredible!” For coming in second, Nathan gets an American-made Mirage fly reel.

This fish posed perfectly for Toby Nolan’s prize-winning shot.
Photo by Toby Nolan
Third place went to this great underwater shot of a smallmouth bass with a streamer in its mouth. Toby Nolan’s prize is a pair of American-made Orvis Nippers!
Everyone who voted for our finalists was eligible for a prize, as well. We plugged in the numbers, and the widget at random.org spat out a winner: Rob Rucci, who simply wrote, “Stunning!” We agree, Rob.
Finally, thanks to everyone who participated in any way: by fishing, submitting photos, voting, or commenting (or all of these). This was a great September for me: I got my 20 days in relatively early, which was a good thing, since I couldn’t get on the water for the last week. But I can’t wait to do it again next year!
My photo- the striped bass- was selected as one of the top 10 (I think). Yet my name isn’t on here? I didn’t even know I was selected until someone sent me the link today, never got a chance to vote oops- was out on an island no wifi all week. Very honored just to be selected.
Whoops. My bad. I still had the votes from last year in the post. Sorry. Thanks for the heads-up, and congrats for making the top 10!