June 27, 2025: In Memory of Tom Mackin

It’s with great sadness  we said goodbye today to former MN-FISH board member Tom Mackin, 63, who passed away suddenly while on vacation with his wife and childhood sweetheart Christie by his side.

Tom has been a force in the fishing industry for decades. After joining Rapala USA in 1998, he went on to become President in 2003 and joined Rapala VMC’s executive committee in 2007. He played a critical role in the company’s growth, helping take the company public and spearheading acquisitions and mergers that expandied its US businesses fivefold. Brand portfolio included VMC, Storm, Sufix, Luhr-Jensen, Blue Fox, Williamson, Terminator and Strikemaster.

He joined the MN-FISH board and had an immediate impact, overseeing branding and marketing, helping us more effectively reach Minnesota anglers passionate about protecting and improving Minnesota’s world-class fisheries. Tom loved chasing muskies, as well as other fresh and saltwater species.

He is already missed.