If the goal is to get it published in a print magazine, do NOT write the article in advance.
These are called "spec articles" and it's very difficult to get them into print because magazines tend work around themes and edition plans that the articles have to fit into. If you do manage to get a spec article placed, it'll almost always involve an extensive re-write, so the bottom line is that writing the full article in advance is usually a waste of time.
Instead, here's what I'd suggest before you start writing:
1. Put together tight outline of your concept for the article. Make sure your outline correlates with your expected finished article length.
2. Contact the editors at the magazines you're targeting and discuss the concept and ask for feedback. Some mags are very formal about this process, most fishing mags are not. Make sure you mention that you will also include photos.
It's likely that any interested editor will tell you that he "Loves the idea, but here's the direction I'd like you to take it. . ." Take good notes and confirm the next step, ie what does the ed want to see next, is it a revised outline, a partial draft, or a full article.
3. Now you're in a position to start writing. All the advice above is good.
Overall, the biggest tip I can give to a writer in your position is be focused and stick to your outline. Most in your position worry about being able to write enough, but what they end up with is 5000 words of unfocused drivel with no cohesion. You want to produce a focused article that brings across a few (about 3) carefully chosen main points. Quality not quantity.
4. Mechanics like spelling and grammar are important, but these aspects are really the last small step even though people tend to think they're the biggest hurdle.
Grouse
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