Kayak Angler of the Year

I was inspired by Joel's list of big fish and an angler of the year thread on another board to start this thread.

Who amongst us do you think would be our angler of the year? Also, don't be shy, campaign for yourself by checking in here with your big fish.

I would say Bill is my angler of the year because he "caught" us all.  This board is awesome.  In addition he managed to catch more salmon off my kayak that I did this year.  Actually, I didn't get any salmon this year.  

I can't say I have any big fish this year that I would brag about.  But this year I feel I've been much more consistent catching fish.  In fact, I kind of feel like I've taken my game up a notch.  Now if I can just get it up one more notch and consistently catch big fish.

-Allen

I will have to agree Bill did catch me as did you all. Incredible Web site Thank you Bill. Not to mention all the prizes he donates to the raffles.
My second place vote would be a 3 way tie between Sean, Mooch and Levi.  Sean for his knowledge, tourneys and willingness to help everyone. Mooch for his photo's,enthusiasm, generosity and diligence. Levi for the variety, size and beauty of the fish he's caught.

I found out about this web site by a chance meeting with a boater while I was kayak fishing at Sly Park. He pulled up along side of me and asked me how I liked my Prowler 15. Turned out he was a Ocean Kayak rep. He told me about the tourney at Santa Cruz. After meeting some of the guys and finding out about this site I was hooked.
A wealth of information is provided. I have met people with the same interest who are great individuals.
I always laugh reading the board and love the camaraderie among the members.
Can't thank you enough Bill.

Mickfish, Tote.... I totally agree with you both!
It seems like we meet nothing, but good people through this site.  Today, we met a new kayak fisherman at Larkspur.  His name is Gary and it was his first time out on his sweet new Tarpon 160i.  He said this site really got him interested in kayak fishing.  Kudos to Bill and everyone here who participate in the forum.

Gary... if you're out there, it was good to meet you.  Please stay in touch.  You'll soon be hooked and addicted like the rest of us!

Bill is the man!!  

Thanks guys, I could not have gone it with out everyone here. This site is about community and sharing, without people that share info it would be pretty lame. Look for even cooler things in 2006!!

While I have caught one of every species in the pool I think I would have to vote for Mooch as angler of the year. He has had a pretty amazing season at least for volume of fish and his salmon run at Moss is impressive.

A lifetime achievement award would have to go to Allen Bushnell because without him I would never have jumped into a kayak to fish. I bet many of us could say the same...

Mooch - slayed the salmon this year plus landing the halibut in front of a bunch of newbies.  Overall great ambassador for kayak fishing.

I agree that Bill has done an excellent job with the site.  The number of new features he adds, not to mention the "uptime" of this site is unmatched.  Great job.

thanks for the kind words fellas! This would be a tough call since many lunkers have been caught this year - let's not forget last year  - I believe Chuck caught the most variety of fish - and lunkers as well.

The newbies this year have done really good! (you know who you are)

I've been fortunate enough catch a variety of fish this year but only because I fished with the best of the best (Top Gun)....I caught my 2 big salmon this year fishing with veterans like Stuart and Fred. Caught my halibut with Kayak Fishing guru Allen Bushnell. Caught my limit of big stripers at mendo with the Mayor of Mendo = Sean/Scwafish....But my vote would go to Paul/Blue Kayak for putting his time and effort on that 37 pound salmon. He's paddled where many of us would never even think of venturing out - and he's done this SOLO. He is definitely an "AquaMan" super hero. I look forward to his next fishing report  "....so I hooked on to this great white and I........"  


Bill what can I say = you've created the most advanced Kayak Fishing site and though we may not have the numbers that so cal has - we have the friendliest group of kayak fishermen   IMO: The number of "hits" will never beat the great personalities of the site itself  

well most of us caught alot of fish this year, and mooch is clearly our ambassador, but bill provided the framework for our new community, and for that reason i vote for bill.

Hahahaha!  I don't think anyone has done more for the NorCal scene this year than Bill.  Mooch has had a SOLID year.  I however, am biased, and will nominate Jelly.  

Jelly made huge progress this year. He got trout. He got stripers.  He got rockfish and lings. He got limits of Abs.  He paddled over a hundred miles for his Dorado.  He caught skipjack.  He speared his dinner in baja. He caught a 7.5 pound LMB.  He made the cover of WON. He introduced the super soaker to kayak fishing.  He took a bunch of great pics of his grumpy old dad between all of those fish.  And he did it all solo as an 11 year old kid.  Jelly rules!

Jelly's highlights for 05...

Yup, Jelly is a stud. But you deserve a lot of credit too, Sean, for including him in your passions.

I will never forget the cold, almost miserable times I spent with my pop hunting and fishing in Maryland. When looked back upon, those were some of the best times of my life. I know Jelly will look back the same way when he's teaching his kids "Extreme Fishing" techniques.

I look at my friends with kids who are glued to the PS2 and can only think that the pleasure is all mine.  Having a live-in best friend and fishing buddy is a dream come true.

He introduced the super soaker to kayak fishing.

yes he did....and I was his first victim  

But I do agree with Dustin, Jelly is enjoying his childhood because his dad cracks the whip on him   He's a great kid and very lucky to have cool parents    

and I was his first victim

Sorry brother!

He's a great kid and very lucky to have cool parents

Sean... wanna adopt a Filipino fry cook?