AOTY is back on!

The committee unanimously decided to re-open AOTY due to the governor’s clarification of “shelter in place”, California’s progression to phase II of re-opening.

Please abide by all local rules and regulations if you want to submit a catch. Some “shelter in place” rules may vary by county/municipality, and we expect participants to follow those rules. However, we will not take local “shelter in place” rules into account when judging a submission, so each participant is on the “honor system” in this regard.

Has anyone tried kayaking lake Herman, is kayaking even permitted on lake Herman?

I had the opportunity to take a look at the fishery, and boy was it impressive in both diversity and size!

Fishes present:
Largemouth Bass ( quite a few in the 2-5lb (post spawn) range.
Crappie
Redear sunfish
Bluegill
Thule perch
Sacramento perch
Hitch
Blackfish
Goldfish

If I lived closer, I’d fish the heck out of it.

First and foremost:The AOTY committee would like to thank Big Jim for his years of service to AOTY (even though he doesn't fish).

We couldn't have done it without you, Jim.


Secondly: In long standing tradition, the AOTY committee takes on new members every few years in an attempt to share the burden and to keep the tournament fresh and relevant. Three new individuals have stepped forward to serve on the AOTY committee.

Nick Chatelain aka Cod Almighty

Annie Nagel aka AnnieAreYouOK

Kyle Monte aka Midwest


Thanks for stepping up you three!

The AOTY page is down due to some kinks during server migration. The webmasters are currently respooling system 32s, synthesizing drivers, and calibrating flux capacitors. It will be up as soon as it is up.

Since AOTY is down, the committee will allow a grace period for contestants to get their submissions in.

Thanks,
The management.

Cuz f*(k this heat. I just saw two Hobbits throw a ring on the blacktop.

Ill be at Gristmill today from about 3:30 pm until whenever. If people wanna do a drift, I'm down. Otherwise, I'm going downstream a bit to find a spot with shade and shad. I plan to alternate between fishing and slurping ice cold beverages in the shade. After the river I will  go to eat Korean cold noodles (mul neng myun) at a nearby restaurant.. Or if Jim and Amy (or anyone else nearby) lend us their home I'll make cold noodles for everyone. 

I need to get a kayak to Richmond. Is anyone heading that way?

Please read full introduction post, and follow signup directions!! If you fail to follow the signup instructions, then I will assign you a ridiculous team name.   

Prizes:
Immortality through the GS perpetual Team Tournament trophy!
Bending Branches Paddle
NRS Chinook PFD x3
Aquaglide Blackfoot Fishing Cooler X2

The team tournament at GS11 is about SAFETY and camaraderie!

Teams will:
Know where their teammates are during the tournament.
Make sure all teammates safely land and are accounted for.
Assist or coordinate assistance of any teammate in need.
Coordinate transportation of teammates to and from the launch ramp (reduce traffic and vehicles at ramp)

Each team should have at minimum:
One experienced teammate
Spare paddle
Bilge pump
Tow/throw rope
Redundant navigation
Redundant VHF radios

How to sign up:

1. Figure out your team and team name.
2. Make sure you are not going to change your team name.
3. Make sure you are not going to change your team name.
4. Post your team info on this thread in the following format:
Last name, First name, Team name (the commas are important).
5. If you are signing up multiple teammates, then use a new line for each individual.

Here is an example:

Koons, Adam, Rodfathers
Knoles, Rob, Rodfathers


Team scores

Team scores will be determined by me, Hojo and Chinclan. We will take your tournament catches into consideration, but we will also consider more subjective measures such as participation and good sportsmanship.