NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing Zone => AOTY => Topic started by: Clayman on January 01, 2018, 06:30:16 PM
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Congrats to Matt for his dominant 1st place win in 2017's Angler of the Year! Matt stormed into first place early on and never let up. Some interesting stats for Matt's AOTY win:
- The addition of the Flatfish/non-halibut category this year set up the potential for three flatfish entries. Not only did Matt submit fish for each species, but he dominated all three flatfish categories with biggest Pacific halibut, biggest flounder, and tied for biggest CA halibut.
- It's a young category, but Matt's 22.25" starry flounder has set the bar in the Flatfish division. That'll be a tough one to beat!
- Matt's 41.5" lingcod is second-biggest ling in AOTY history. Considering that lingcod are one of the most-entered fish in AOTY, that's a helluva feat!
- Matt did not have a black bass in his Top 10 species. This is the first time in AOTY history where the top finisher did not have a black bass in their Top 10.
I didn't fish with Matt as much this year since I moved north, but we connected on a handful of memorable trips. He even took a break from the AOTY hunt and fished with me in Oregon a few times. I've included a few shots from those adventures.
And congrats to all those who placed! Matt, Ryan, and Rob pulled a Humboldt Sweep of 1st through 3rd! Big props to these three Men of the North!
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Congrats Matt!!!
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Congrats Matt. Ur a hell of a fisherman.
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Congratulations, Matt. Inspiring catches as always.
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WTG, Matt! Thanks for posting this, Chris. :smt001
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Congrats, Matt!
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Impressive!
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Impressive....congrats to you, Matt!
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Congrats!
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WTG Matt!
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Congratulations to Matt and the Humboldt sweepers!
You guys posted some amazing catches this year. I have enjoyed watching you guys compete this year.
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Congrats Matt! Sure enjoyed watching you this year on FB!!!
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Congrats on the great accomplishment Matt!
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Congrats, now do it back to back.
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Congrats!
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Congrats Matt!!!!!!
Great job on the win, and very well deserved!!
:smt006
Sincerely,
Jim
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Congrats!
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Congrats Matt. I have been fishing with him often since we are neighbors on Humboldt Hill. We put in lots of time on the water together catching many great fish. Matt does his homework and stays focused on his goals for certain saltwater adventures. There have been several times I have been unprepared forgetting some tackle or just not taking the time to prep rigs before the trip. Matt has always been generous in sharing his knowledge with me as I have with him. Who knows what 2018 will bring, but it's overdue to have us both come in with personal best Pacific halibut. Hopefully we can do that with calibuts too since it's my turn to get a 40"er.
Congrats to Ryan too for putting up a strong 2nd place . I remember when Ryan just started kayak fishing. It wasn't that many seasons ago and he has proven in short time that he can catch all the trophy saltwater fish in our area as well as having great freshwater skills too. Ryan would be my goto for fishing Big Lagoon for the coastal cutthroat. I look forward to fishing together this summer. Maybe 3 or more Pacific halibut landed the same day by the Humboldt guys and ladies for a group photo on Trinidad beach this year.
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Congrats Matt! As Chris said, you put the pedal to the metal and kept it down all the way.
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Congrats bro...been killing it, well deserved!
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Beast Mode all year ! Nice Win !!!!
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Thank you very much everybody! I couldn't be happier with the way things turned out! Lots of driving and lots of research on the water and off gave me the confidence to keep at it again after the 2016 season.
Rob, Ryan and I all joked about having a Humboldt sweep for the top 3 much earlier in the season and it's only perfect that it actually happened. Lots of new things I look forward to this new year, chasing after salmon, a barndoor Pacbut, and of course more flatfish action. Congrats to Ryan and Rob on 2nd and 3rd, Good luck to everybody competing this year and don't be afraid to send me a PM if you want to get together to chase something fun!
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Just looked at all the monsters you wrangled this year! Amazing bros is right. So many NICE fish. What a great year!!! Congrat's!!
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Congrats, Matt! Hope 2018 treats you as well or better!
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It's pretty ridiculous scrolling through your top 10 for the year, straight up monsters. Congrats on a well-deserved victory, and props to Ryan and Rob for the strong work!
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Congrats, Matt. Hope to fish with you this year.
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Right on Matt! You definitely earned that title with some amazing fish (many of which would be a "fish of a lifetime" for mere mortals). Thanks for sharing the knowledge with us. I have a feeling you may be near the top again in 2018.
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Congrats AMayesing Matt!!!
I knew you gonna take it this year from the beginning!!!
Congrats to all other participants & winners!!!
Thank you very much everybody! I couldn't be happier with the way things turned out! Lots of driving and lots of research on the water and off gave me the confidence to keep at it again after the 2016 season.
Rob, Ryan and I all joked about having a Humboldt sweep for the top 3 much earlier in the season and it's only perfect that it actually happened. Lots of new things I look forward to this new year, chasing after salmon, a barndoor Pacbut, and of course more flatfish action. Congrats to Ryan and Rob on 2nd and 3rd, Good luck to everybody competing this year and don't be afraid to send me a PM if you want to get together to chase something fun!
Yeah, I will PM you!!!
Naoaki
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Congrats!
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Matt is proof of the old saying " the harder you work the luckier you get ". I was fortunate to fish with Matt during his championship season and I was thoroughly impressed with his fishing skills and more importunately his sportsmanship. Last year my brother issued the challange for a brother battle on my home turf and we need to make it happen this season. Lookng forward to fishing with you again in 2018.
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Congratulations Matt, Ryan, and Rob on the Humboldt sweep this year. All three of you are outstanding and generous fishermen who I have had the pleasure to fish with over the years while visiting your beautiful waters up north.
Matt my brother wants to have a fish throw down with you and your brother Chris. I believe my brother has lost his mind. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to fish with you and your brother again this summer.
Tight lines to all.
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Congrats Swayze!!!
You are one happening fisherman!!!
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WTG Matt! Congrats!
-Kiel