polepole:
2012 AOTY signups are now open. See the box in the upper right hand corner of the front page for a Paypal link.
The rules for 2012 are included below. Of note are the following changes. Many of the rules clarification were to address rules that left too much uncertainty and debate.
A. Points Per Inch value have been completely updated. The goal here was to make a trophy fish worth ~200 points. B. Removal of flounder from the species list. Addition of Pacific Halibut as a separate species from California Halibut. C. The "sturgeon measurement rule" was removed. Sturgeon are now held to same standard as all the other species. D. Clarification on eligible fish. See Rule #6, "Only fish that you can normally keep and eat (per CA DFG regulations) are eligible". E. Clarification on eligible waters. See additions to Rule #4, "Eligible bodies of water are those that normally require a CA license to fish. Those same bodies of waters are still eligible during CA no-license days". F. Prize values are stated for places 1-5. It is too soon to state the actual prizes for 2012, but rest assured, we'll meet the stated prize values. G. The return of a token prize for the largest of each of the 20 species.
-Allen
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1. All fish entered must be caught by hook and line (i.e. hooked, fought, and landed) from a human power kayak (i.e. no sail or motors), without aid from anyone else and using methods deemed legal by the California Department of Fish and Game. No mothershipping allowed, the kayak must be under human powered control from launch until landing. 2. Photographic evidence of fish size (total length) against a measuring device must be provided. Fish must be measured in a natural position with either the mouth shut or slightly ajar. The mouth can not be pulled/extended open. Abuse of this rule will result in that entry automatically being disqualified. The AOTY committee will make final rules in this regard. There is no longer an exception for sturgeon. Clear photographic evidence against a measuring device is required for sturgeon now. 3. The pool runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Fish caught prior to payment of entry fees are ineligible. 4. All fish entered must be caught south of the California/Oregon border and north of the southern borders of the following counties Monterey, Kings, Tulare and Inyo. Fish caught from waterways with restricted access to the public, such as members only or private waterways or aquaculture operations, are not allowed. Fish caught from waters where anglers have to pay on a per fish basis, such as trout farms, are not allowed. 5. The pool covers the following twenty species: Sturgeon, Salmon, California Halibut, Pacific Halibut, Rockfish, Cabezon, Lingcod, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Kokanee, Catfish, Panfish, Spotted Bass, Steelhead, White Sea Bass, Greenling, and Surf Perch. 6. Only fish that you can normally keep and eat (per CA DFG regulations) are eligible. 7. The biggest fish from each angler's top ten species will be used towards the angler’s total points. 8. Trout are defined as the following common names (brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, golden trout, and dolly varden) 9. Panfish are defined as the following common names (freshwater sunfish, crappie, yellow perch). 10. Entries must be posted within 2 weeks of being caught and photographed. No "hoarding" of entries.
PRIZES 1st : a prize with a MSRP value of at least $1000. 2nd: a prize with an MSRP value of at least $500 3rd: a prize with an MSRP value of at least $250 4th: a prize with an MSRP value of at least $100 5th: a prize with an MSRP value of at least $50
The top entry in each species will get a prize (TBD).
Here's hoping for a record number of participants in the fun! :smt006
polepole:
Also, please keep in mind that the proceeds of AOTY are used for site support. This is the only fundraising we do for the year and our only source of funds other than advertising.
-Allen
polepole:
--- Quote from: Bird on December 19, 2011, 09:49:42 AM ---Thanks for all of your efforts Allen!
Here's hoping for a record number of participants in the fun! :smt006
--- End quote ---
Thanks John. But it's not just me. It you, Saltydog, and Sailfish (the AOTY Committee) that has had a big impact in driving AOTY forward. Thank YOU.
-Allen
ravensblack:
Nice work committee! The point values are great. I want you to know that I appreciate all you guys do for us in making the trip worthwhile and for respecting the species that shouldnt be targeted in a fishing competition.