Electric Motors in AOTY

For 2024 as a test run should we try electric power in AOTY?

Entries have been down since we went away from a paid platform to a free platform, and I would like to get more people involved. I’m hoping that opening it up to electric power might expand upon the amount of people who would/could compete.

I know that there are some people who hate the idea of power in AOTY, and some who want to do AOTY but can’t because of having a powered kayak.

A lot of  major kayak tourneys and series have gone electric power. Hell even Hobie has announced that they are allowing power in the Hobie bass open series. They have been anti power forever. Times sure seem to be changing.

My vote is to let powered kayaks play. I hope it gets more people involved.

The powered kayak isn’t going to get you out of bed at in the middle of the night to drive crazy miles and hours to chase fish. It isn’t going to find the fish for you. It isn’t going to make the fish bite. Chasing down 10 quality fish is a huge commitment and anyone who does so deserves recognition, powered kayak or not.

Please if you are interested in AOTY let me know what you think.

Maybe allow exceptions based on age, specific disabilities, etc? Or create a separate category for motorized?

One of the reasons I only used my motor once last year was for AOTY points. I would be ok for their use for all, or for those over 65 years of age.

I'm against it. For certain fish it's a huge advantage. For others, not so much. But generally I see a motorized kayak as more similar to a motor boat in spirit than a non-motorized kayak. Although when I'm fishing with motorized kayak guys I don't judge and get along just fine.
I'm okay with sail kayaks being included in the non-motorized division.

But if we really need to bring in motorized, maybe they start with a minus 100pts or -10% of points to try to equalize things.

Since no prizes for the winners and free entries for everyone,   IMO we will get more participation and fishing reports + pictures if we allow all kinds of kayaks.

How about a separate “open” category, where pretty much anything goes (sail, motor, whatever)?

Separate category gets my vote.

However it goes down, all good.   

I'm for inclusion. I'm 64 and physically unable to use a peddle kayak for more than a hour. In order for me to join the AOTY, I would be forced to paddle. In my eyes that puts me at a disadvantage to those with peddle capability. I would not be opposed to a special category for beat up old dudes like me and others.
Kevin

philosophically, against it.  Electric motor is much different than grinding it out (peddle or paddle).
if someone has a physical disability and  blue card from DMV, I'd be open to that.

just my 2c.

after reading convincing arguments from Jewlion, Corey, and Scotty...I've changed my vote to a yes.

Devil's advocate here--what if some people don't want to disclose their disability status for the sake of what is really just a fun game amongst friends? When is that power really going to be make or break in terms of catching fish? Salmon trolling all day? I put in 10+ hour days on the Revo--Do batteries really run that long at 2MPH trolling? I just don't see it being a huge fish-catching advantage. Let 'em play. Lets not overcomplicate this by making two seperate games, or proof of disability, that will devalue the spirit of AOTY. Bet the 2024 winner does it by being an excellent fisherman, not by having a motor.

Also, if you voted no in this poll, you better be playing this year or your vote doesn't count 

How about a separate “open” category, where pretty much anything goes (sail, motor, whatever)?

This, and include spearfishing

Participation in this event has seemingly gone down every year, even with no entry costs. Anything we can do to increase it, I'd be in favor of. I've fished with more than a few people with Bixbys, Torqeedos, etc.  At no point did I feel they had an advantage over me, even as an older guy.

We accept every other technical advantage, including live scope (is that still fishing?). Winning this contest (I have a sense of what it takes) is still going to be about a willingness to get on the road, fish a lot of new locations, learn to fish species you know little about and probably lean on a friend or two for guidance. It's not going to be about who has a small motor.

I say bring 'em on.

Since no prizes for the winners and free entries for everyone,   IMO we will get more participation and fishing reports + pictures if we allow all kinds of kayaks.

I agree, let's get as many folks participating as possible.

I'll still be sticking with coffee powered kayaks though, unless there's a special category for "motorized canoe but with a 4 y/o onboard as a handicap"

Participation in this event has seemingly gone done every year, even with no entry costs. Anything we can do to increase it, I'd be in favor of. I've fished with more than a few people with Bixbys, Torqeedos, etc.  At no point did I feel they had an advantage over me, even as an older guy.

We accept every other technical advantage, including live scope (is that still fishing?). Winning this contest (I have a sense of what it takes) is still going to be about a willingness to get on the road, fish a lot of new locations, learn to fish species you know little about and probably lean on a friend or two for guidance. It's not going to be about who has a small motor.

I say bring 'em on.

This. Times are changing. I agree that just because you have a motor that you will be going out of your way to compete. My opinion. If you can climb the leader board and win it. Maybe there should be a non-motorized and motorized winner. Nothing wrong with that.