AOTY point system

Good stuff and perspectives. Like Al’s day early story, John’s plan distress and Eric’s revelation-

“ Watching salmon migrate, spawn and die has been way more fulfilling than catching them, and that's saying a lot.

I'm getting old.  Stay off my lawn!”

 

What year was that Al, ur 4th place finisher? Thats awesome, but hope you shares some fillets!

It would also be cool to relax penalties for CnR fish, as keeping mouths closed or getting nice pictures could be tough w a 40+" breeder ling that you don't necessarily want to harvest or some flapping trout gasping for water.

Would be cool to think of a way to get a rough measurement but I understand that it would be tough. Maybe a quick paddle length or fishing pole next to it and then go home and submit a picture with measuring tape next to it for judges to determine?

Its a tough problem for a fish length competition but I agree with Eric that it would be sporting and considerate to these species.

Agree on this for lings. I'm pretty much all C & R, but especially for big fish. I freaking hate doing the live measure with lings. Not fun. Also, I've measured with and without lip grippers in the side of the mouth for lings and it's basically the same size. You keep them under control (a bit) and don't add extra length. I still like the mouth closed rule for aoty species as it makes everyone's measurements consistent. You can add an 1" plus to a large mouth bass with open mouth. Lip grippers for lings, I'd be in on that. And for true toad lings, as PS mentioned, may be a rough paddle measure might be better than killing it for a measurement? In the end their only a 5 PPI fish, so not a huge benefit if slightly off?

With a GoPro video cam on your head, you put the fish on the measuring board quickly and then release. Then submit a still shot.