2009 Angler of the Year

What’s up with Angler of the Year 2009?
We should probably get this thing up and running.

I entered this year because I wanted to give back to the site; initially thinking that competition would be an afterthought. And, at the time, that logic made perfect sense—I had my first child last summer and 2008 would be his first year on Earth (yeah, I know that sounds weird….like he was on another planet prior to this one). So, naturally, I assumed my fishing time would be limited, and I wouldn’t have time to actively participate in AOTY.

But, inspired by the spirit of competing amongst my brethren, I often found myself fishing new water with new techniques, and it definitely made me a better angler. In years’ past, I would do 90% of my fishing in the ocean. That changed in 2008, as I expanded my search for fish. I caught my first yak smallmouth and my first yak striper; both in freshwater. But please don’t feel bad for the ocean-dwellers, I did not neglect them. In fact, I had a banner year for lingcod, catching my two personal best lings at 36 and 37 inches long! Still searching for that dang halibut though….ARRRRGH!

I am going to fall short of catching all 10 species this year, and that’s OK. Because I’m looking forward to 2009. And some sweet halibut vengeance! [One day, she will be mine. Oh yes, she will be mine.]

Alright, enough rambling.
I’m ready to signup for 2009 AOTY. Only question is: where do I send the money?
Thanks NCKA,
Pat

Yeah Sin, I feel ya. Although I never entered the NCKA AOTY the NWKA AOTY has been an awesome experience. Like you I've fished so many different species and learned a ton. I didn't have a banner year by far but there is next year. And having competed it really blows you away when you see the top 3 with full cards!!! Although I won't join the NCKA AOTY it's been a lot of fun watching the action!

Z

I've already made up my mind that I'm going to enter AOTY for the first time in 2009 
Without even thinking about it I caught 7 of the 10 species this year (no sturgeon, vermillion, or salmon). Maybe with some focus and determination I can get all 10 in '09!

Its no fun...don't do it 

I'll be back.     I thought about sitting it out, but I enjoyed the individual ocean species part of the competition.  If I can get my kids more interested in the sport I'd love to branch out into bass and bay stuff.

Papa B - when's my sweatshirt comin'?!   

Yeah, don't do it! Steer clear! You'll only alienate your fishing buddies that don't own a kayak. You'll fish way too much and spend too much on gear, bait, etc. The hog trough and yak will never leave your vehicle.
I'm not gonna do it next year. I'm going to go back to enjoying fishing. Like Bueller said, it's the fishing, not the catching.
Yeah, RIGHT!

Sign up for 09 starts Jan 1 of '09. It is like a shotgun start! 

I'm afraid not to sign-up.  With my luck, that'll be the year I get lucky and catch the biggest fish in every category without even trying.

If you think you might be fishing for all of those different species anyways (and I probably will), you might as well participate.  You might kick yourself if you don't.

Don't worry about the prizes.  I'm sure we'll get some good stuff from even more sponsors.

Bill - How about a 1-2 day grace period - if I can haul my butt out of bed on Jan 1 I might get lucky and land a big steelie on the AR opener!!!!  At least I can hope!
  

Joined this year for the first time, didn't get to fish as much as I hoped - looking forward to 2009. Lotta fun watching the friendly competition. 

Any changes being considered for 2009?  What about the idea of splitting the trout category into 2 categories. New category could be "steelhead", using the CDFG criteria (16" caught in anadromous waters as defined in the regs). Second category could be all other trout.  Mostly different techniques involved in each and would add another twist to the competition. When salmon fishing fully re-opens sometime in the future (positive thinking) another possible option to consider might be to split salmon into ocean versus estuary/river categories.  Again, largely different techniques and challenges.

Looking forward to meeting more folks in 2009.

Take care - John   

The trout split idea has been discussed before...it will only make the guys who don'y know how, or have acess to steelhead even further behind.  They will have a zero instead of a smaller score.  Then some guy who knows where to get steelhead AND big trout will really widen the gap.  Now that I think about...lets add trout 

I have also said this many times, but it ain't my show...filling a card is already a beotch...does it need to be harder?

You'll only alienate your fishing buddies that don't own a kayak.

Friends without kayaks? Oh yeah..... I remember them now. 

You'll fish way too much

Is this even possible!? (P.S. please don't ask my wife if this is possible) 

Let's add a category for delta smelt, since crappie was voted down. 

I have also said this many times, but it ain't my show...filling a card is already a beotch...does it need to be harder?

I ONCE thought and tried to get another(non-ocean)species added, but was turned down.....ANDnowIknowWHY!
it is already F#%@#$! hard enough!!    

I am going to stand pat in '09,like others have said it is already hard enough to fill your card.

You always have a 2 week grace period, anything you catch Jan 1. would still count but you have a good point. I will put the signup online this weekend, no need to make it harder than it needs to be.

Respect to those who fill their cards and tackle both salt and fresh water.  Seeing as I can't seem to pry my a** off the delta, I think I will join this year and try to compete for a big fish of a couple categories.  Swearing off fantasy football (for the second time!) leaves a competitive void in my life.  Did I miss the boat on a hog trough, if so, will a substitute be accepted?

Kevin