2009 Angler of the Year

the idea of separate categories for trout/steelhead has been floated about and I would think this is the fairest way to do it so that those who can't go chasing steelies to be part of the individual fish categories.

Ok, this is just me blowin' hot air, but I think this would be like giving MLB batters the option to hit off a tee.
I don't think there is one person in AOTY that has every fish on the card in their own backyard.  If you want 'em bad enough, eventually you're gonna have to put some miles on the odometer.
Again, I'm just thinking out loud here, and once the wheels get turning I sometimes head in odd directions...

the fairest way to do it so that those who can't go chasing steelies to be part of the individual fish categories.

But what about those who put their jobs, families, health, and sanity on the line to make the extra effort to go chase steelies?

No such thing as "can't"...  do or do not.

Yes, to EricB listen, you must...

Why does it have to be fair?  Should we limit the number of days the leading anglers are allowed to fish?  I'm sooo jealous of those guys that are fishing 100+ days per year.  Spending that time on the water and knowing where to spend it to maximize their success is a much larger part of the equation than having easier access to specific species.  BTW, may of the leaders were going 4+ hours to get to the king salmon on the Smith.  They put the time and the driving effort in as well.

-Allen

first year for the AOTY
(As for the Steelhead / Trout issue they probably should be separate entries)

i'm just thinking that the more diverse categories would possibly attract more people to join, at least for the bragging rights of saying they caught the largest landlocked salmon, trout, etc, but with the overall leaders still benefiting from being able to catch large fish from every category.  

I am one of those 8-5ers stuck in an office 5 days a week and I live 8 hours from the north coast rivers.  

I get to fish about 2 times a month.  While I have no dreams of finishing on top due to my work and life, I would like the opportunity to get big fish honors.

I know that I won't be able to fill a 10 fish card, but I'm going to join for the spirit of the competition and to try and catch the biggest striper and LM.
I have some excellent trout territory near me, but no trout I can catch would rival a 30 inch steelie. they just get fat rather than long.

maybe even keep the current scales the same for trout and salmon, but give out big fish prizes for the biggest landlocked trout and salmon?

Yep,

 The Winter season Has Hit....


 Cabin Fever...   

 

I'm happy with the way it is now.

If you separate Trout/Steelhead and you don't fish for Steelies then you couldn't fill your card, at least the way it is you can get some points. There are Trophy Trout Waters that nobody is fishing and a big Brown or Laker could beat a Steelie. I would just hate to see one of those Triploid Monsters with no tail win.

Want to join but having moral issues about Salmon.
How can we say were concerned if we are still targeting a fish we know is in serious need of protection?
If I join I would at least have to try, and if I catch one there's always a chance for fatality.
Wouldn't it be best to take Salmon off the AOTY roster?

Gotta agree with this but I wouldn't take Salmon off, just make it landlocked only, Again I would hate to see somebody fishing the Sac. run just to win.

I would like to see a FisHunter Bonus and if you fill your card and release all fish you get some Bonus points, but only if you release all fish entered. Just think it would throw another twist(do I release this salmon for a few points), plus it would look good showing that we are serious about preserving our Fishires.

Good debate, Guys, but, if I may speak for Papa Bill here, changing the game is not so easy.  Precedents have been set - what will it mean to "fill the card" or attain a certain score if the game is different than it was last year and the previous years?  The playing field is always changing due to regulations, resource issues, weather...etc., so why change it internally?  Did you not witness the peer pressure applied when I brought up the issue of "legally" catching an Eel River salmon for AOTY?  I got way more than an earful about it, I learned a ton from it, and I respected the opinions put forth.  Who would want to "win" something that goes against the sentiments of this conscientious group?  Not I, and likely not you either.  And regarding the trout vs. steelie issue - suck it up!  If you can't make the trip and learn the skills to try and catch a steelhead then be content with a trout for points on your card.  Ironically, a large mackinaw from the Sierra's will likely destroy the steelies entered at some point...  The game is what it is, and I think you'll learn what most of us did:  when you enter you find yourself immersed in a friendly competition, and the hookups, road-trips, learning and yearning become way way more important and satisfying than the chance at "winning" something.  In terms of enriching your life, you enter, you win - it's that easy.   

I would like to see a FisHunter Bonus and if you fill your card and release all fish you get some Bonus points, but only if you release all fish entered. Just think it would throw another twist(do I release this salmon for a few points), plus it would look good showing that we are serious about preserving our Fishires.

I like this idea but how does one go about proving it, especially if fishing alone.  Are we talking about using the honor system?

BTW, I'm enjoying the discussion.

Michael

Although this is a very interesting discusion,
I still want to know why Ocean run Salmon are a part of the AOTY card 
I will still participate no mater how far I need to travel to be as competitive as possable
However IMO if we are truly the stewards of the fisheries we claim to be than we as a group should lead by example and help in any way to protect any fish in need and not exploit them just for points.
That's just my thoughts,
Eric

money paid, going to shoot for the top ten and anyhting more is gravy. 

I don't think there is one person in AOTY that has every fish on the card in their own backyard.  If you want 'em bad enough, eventually you're gonna have to put some miles on the odometer.

Word.  I might have steelies by my house but Monte is 3 hrs and the Bean is 4 hrs.  

Splitting trout and steelies has been discussed a length.  Use it as your motivation to get out of your rut.  I learned a lot this season about fisheries I have had a hard time boating consistently in the past, sturgeon in particular.

Want to join but having moral issues about Salmon.
How can we say were concerned if we are still targeting a fish we know is in serious need of protection?
If I join I would at least have to try, and if I catch one there's always a chance for fatality.
Wouldn't it be best to take Salmon off the AOTY roster?

Gotta agree with this but I wouldn't take Salmon off, just make it landlocked only, Again I would hate to see somebody fishing the Sac. run just to win.

I had a great, guilt-free time on the Klamath and the Smith, but I get your feelings about the Sac and we all remember Abby's great debate.  If we are having serious heartburn over salmon I for one would rather just give it a rest until the ocean is open again.  I don't want to waste my time pursuing Kokanee, I'd rather work on my knitting.  

I would like to see a FisHunter Bonus and if you fill your card and release all fish you get some Bonus points, but only if you release all fish entered. Just think it would throw another twist(do I release this salmon for a few points), plus it would look good showing that we are serious about preserving our Fishires.

I like this idea but how does one go about proving it, especially if fishing alone.  Are we talking about using the honor system?

This is a cool idea, but I cannot imagine getting a decent measure/pics of a live 38" halibut...that was a rodeo and I thought it was dead!  Same goes for big lings and salmon.  By the time you got one measured and pics taken, it would be out of the water too long to release with any great success.

I still want to know why Ocean run Salmon are a part of the AOTY card 

Not every run is in trouble. 

Speaking as someone who missed the Eel debate thread, and who will be AOTY'ing and targeting salmon for the first time this year, I'm all ears...

I'm happy to go for kokanee if that's what it takes to fill my card, but would love to go for a "real" salmon if it can be done without affecting the fishery.

But bottom line for me, like mentioned above, it's more about the comraderie and pushing my boundaries and comfort levels than the points.