An observation about AOTY

All good points mooch. I'm just not gonna make myself crazy about it. 

doood....your Linda Mar Striper is Legendary 

*You made the long drive, you showed up at the right day and the right time, you trolled a lure that you picked and you bagged a trophy. THAT my friend, is an EPIC day in my opinion A day like this, is what we all dream of  So, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for your efforts 

I just love fishing for any thing of course rock catching is the best .
I like the competitive part but I learned a long time ago not to let it take over.
I have even offered to take guys out to spots that should have produced .
I really get excited to see others catch big fish .
I really hope I get to put some one some where on a big fish thats the aoty for me.
I wouldn't mind coming in the top thirty myself 
Jim lets fish some more.

Hey Jim what are you studying? I feel your pain as I too don't feel like writing either.  It is Sunday afternoon and I am closing out paper #1 of 2.  Taking a few minutes away from some really boring stuff right now (Public Health Budget spending trends, stuff that cures insomnia). 

You are correct everyone seems to get along for the most part here (I missed the excitement from earlier this year).

Jim. I didn't fish enough with you this year. I wish I could have made it to the K when you went.
That being said, AOTY is nuts-making! It should have a  disclaimer stating what one is in for upon entering. I consider not entering next year, but probably will. I at least get satisfaction knowing I'm making someone sweat, (you know who you are!). It is a good kind of fun when viewed from just the right angle. It's not fun when viewed from the wrong angle. I enjoy fishing with the guys that make me sweat the standings, so that proves to me that it isn't all being in first place that matters.
I get to fish a lot, and consequently end up catching lots of fish. I sometimes feel a bit guilty with regards to AOTY because of this, but not for long! It's my choice. We all have our own choices to make.
BTW, I don't recall any mention of biggest single species at last year's AOTY awards.
Be seeing you at L Sonoma in January?
Fish on brothers...

I entered last year and quickly realized that competetive fishing is not for me. first of all, i am not a very successful fisherman. Secondly, i dont like dissapointing myself unecessarily. i do that enough as is. Last year, i found myself skipping a lot of work and family events so i could spend endless hours alone on the bay not catching sturgeon. i do however, really enjoy watching the competition play out.

"BTW, I don't recall any mention of biggest single species at last year's AOTY awards."



Juan, thats right! I dont remeber that award ceremony for the largest in each category. If they do it this year, the father and son team will take home the most. WTG you Leapin' Leepins. You too Juan. You know I love you man,

I get to fish a lot, and consequently end up catching lots of fish. I sometimes feel a bit guilty with regards to AOTY because of this, but not for long! It's my choice. We all have our own choices to make.

Same Here. My work has always been very flexible allowing me plenty of spare time for fishing and other hobbies.

2008 AOTY....I believe all the anglers who "posted" the largest fish in each category received a great 2008 "Angler Of The Year" black hoodie sweatshirt and the top ten all received cool prizes.

2008 AOTY....I believe all the anglers who "posted" the largest fish in each category received a great 2008 "Angler Of The Year" black hoodie sweatshirt

Still waiting, but I trust Papa Bill to get it to me.   

2008 AOTY....I believe all the anglers who "posted" the largest fish in each category received a great 2008 "Angler Of The Year" black hoodie sweatshirt and the top ten all received cool prizes.

Yes, you're right!  I recalled they all received the prizes for the largest fish in each category and also prizes for female anglers & kids too 

Oh cool, so I will get one of those AOTY sweatshirts.  Awesome.

Me and Bassmanben are tied for the smallest Salmon All I want this year is in the top ten... next year Ill still enter, but more just to enter than to win, its a worthy fee to see friends get into targeting, and the scramble for top ten is entertainment at its finest.

Im happy now. Oh boy ,I just figured that my average fish points are 162 and Juan is 164. Oh thats much better now.

Me and Bassmanben are tied for the smallest Salmon All I want this year is in the top ten... next year Ill still enter, but more just to enter than to win, its a worthy fee to see friends get into targeting, and the scramble for top ten is entertainment at its finest.

Sorry Ben but I upgraded my salmon

Having never competed in AOTY, when I first read Jim's post I thought, "Geez, that's a bit much - getting yourself worked up over a friendly fishing tournee...?" My perception of AOTY was that of a fun competition amongst folks with a common interest, the prizes being just an added bonus and incentive to try a little harder.

Now I see exactly what he meant. This kind of competition can really drive some people crazy! I still might join next year as incentive to improve skills & learn new stuff, but I'll still only fish for fun and to hang out with good people, not to prove that I'm better than the next guy.

I am going nuts right now because I want to fish for sturgeon too. But I need to
catch some salmon or upgrade on some fish that I already have to be on the top
10.  I will still sign up for next year though just because of the little
friendly competition.

Jedmo