AOTY Game Plan for 2011

Just something fun to talk about...Last year my goal was a top 15 finish and to catch 10 species. I came in 15th (stupid 2010 striper, might have made into the top 10 with a 25+ inch fish). So with that I wanted to raise the bar. This year I am shotting for a top 10 finish and to catch at least a species per month. Now we all know there are a million factors (wx, spawn, my WAF, etc) but here is what I am thinking. Some may happen sooner or later (or not at all) but at least I have MY plan. What email should I send this too so the fish are prepared as well? I tried [email protected] but it bounced.

Am I way off on my fish/month estimates?

Jan = Striper
Feb = Trout
March & April = Butts and/or Bass (LM, SM and Spotted)
May - Sept = RF, Ling, Cab, Greenling, WSB, Catfish, Panfish
Oct & Nov = Flounder (dabs) and perch
Dec = Dinos

Sounds like a good plan.  I think that you may be able to catch the bass, especially spotted earlier than what you estimate.  But by no means am I a good bass fisherman, or good fisherman at all for that matter.   Maybe the stripers may come a little more on the autumn side of things rather than January, but like I said...Anyhow, I think you've got something good going on with your plan.  And I'm down to go with you and take photographic evidence of it going down!

I agree with shellback about the striper. November and December are the best months is you're looking for a BIG one. Good luck out there! I'm hoping for a top ten finish as well, but I gotta get moving!

Remember the rabbit and the tortoise.  So far no one is even close to the average it will take to win, place or show. Use your time wisely. You will need a big crappie. Oh, no you wont thats right!

He already got his Striper last Friday! 

He already got his Striper last Friday! 

Thanks all yeah that is the kinda advise I am looking for. I made the mistake last year of not really starting until RF season was open. And I was trying to catch up the rest of the year.

Craig, I only dream of being 1/2 the fisherman you are!

And yeah I took care of Jan (striper) with 3 days to spare. But I'd love to upgrade in Nov!

Thanks Eric, but you know what? I really dont know anything much. Im just a lucky bastard. Just keep showing up over and over and it will happen.

Heck, I was in second place for a while, that's bragging rights in itself right? Then three other people posted fish, now at fifth. I gotta go fishing and get this dang skunk off my back!

Thanks Eric, but you know what? I really dont know anything much. Im just a lucky bastard. Just keep showing up over and over and it will happen.

luck my ass....I am sure it has somehting to do with it. isn't the saying "you make your own luck!"

I really dont know anything much. Im just a lucky bastard.

Craig, below is your signature.  This, my friend, is more than luck.

2nd place Adams May butt hunt 09
4th place 2009 AOTY
2nd place 2009 Albion Open
2nd place Yakhoppers "takin it to the wall'2010
2nd place AOTY 2010

Remember the rabbit and the tortoise.  So far no one is even close to the average it will take to win, place or show. Use your time wisely.

Right again Craig.  It's not how you start, but rather, how you finish.  At least once, and possibly twice, I started the year strong and in first place, but knew that it was meaningless as it wouldn't take much, or long, for people to pass me.  And eventually most everyone did.     And when the ocean opened up, I was left choking on the dust of others.

My plan is to always finish better than the previous year.

I can't do much worse than i did last year, but I sure as heck will try.  Gonna be a slow year for me fishing wise, guaranteed.

I never really took it seriously. But now that I'm reading all your "cart-before-the-horse" smacktalk Eric...my only goal is to finish ahead of you!    And Alain!
"Now run & tell that, homeboy!" 

But I also think we should begin to factor handicaps, like golf. You know...like low WAF, or old age, or ? In my case, it's a 3-yo son and 1 more due in August! (yeah, I'm already workin on my excuses lol)

My wife just looked at me when I said I signed on for 2011. It wasnt a look of JOY! I do know this though, when I go to Monterey, shes going too. I have been informed. I think I had like 83 days OTW last year. Couple thousand miles easy. 239 minnows. 17 4oz leadheads. 23 swimbaits. 132 ghost shrimp. 289 grass shrimp. 49 mud shrimp. 29 squid...........................................1 kayak. 1 paddle. Plus a whole GD shitload of fun!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I too knew that the false sense of security in the upper reaches of the AOTY early on was justified!

I know that once the heavyweights of NCKA start fishing seriously I'll be sliding backwards on the leader board faster than skunk can spray.

I had my short lived glory, now I'm just trying to learn as much as I can.

Hope to fish at least once a week this year - that will be more than I've ever fished in my life!

Since joining NCKA I've fished more than I ever have! Plus, I've met some quality fishers and  great people in a cool club.

AOTY will just make me do more of something I love to do!