Congratulations John/ Bird

Way to go John... wish I could've hooked up with you more often. You killed it all year long. Hopefully, my thumb will heal up and I can get back on the water with you this year... I hope...

Freddie

CONGRATS John!!!!!!!!

Also, huge congrats to Jim and Craig for the top two and three spots...super impressive job by all you guys!!

Even just finishing in the top 10 is a feat to be super proud of!! You guys are all excellent kayak anglers!!

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

WOW! Just looking at the winning fish in the top ten is impressive! Congrat's to all of those that even entered the AOTY race! So much good time spent OTW Glad I got to tag along on some of the hookups this year... Looking forward to 2012... Might even make a run at AOTY (as a donation to the web site) Killer year Bird!!!! So many NICE fish

Huge congratulations to the top 3! It takes a massive amount of time, persistence, and motivation to get to the top in this competition. Excellent job all of you!

i know it takes a wholelotta planning & prepping to even break the top 10.....so to Win,Place or Show is quite a feat.

Congrats to all three of yous,,,,,,you guys are the epitomy of what NCKA stands for.

Late to the party, but I am want to offer my congrats too. John, you're a great guy and an even better fisherman. Congrats on a banner year of fishin! Craig and Jim too! AOTY is the best competition ever invented. It's refreshing to see some of NCKA's ambassadors finish on top, while also remaining humble and contributing to the development of novice kayak anglers. It's a reflection of what this club stands for. So a big Thanks to everybody who makes AOTY happen and Congrats to everyone who competed!

Congratulations John! 

I saw you'r style at CL and knew I was beat 

I just realized that I haven't formally congratulated you here (I believe I did many times in person), so Congratulation!!!
I was super impressed by your focus & determination!
& big congrats to Craig & Jim!!!  I tried to catch up with you guys but you guys are fishing machines!
I would also like to say thank you to everyone that participated & supported this club!!!   I had a great fishing year!  I met lots of new people & made a bunch of fishing buddies!!!
Hopefully more to come!

Naoaki

I said it many times but for Big John I'll proudly say it again, Your the Man! Your one of the Koolest, Nicest and most Humble guy I have met in NCKA, and your my neighbor to boot! Your my inspiration for 2012 bro and one Helluva a fisherman! Congrats On the steller finish, you just didnt stop racking the points till the end, Thats Hardcore! And congrats to everyone else in the top ten, thats one helluva achievement!

Big congrats to you John!! You worked hard for that. Your fishing prowess truley shined through! It's funny how someone every year seems to snag that extra mojo you need to pulll away and grab the brass ring. Not only are they tallented, but they keep getting those extrodonary fish. No doubt you had your year... Couldn't have gone to a nicer guy. Again, congrats my friend.
Craig and Jim. Your efforts and accomplishments are also well deserved and impressive. Congrats to you both.

Thanks to everybody for the kind words and congrats.  Congrats to Jim, Craig and all of the other competitors for a good year of fishing.  Catching big fish is always sweet, but Mooch had it right in another post regarding AOTY – it’s the planning, chasing and hanging out with good fishing buddies that makes it such a great experience. When you’re fishing with skilled fisherman it really comes down to a lucky big fish here, or a few inches there, that separates the scores.  When it’s your time, it’s your time. Thanks Craig for posting the pics and for sharing so many adventures – it’s been a great run. Thanks to Allen (O2B), Glyn (Jonesz), Jim (Saltydog), Dennis (Norseman), Scott (GB2), Patrick (HT), Rob (Diroblo) and Naoaki in particular for some memorable hook-ups!  I tip my hat to your guy’s skills and knowledge. It’s always a great privilege and good time fishing and hanging out with everybody at NCKA hook-ups and events.

In addition to making new friends across NorCal, the other element of kayak fishing that deeply appeals to me is fostering a sense of place with many special locales, and getting to explore new places. Growing up in SF, time now spent OTW on SFB, SPB and HMB brings back many good memories. Fishing the coast. Chasing trout in the Sierra, where my work has focused for the last 20 years.  And especially Clear Lake, where I spent a week as a kid every summer camping with my relatives, going back now brings back memories of many good times and special people, the last from the older generation who just passed in 2011, along with a few quality bass every now and then!  The places, in addition to the people, adventures and fish, make it a sweet ride. Thanks again to all.

Good luck and big fish to all in 2012. 

John, u should be a photographer! Or r u already? Nice pics.

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Great write-up and beautiful pictures John......... Congratulations again. Now, when do we ALL get together and celebrate EveryOnes achievements.

John you set the bar high, both  AOTY fisherman and allround gentleman. Congratulations.

Congrats John!  An amazing accomplishment.