Rookie Angler of the Year 2006

Okay, we didn't actually run a "Rookie Angler of the Year" contest last year, but I thought maybe we could have a vote on it or something.  No awards given or anything, just acknowledgment of outstanding achievement by a new member (someone who signed up in 2006 or maybe late 2005 after the fishing seasons closed).   

I'm thinking the criteria should include participation on the forum, quality of fishing reports, quality of fish caught, placing in any tournaments, and face time with others on the water.  Basically, who out of the new batch of members is trying their hardest to be like Mooch.   Okay, so that basically gives the advantage to single guys with lots of free time.

Anyway, I can think of a few ways to get this started.

1.) a call for nominations
2.) Bill does a quick database query to find all top 10 posters (most posts) who began membership between the 1st of Nov 2005 and the 31 st of Oct 2006.
3.) Everyone lets me know this is a stupid idea and I don't pursue it.

Once we have a list of names we create a Poll where everyone can vote.

Brian

Great idea....but more work for Papa Bill. Wish I could help him run the site but I'm sure it would take me 10 years to figure things out     hell, it took me a while to figure out how to post pics (and I still do it wrong) 

But I do really like the idea - it's always nice to be appreciated 

I know, more work for Bill.  Actually, it's a pretty easy query, but still it takes time. I might just do it manually (which will take even longer) by looking at the members list sorted by date.  I'll come up with a list to start, create a poll, and allow others to make nominations if they don't see their favorite newbie listed.

I will gladly give you DB access if you want to do this...

Hey Bill, access to run SELECT queries would be helpful.  I think I can do this with cut and paste also but it will take me some time.  PM me the details or give me a call 707-875-1970

So here are the top 10 rookie posters for 2006 (members who registered between Nov 1, 2005 and Oct 31, 2006).  There are some pretty familiar names and each had an outstanding year in there own way.

Username	Date registered	Posts
FisHunter	3/6/2006	843
guitarzan	1/29/2006	702
JohnGuineaPig	11/21/2005	623
Frankfishing	7/19/2006	482
Zeelander	7/21/2006	471
Danglin	5/12/2006	425
sackyak	5/10/2006	413
alien	12/1/2005	324
KayakJames	1/23/2006	317
Mahi Mahi	5/7/2006	266

If anyone wants to nominate someone not on this list please do so before Friday at Noon at which time I'll post a poll.  Also, feel free to start campaigning for your favorite rookie by touting their virtues on this thread.

I think its a fun idea but is this the "Rookie Angler of the Year" or the "Rookie Poster of the Year"? 

cafe craig and eric / eyeatbay also comes into mind.....

The way I see it, any rookie kayak angler that finds this site is already a winner and is not likely to be a rookie for long.  The value of the information available here is infinite and while I may have considered myself a novice angler when I signed up, my knowledge and experience has increased exponentially by finding this site.  Thanks to Pete (FishFinder).

Well said.

Well, if it was purely "Rookie Poster of the Year" than there would be no need to vote as the post counts would speak for themselves.  This list of the top 10 posters is just a starting point.  If you know of any new members that maybe haven't posted as much, but otherwise have posted some decent fishing reports, had some neat new kayak rigging ideas, caught some really nice fish,  or maybe did well in a tournament or two, then feel free to nominate them as well. 

Maybe next year, "Rookie of the Year" can be a prize given within the general "Angler of the Year" virtual tournament.  Until then I guess it's going to just be a popularity contest. 

If you want a Rookie of the year just take the Rookie with the most points in the AOTY.

I'm not sure any "Rookies" were even in AOTY, let alone had any points.  The top Three and all the top species awards went to veterans.

I love you Brian! this is a great idea!(can we rewind the time machine?)
I am kicking myself in the teeth daily,over NOT entering AOTY in 06'...I never imagined I'd be hookin what I did!
I would have had TWO of them reels at years end!...OH WELL'

did you guys see my gallery and all the fish I've caught this year? ....and wanted to someway say.....You are a FisHuntin' Fool!

Since we're all here to give Bill more work to do  ..... How about nominations and an award to the "best catch of the year".  I would have nominated either JTF for his Linda Mar thresher shark..... or Scwafish for his huge Baja roosterfish.