Congrats to 2017's Angler of the Year: MattSwayze!

Congrats to Matt for his dominant 1st place win in 2017's Angler of the Year!  Matt stormed into first place early on and never let up.  Some interesting stats for Matt's AOTY win:

- The addition of the Flatfish/non-halibut category this year set up the potential for three flatfish entries.  Not only did Matt submit fish for each species, but he dominated all three flatfish categories with biggest Pacific halibut, biggest flounder, and tied for biggest CA halibut.

- It's a young category, but Matt's 22.25" starry flounder has set the bar in the Flatfish division.  That'll be a tough one to beat!

- Matt's 41.5" lingcod is second-biggest ling in AOTY history.  Considering that lingcod are one of the most-entered fish in AOTY, that's a helluva feat!

- Matt did not have a black bass in his Top 10 species.  This is the first time in AOTY history where the top finisher did not have a black bass in their Top 10.

I didn't fish with Matt as much this year since I moved north, but we connected on a handful of memorable trips.  He even took a break from the AOTY hunt and fished with me in Oregon a few times.  I've included a few shots from those adventures.


And congrats to all those who placed!  Matt, Ryan, and Rob pulled a Humboldt Sweep of 1st through 3rd!  Big props to these three Men of the North!

Congrats Matt!!!

Congrats Matt. Ur a hell of a fisherman. 

Congratulations, Matt. Inspiring catches as always.

WTG, Matt!  Thanks for posting this, Chris. 

Congrats, Matt! 

Impressive!

Impressive....congrats to you, Matt!

Congrats!

WTG Matt!

Congratulations to Matt and the Humboldt sweepers!

You guys posted some amazing catches this year. I have enjoyed watching you guys compete this year.

Congrats Matt! Sure enjoyed watching you this year on FB!!!



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Congrats on the great accomplishment Matt!

Congrats, now do it back to back.

Congrats!