Angler of the Year 2018 (AOTY) - Official

Well now that we're half way through the year I figured it made sense to start the official AOTY thread...  Seriously, though, sorry for the delay. Here is the thread that is already going on the subject: http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=20127.0

If you are new to AOTY please read through the 2016 and 2017 threads:

• 2016: http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=16731.0
• 2017: http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=18859.0

NWKA Angler of the Year (AOTY) 2018

GRAND PRIZE: $500 Gift Certificate
Next Adventure

Sponsors
(will be updated throughout the year)

HUGE shoutout to Nobaddays and jed for helping secure some of these sponsors!

Outdoorplay

NEMRods Custom Rods

Stillwater Fly Shop

Skwoosh Seat Pads

Ice Mule Coolers

Hoo-rag Bandanas

Lancer Jigs

Lucid Fishing

Big Hammer Swimbaits

Stealth Rod Holders

Skwoosh stepped up big and is delivering 6 seat pads and 1 "Big Catch Fishing Seat" ($130 at Austin Kayak)!


http://www.skwoosh.com/

I know a couple of NWKA members who use Skwoosh products to help stay on the water longer. By providing more cushioned support, Skwoosh seats can lessen numb-butt and lower back pain.

I seriously want to win the Big Catch seat to put on my Tarpon!

UPDATE:

Got confirmation that the grand prize will be a $500 gift cert to Next Adventure!

Thank you to CJ and Next Adventure for making this happen, and as always thank you for your support of HOW.

I approved a few fish today and we have a new leader on the board - check it out!

Also Nobaddays helped get Outdoorplay on as a sponsor and they have delivered.

We have drybags with fun stuff inside for several of the top positions including gift certificates for Outdoorplay.com!



I just bought a kayak from Outdoorplay and their service was excellent. Many of you are familiar with Kayak Shed in Hood River (RIP) who was a long-time sponsor of this and other events. My understanding is that John from Kayak Shed has joined forces with Outdoorplay and they'll have a physical retail store in Hood River soon in addition to the online store and warehouse. I'm looking forward to see where this goes from here.

Here's me enjoying my new boat - 2018 Revo 13:

It is a tight race and is getting really interesting. If only I could talk the boss into laying me off from now through November

BIG HAMMER SWIMBAITS

Big Hammer came through BIG again this year - check these out.






I can't wait to try the new segmented swim baits. Smallmouth fishing is one of my favorite ways to get out and have fun and these type of baits are one of my favorites for the rivers. Given the success I've had with Big Hammer baits in the ocean I am looking forward to trying these in my smallmouth waters and seeing what comes up.

A fellow AOTY angler mentioned to me recently that he never really had much luck with Big Hammers in the ocean. If you feel the same way, PM me and I'm happy to explain how I use them. They're not the answer every day but they are in my "top 3" rotation every time I'm on the salt.

FISH ON! There's over 3 months left still...

Just a reminder to get your fish in! 2019 starts soon... 

Those new swimbaits would be killee for dragging and hopping walleyes.

We'll be shutting 2018 officially down on the 14th (per the rules, you have 2 weeks to enter fish).

Looks like I'm regaining my title of 9th place  Love the competition - can't believe some of the fish that got put up this year. I'd have to give my "WOW FISH" award to that incredible walleye of JimBob45's - good luck beating that!

We'll be shutting 2018 officially down on the 14th (per the rules, you have 2 weeks to enter fish).

Looks like I'm regaining my title of 9th place  Love the competition - can't believe some of the fish that got put up this year. I'd have to give my "WOW FISH" award to that incredible walleye of JimBob45's - good luck beating that!

There are lots and lots of bigger ones   we just got to catch them!  I think someone will eventually beat that fish for sure.  Thank you tho Captain Redbeard! 

We'll be shutting 2018 officially down on the 14th (per the rules, you have 2 weeks to enter fish).

Looks like I'm regaining my title of 9th place  Love the competition - can't believe some of the fish that got put up this year. I'd have to give my "WOW FISH" award to that incredible walleye of JimBob45's - good luck beating that!

There are lots and lots of bigger ones   we just got to catch them!  I think someone will eventually beat that fish for sure.  Thank you tho Captain Redbeard! 

I want a recount if Jim wins.

We'll be shutting 2018 officially down on the 14th (per the rules, you have 2 weeks to enter fish).

Looks like I'm regaining my title of 9th place  Love the competition - can't believe some of the fish that got put up this year. I'd have to give my "WOW FISH" award to that incredible walleye of JimBob45's - good luck beating that!

There are lots and lots of bigger ones   we just got to catch them!  I think someone will eventually beat that fish for sure.  Thank you tho Captain Redbeard! 

I want a recount if Jim wins.

lol ...