2014 AOTY

I think there are 3 types of catfish in Oregon.  Blues, Channels and Bull Head. 

I think they all count as "Catfish".

Got another question. I expect to visit some water bodies this year that have brown bullhead. Does that fall under "catfish" for AOTY? It looks like there were more that one species submitted last year. I've got to admit I don't know much about catfish.

I accidentally caught a bullhead catfish last year. They dont get nearly as big as the channel or flathead catfish. Its unlikely you will catch one that is worth any significant AOTY points. My 13.5 incher was worth 87 points. The state record for bullhead is 3 lbs, while the Channel and Flathead catfish are 36 and 42 lbs.

If the regulations say it's a catfish, then it's a catfish.  But like others said, they are small

Got another question. I expect to visit some water bodies this year that have brown bullhead. Does that fall under "catfish" for AOTY? It looks like there were more that one species submitted last year. I've got to admit I don't know much about catfish.

I accidentally caught a bullhead catfish last year. They dont get nearly as big as the channel or flathead catfish. Its unlikely you will catch one that is worth any significant AOTY points. My 13.5 incher was worth 87 points. The state record for bullhead is 3 lbs, while the Channel and Flathead catfish are 36 and 42 lbs.

In my case, I'll take any points I can get as long as I don't have ten species yet. We will see what 2014 brings.

Got another question. I expect to visit some water bodies this year that have brown bullhead. Does that fall under "catfish" for AOTY? It looks like there were more that one species submitted last year. I've got to admit I don't know much about catfish.

I accidentally caught a bullhead catfish last year. They dont get nearly as big as the channel or flathead catfish. Its unlikely you will catch one that is worth any significant AOTY points. My 13.5 incher was worth 87 points. The state record for bullhead is 3 lbs, while the Channel and Flathead catfish are 36 and 42 lbs.

In my case, I'll take any points I can get as long as I don't have ten species yet. We will see what 2014 brings.

Yeah, I was going to say... so what if it's only 80 points? Might as well get it on the board, especially if you're not sure you'll hit 10 species without it.

Here's another reason to enter it ... we're considering offering a raffle prize based on number of species entered.   You'd get one entry for joining AOTY and another entry for each specific species you make an entry.

The point of this is to encourage more people to join.  You may not be able to fish competitively enough to be in the running for AOTY, but you can get out and have some fun with a chance at a nice prize (TBD).

-Allen

Here's another reason to enter it ... we're considering offering a raffle prize based on number of species entered.   You'd get one entry for joining AOTY and another entry for each specific species you make an entry.

The point of this is to encourage more people to join.  You may not be able to fish competitively enough to be in the running for AOTY, but you can get out and have some fun with a chance at a nice prize (TBD).

-Allen

... and with that you've finally pushed me past the balance point. I'm in!

Here's another reason to enter it ... we're considering offering a raffle prize based on number of species entered.   You'd get one entry for joining AOTY and another entry for each specific species you make an entry.

The point of this is to encourage more people to join.  You may not be able to fish competitively enough to be in the running for AOTY, but you can get out and have some fun with a chance at a nice prize (TBD).

-Allen

Very cool idea. The more the merrier. It's nice too see what everyone else is up to.

Got another question. I expect to visit some water bodies this year that have brown bullhead. Does that fall under "catfish" for AOTY? It looks like there were more that one species submitted last year. I've got to admit I don't know much about catfish.

I accidentally caught a bullhead catfish last year. They dont get nearly as big as the channel or flathead catfish. Its unlikely you will catch one that is worth any significant AOTY points. My 13.5 incher was worth 87 points. The state record for bullhead is 3 lbs, while the Channel and Flathead catfish are 36 and 42 lbs.

In my case, I'll take any points I can get as long as I don't have ten species yet. We will see what 2014 brings.

Yeah, I was going to say... so what if it's only 80 points? Might as well get it on the board, especially if you're not sure you'll hit 10 species without it.

I agree. I entered mine last year for that same reason. I was just pointing out that the bullhead dont score well because the other types of catfish get so much bigger. Its also nice to enter fish just so you know when and where you caught them, for future reference.

I agree. I entered mine last year for that same reason. I was just pointing out that the bullhead dont score well because the other types of catfish get so much bigger. Its also nice to enter fish just so you know when and where you caught them, for future reference.

Just looked at your catfish from last year - that thing is a fatty! I don't think I've ever caught a bullhead over 12" - nice fish, even if it didn't count for many points.

A bit late on this one (sorry), but here's an update as to where we are.  We have a few rules clarification for the year.

1) We are going to enforce a mouth shut policy on entries.  There is just too much unclarity otherwise.
2) All measurements will be rounded down to the nearest 1/4".
3) We'll take sturgeon off the list.

Expect updates to the main page in the next few days.  As in the past, we will allow entries from the 1st 2 weeks of January, but you don't have to pay until January 14.  This gives us a chance to transition over the system, but allows you to start fishing for AOTY.

-Allen

Reminder, the rule is round DOWN to the nearest 1/4 inch.  Every entry I've seen this morning was rounded up.

Additionally, please make sure at least one of your pictures shows the entire fish on the measuring device.

"Photographic evidence of fish size (total length) against a measuring device must be provided."