Angler of the Year 2016 - Kickoff and questions

From the AOTY Committee:
We HATE disqualifying your fish! Please take quality pictures to ensure there is no question the exact measurement of your fish. There have been two main issues we've seen recently that has either lead to a DQ or come very close to it. Please read rule #2 below.

2. Photographic evidence of fish size (total length) against a measuring device must be provided. Photographs must be clear, with measurements easily read. It is recommended to use a sharpie on measuring devices that are not clearly marked. All entries must be rounded down to the nearest quarter inch. The ENTIRE fish must show on the measuring device in at least 1 picture. Missing portions of the head or tail will result in a disqualification of the fish. Any fish that has the appearance of possibly being not qualified for entry (such as the appearance of an adipose fin from a non native retention body of water) will be disqualified. Participants are responsible for ensuring the pictures are of sufficient quality to demonstrate the legality of the catch as defined by the laws of the respective state. Fish may NOT be gutted, have their throat cut or ripped through, or manipulated in any way prior to photographs being taken. Cutting of gills is permitted. Tails may be pressed together or tilted. All entries this year will have admin approval before appearing as official entries. There may be a few days lag between the time you post a picture and the time it appears on the AOTY site.

General tips:
1-Take an overhead picture directly above the fish. Even if it is hard to read we can generally zoom in for the measurement. Then take a tail close up shot that shows the measurement. DO NOT MOVE THE FISH BETWEEN SHOTS.
2-Get out those sharpies! Now that the sun has come out it doesn't take much to have the reflection of the sun blow out the picture. Contrast is your friend.
3-Use a hog trough type of measuring device if the fish fits. If it doesn't use a standard yellow tape measure that is stiff on a flat surface.
4-Review your photos to make sure you have at least one good shot of the whole fish


Good:







Bad:
-Not the whole fish

Fish not on measuring device, device should have a raised corner if possible.

-Blown out

Tape is not flat

-Okay but really should be overhead


Thank you for reviewing. It is out hope we DQ no further fish this year and continue to see the great catches coming in!

I swear it was 16" even, trust me.

Just a reminder that fish caught in conjunction with the Oregon Rockfish Classic also qualify for Angler of the Year (all rules still apply).

The winner of ORC could very easily win the saltwater slam as well - might be worth it to sign up for both!

I just approved a nice Lake Trout for Merz. Mr. Merz is charging up the leader board with a 177 point average. Fat sucker! Evan, how do those things eat? Do you catch them trolling? Nice fish!

http://aoty.northwestkayakanglers.com/catches/2671

Ive only fished for them 5 or 6 times, so I'm no expert, but I've been successful each time. i jig for them the same way I jig for bottom fish. All of the fish have come on either Lancer jigs or Lead fish. They are in deep water and hang out on the bottom, so jigging works well. A lot of people troll for them, and i trolled for a while this last time trying out my new downrigger, but had no luck and switched to jigging.

This fish is in the smoker right now. Its only the 3rd mac Ive brought home. I smoked the first one and it was pretty good. It stayed very moist and oily, even compared to a fat chinook I smoked with it. The second fish I just pan fried and it was ok. Im not a big fan of any trout or even steelhead, but if you like trout, you would probably like macs also. I've heard the smaller fish eat a little better, but the lake has a 30 inch minimum, so this is the smallest one i've kept.

Im planning on heading over for a 3 day weekend later this summer and will post an open invite if anyone is interested.

Hahaha. ...great video,Evan!

Ok, that was pretty funny!!

Rawkfish just made a big jump into third with a great pair of salmon.

Hey if anyone is participating in Angler of the Day this weekend but has not signed up for Angler of the Year, consider that a good showing at the tourney would put you in a strong position in the Saltwater Slam side-challenge:

http://aoty.northwestkayakanglers.com/leaderboard/saltwater_slam

Also, I have been trying since mid-July to get the prizes sorted out so I can announce what positions will get what, ahead of a hopefully awesome fall season of points fish. Apologies for the delay as I have been doing a bunch of other things. After AOTD I will get that sorted out and announce it.

Interested to see how Mrs. Redbeard climbs the standings after AOTD 

Lots of catches were approved today so be sure to check it out and see where you're standing!

Interested to see how Mrs. Redbeard climbs the standings after AOTD 

Lots of catches were approved today so be sure to check it out and see where you're standing!

Indeed! I also just approved a bunch of on the fly fish, some make sure you also check out that leader board.

Yeah she's going to bump up past me... a cabezon plus 2 upgrades... 

Ah, I think "Mrs. Redbeard" needs her own, fierce, fish fighting name on this board.  Clearly kicking ass on the fish for quite a while now.

Sorry, Lauren.  I had to mention this.  Does not have to be a poll but could be very entertaining!

I didn't twist her arm - she can call herself whatever she wants. 

I didn't twist her arm - she can call herself whatever she wants. 

Mrs. Redbeard has a certain ring of dominance over the mister that sounds delightful.  Good for you, Christine, Mrs. Redbeard or whatever you'd like us to use to revere your name.  You ROCK!