Angler of the Year 2016 - Kickoff and questions

I like some of those ideas really well! I really like the idea of a day-tourney that is focused on an AOTY species. I've considered doing something like that for smallmouth on the Willamette.

As far as side-challenges in general, I'm working on a post right now giving more information about the side-challenges we've implemented this year, but they are all year-long endeavors. That said, bsteves has indicated that it's no trouble to have a shorter time-based side event, so that's definitely an option.

(It's worth noting just to avoid confusion: Anything you catch in a day tournament, like ORC for example, that would otherwise be eligible can count towards AOTY as well.)

I really like your point that it's a symbiotic relationship with the sponsors. I would really like to have the sponsors see some ROI for their contributions. I'm not sure what that looks like other than advertising for them on our points of presence (the forum, the leaderboard, the Facebook group), so I'm open to thoughts on that. I also like the idea that some of the folks who have their hands in the publishing side of things <cough><cough> could give us a mention in an article on a good catch or a tactic or location. But I'm not really in that circle, so someone would need to work on that.

One thing I think that could help is if anyone who wins something in AOTY this year makes it a point to Facebook it and tag the company who donated, or in some other way reach out to the company. I think that thing can make a big difference with keeping a sponsor on for the next year.

I appreciate your (and every else who has spoken up) kind words regarding the work getting sponsors together. But I can't take all the credit by any means. I really appreciate the help from bsteves  and Noah on everything, and spot has helped with a key sponsor as well. Mojo jojo has been a great ally as we trade sponsorship notes, and the whole AOTY committee came up with great ideas for the side challenges. We've also gotten great tips and donations from NWKA members NEMRods, yaktastic, and Ling ling, herro.

All that said, probably working on the sponsorship side is about as much time as I can donate this year (I mean, a man's got to fish!  ) so if people are willing to step up and help in other ways, as you are suggesting, it will make it a better event for everyone. Like you said, one of the most straightforward things people can do is encourage their kayak fishing friends to sign up.

I agree that there are plenty of paths the AOTY could go, but I'm in favor of the path it's on right now. It has to grow at a grass-roots level and generating sponsor interest and a growing field is the best way to get that type of growth. It could be hyped up with lots of publicity but if there is no substance behind it (lots of involved participants) then all the window dressing won't help it grow.

I believe it will expand this year, and will branch off into side events that attract even more participants. The possible analogies to a growing plants are just endless here...

I look forward to seeing the side challenge post and a smallmouth event would be awesome. 

yes... I picked up my Chum in last years slay ride event.

I agree about the publicity push not being too aggressive... But there are some unique qualities about this competition to celebrate that are worth a mention here or there... Particularly how well rounded you must be/become by participating.  Freshwater saltwater large, small... Etc

I'll keep encouraging folks to join in.  Last year was my first year and I did better than I ever expected... I literally had never fished for most of the species I caught last year.  And the other thing I'll do is compete to win this year... And if everyone who signed up does that... It should be really exciting in the 4th quarter.

I'm happy to add Lucid Grips to the prize list! NWKA OG Polyangler is setting us up with a pair of Lucid Fishing fish grips. Where will this prize land? Maybe for the saltwater slam? We'll figure it out eventually as sponsors keep coming in.

http://www.lucidfishing.com/

Awesome sponsors and prizes!  NICE!!!   

Well we've been talking about it some of the other threads, but just to make it official - Stealth Rod Holders already sent a package of 6 rod holders as prizes for AOTY!

First impressions: I am sincerely impressed with the fit and finish on these rod holders. Everything manufacturing-wise looks really smooth and tight. I am going to put my personal one through the paces this weekend on the water and I'm looking forward to it.

Check 'em out!

http://www.stealthrodholders.com/

I am going to have to fish more seriously this year.

Was debating on whether or not to do this but why not lol. It'll force me to go after other species. Looking forward to this!

Jason

Was debating on whether or not to do this but why not lol. It'll force me to go after other species. Looking forward to this!

Jason

That's what I like to hear man! Glad you're going to join up. Check out the Salmon Slam - seems right up your alley.

Nice ad for AOTY in this Month's NW Sportsman magazine.  Good stuff!

Nice ad for AOTY in this Month's NW Sportsman magazine.  Good stuff!

Indeed! That's really awesome. Go grab a copy and check it out, page 100. And as usual, a great article about kayak fishing by Mark.

Someone correctly pointed out that I have failed to share the love with Gig Harbor Fly Shop - MY BAD!

We're stoked to include Gig Harbor Fly Shop as a sponsor. They are one of the northwest's premier kayak and kayak fishing shops. They are giving us two slots in their intro to fly-fishing class!

http://gigharborflyshop.com/

Do you think it would be better to give the class out as a prize for the fly-fishing category, or for one of the other categories (since people who place in the fly fishing category probably already know how to fly fish, with me as the exception!)?

Why not split them? Or better yet, make it a combo pack for father/son, father/daughter,  spouse/spouse, mom /son, mom/daughter?  Willing to bet there's aspiring fly rodders in the group with family who want to learn too.

Why not split them? Or better yet, make it a combo pack for father/son, father/daughter,  spouse/spouse, mom /son, mom/daughter?  Willing to bet there's aspiring fly rodders in the group with family who want to learn too.

I like the pair idea. Actually I had planned to split them - 2 separate prizes - and I just meant I wondered if people would like it as a fly-fishing specific prize or if other people might enjoy it more. But I like the pair idea.

Finally posted a fish to AOTY yesterday.   The AOTY rules put Crappie under Panfish, but both are listed in the submission pick list.   So I picked the more specific "Crappie."

Let me know if I need to move it to "Panfish" to be counted.