2009 Angler of the Year Feedback

Yar! don't cave, man.. stick to your guns

Sorry Richard, but you need to choose your battles... and this isn't one I'm willing to burn bridges on so long as I am not required to harvest my catch for it to count towards AOTY.  Everyone's point of reference is different-  I'm arguing from a Bass fishing perspective and others are approaching it based upon trout, et cetera.  I'll get over the fact that my 16.9" LMB didn't upgrade my 12"'er; at least I can look forward to seeking a  >17"'er. 

Erring on the side of simplicity probably makes the most sense and it will minimize the chance of the AOTY rules reading like our WDFW fishing regs.  When do sign-ups and $$ collection start for 2009?
 

Sorry Richard, but you need to choose your battles... and this isn't one I'm willing to burn bridges on so long as I am not required to harvest my catch for it to count towards AOTY. 

I don't think you need to worry about burning bridges here ...  I just don't get that feeling ...

-Allen

Sorry Richard, but you need to choose your battles... and this isn't one I'm willing to burn bridges on so long as I am not required to harvest my catch for it to count towards AOTY. 

I don't think you need to worry about burning bridges here ...  I just don't get that feeling ...

-Allen

That's what I like about this forum!  We're all adult enough that we can agree to disagree.  We can make our strong, heartfelt arguments but when it comes down to it, we remember that we're in it for the fun.   

 

we're in it for the fun.

Speaking of fun, get out there and go fishing.  I want to see you break 1000.

ditto to the sentiments above!   Its all about spending some time on the water in the yak and having fun! Whatever works the best for all involved is fine with me!

I didn't think I needed to worry about it here.  I have seen the C&R/C&K debate get pretty polarized and divisive on other boards before...  it usually starts when one guy or gal posts a pic of a trophy fish on a picnic table or kitchen counter and then all hell breaks loose.  At least the focus here is more on the "how" vice the "what you did with it" when you have a banner day on the water.

This will be a challenge/learning experience for me (good thing) to figure out what fish, aside from bass, are keepers since I typically don't fish for salmonids or other predominantly NW species.  Time to dig out the little key chain fish ID tags the WDFW handed out at the fair last year.

That's what I like about this forum!  We're all adult enough that we can agree to disagree.  We can make our strong, heartfelt arguments but when it comes down to it, we remember that we're in it for the fun.   

it's why i come here more than anything else i'm part of on the net.. spirited fun, and sooo much less drama

my apologies for starting this diversion.. please continue the 09 planning...

oh and,

night guys. is late out here in the southeast.. and was 71 today

Allow only fish that are legal for retention.  This forces a higher level of strategy and I believe that's good for competition. 

In my case, I think it only forces me to burn more gas, not be a better angler. Just because a fish is eligible to be killed by me doesn't make it more difficult to catch, or prove my skill at fishing. If anything, the (trophy/high-scoring) fish that are in CnR fisheries are lot more difficult to catch, because they're "educated". 

I live in a desert environment, far from a marine environment,with fairly limited options. Limiting my AOTY options to kill fisheries, (not that I necessarily have to kill) is just an additional barrier to my competing.

I suppose the other simple rule.. "If DFW could give you a ticket for targeting/catching it you can't count it" could also work.

I really don't care as long as the rules are fairly simple for everyone to follow.

I suppose the other simple rule.. "If DFW could give you a ticket for targeting/catching it you can't count it" could also work.

I really don't care as long as the rules are fairly simple for everyone to follow.

Yeah, but even in a legal CNR fishery, can't you get cited for improper handling (or something like that) for taking a fish out of the water and measuring it?  I know, I know, it's a grey area, but that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid.  Can you tell where I'm leaning on this one?

-Allen

If the DFW reg's had a rule like that, I'm sure it would be pretty difficult to enforce.  A rule like that would be very discouraging for beginner anglers or children who may not be the best at properly handling fish.

I'd suggest just making the command decision and leave it at that.  If anything it will force us to more intimately learn & understand the reg's as we compete.

The "can you take it home" rule gets my vote despite the 24.5" cab, 40" sturgeon and 16" LMB I couldn't count this year.

Brian

The "can you take it home" rule gets my vote despite the 24.5" cab, 40" sturgeon and 16" LMB I couldn't count this year.

Brian

What about a "legal sturgeon" caught on a catch and release only day? It's legal to target and catch, just not take home.