AOTY 2010

I have a question for you... In the rules it names 5 states and BC that are eligible states. Does this mean if I live in Oregon, but fishing from a kayak in Washington, Idaho or Alaska, due these other states count? Say im fishing with Lee is Washington or Id or AK. Can I count any fish caught in these states? It seems like it from the rules, but just double checking. I'm really thinking of signing up. Also, do I get one of those groovy fish measuring devices? Cheers and see you all soon. 

Yes, you can enter (legal) catches from the other listed states/provinces. Just make sure to follow all the other rules and laws.

I think Bsteves put together the NWKA order.

Does this wacky rule exclude Washington folks from counting a 15" LMB? 

LARGEMOUTH BASS
No min. size. Only BASS less than 12" may be retained, except 1 over 17" may be retained. Daily limit
5. Bass may be caught, retained, and released alive from a livewell until a daily limit is in possession.

Unfortunately yes, if it was caught in Washington state    


One of the reasons I am less than thrilled with the current AOTY rules being based upon retention requirements instead of just on seasons (which is its own issue here in WA with our ever shrinking seasons of at least half of the AOTY species).  

Beef's with the rules aside, AOTY is still worth entering considering the prizes and it'll get you to try new things you might never have done otherwise.  It encourages me to move out of my comfort zone and try new tactics [and species] in my pursuit of putting up points.  Go for it Jammer!  It will also give you a good justification to your spouse/S.O./whatever for hitting the water more often...

Does this wacky rule exclude Washington folks from counting a 15" LMB? 

LARGEMOUTH BASS
No min. size. Only BASS less than 12" may be retained, except 1 over 17" may be retained. Daily limit
5. Bass may be caught, retained, and released alive from a livewell until a daily limit is in possession.

Yes, but we deal with it by catching LMB's over 17". 

BTW, the rule isn't wacky.

Slot limits:

• Allow anglers to harvest fish, and reduce the numbers of over-abundant smaller bass.
• Increase the numbers of large bass for anglers to catch (and release).
• Increase the numbers of large bass that chow down on over-abundant panfish (improving the quality of panfish catches too).

- Karl

I understand why the rule is there.