Official 2013 AOTY Signups

I've been absent a couple of weeks. Thanks to all the folks working on rules updates.

It's probably too late to suggest changes but I did have one question about the fish being disqualified if the mouth is not completely closed. Out of my few entries last year, my original smallmouth bass would not close his mouth no matter what. My cutthroat trout, almost the same but I had to manhandle him to excess to get multiple pictures so I would get a good one for the entry.Basically, I kept him out of the water a lot longer than I would have liked to.  When I released him, he hung upside down for about half a minute gasping before he finally righted himself and swam off. I felt pretty crappy about that since I normally wouldn't keep one except for a bleeder. Might I suggest that instead of disqualifying the fish, if you have a panel of folks looking over the entries anyway, why not just dock a reasonable amount of length on a fish that has its mouth open instead of completely disqualifying it?

Guess I better sign up now. By the way, I don't have a problem competing with guides and sponsored folks. Unless you start getting a couple of hundred participants, I don't think making up rules to suppress participation is a good idea for AOTY.

It's probably too late to suggest changes but I did have one question about the fish being disqualified if the mouth is not completely closed. Out of my few entries last year, my original smallmouth bass would not close his mouth no matter what. My cutthroat trout, almost the same but I had to manhandle him to excess to get multiple pictures so I would get a good one for the entry.Basically, I kept him out of the water a lot longer than I would have liked to.  When I released him, he hung upside down for about half a minute gasping before he finally righted himself and swam off. I felt pretty crappy about that since I normally wouldn't keep one except for a bleeder. Might I suggest that instead of disqualifying the fish, if you have a panel of folks looking over the entries anyway, why not just dock a reasonable amount of length on a fish that has its mouth open instead of completely disqualifying it?

The issue is with the definition of "reasonable amount".  There is no clear cut answer.  One thing we focused on with the rules this year is making them completely objective and clear.

One suggestion I can offer.  If your fish is laying on the measuring device with their head to the left, put you right hand over the head of the fish with your thumb facing to the left.  Use your thumb to gently close the fishes mouth from the bottom.    Snap a bunch of pictures with your other hand.  Or visa versa if laying the the fish the other way.

-Allen

I normally use a vinyl seamstress measuring tape.  Is there a recommended measuring tool?

I gotta hand it to the committee, you guys did a fantastic job with the rules.

I agree.  Can't wait to SUP some bass on a hot windless summer day.  It seem a long way off right now.

Something like these:

http://kayakfishinggear.com/hawgtrough.aspx
http://www.fishtrough.com/

I normally use a vinyl seamstress measuring tape.  Is there a recommended measuring tool?

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=9647.0

I'll be making the order today!

-Allen

It's probably too late to suggest changes but I did have one question about the fish being disqualified if the mouth is not completely closed. Out of my few entries last year, my original smallmouth bass would not close his mouth no matter what. My cutthroat trout, almost the same but I had to manhandle him to excess to get multiple pictures so I would get a good one for the entry.Basically, I kept him out of the water a lot longer than I would have liked to.  When I released him, he hung upside down for about half a minute gasping before he finally righted himself and swam off. I felt pretty crappy about that since I normally wouldn't keep one except for a bleeder. Might I suggest that instead of disqualifying the fish, if you have a panel of folks looking over the entries anyway, why not just dock a reasonable amount of length on a fish that has its mouth open instead of completely disqualifying it?

The issue is with the definition of "reasonable amount".  There is no clear cut answer.  One thing we focused on with the rules this year is making them completely objective and clear.

One suggestion I can offer.  If your fish is laying on the measuring device with their head to the left, put you right hand over the head of the fish with your thumb facing to the left.  Use your thumb to gently close the fishes mouth from the bottom.    Snap a bunch of pictures with your other hand.  Or visa versa if laying the the fish the other way.

-Allen

OK.  Personally, I would trust the moderators to be fair but I can see where it might lead to a bunch of arguments.

I'm all paid up, now I need some water that is fishable from a kayak   stupid ice.

Has this event started or what is the kickoff date?

Yep, it's started.  Payment button is at the top left corner of the page.

I paid, just wondered if it started.  I pick up my new Yak Thurs and will be taking to lake Mayfield, a 10 min drive from the house,  to get acclimated to it. 

seaslug, what kind of yak did you get?

A Malibu Stealth 14 new model 2013 model from NWKA sponsor http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com.  It has been a pleasure negotiating with Brent.  Custom packages are available. Just shoot Brent an email with a list of your wants and he will work with you.  Shipping to a hub was $49. To my door would have been $176.

The new model moved the aft hatch.  http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/Page?template=2013-changes-to-malibu-kayaks-stealth-14-x-factor

A Malibu Stealth 14 new model 2013 model from NWKA sponsor http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com.  It has been a pleasure negotiating with Brent.  Custom packages are available. Just shoot Brent an email with a list of your wants and he will work with you.  Shipping to a hub was $49. To my door would have been $176.

The new model moved the aft hatch.  http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/Page?template=2013-changes-to-malibu-kayaks-stealth-14-x-factor

That Stealth is a sweet looking boat. I like the built in livewell. For the price, it looks like you get quite a few bells and whistles. What I like about the front hatch is that it's long enough that you can store your rods inside the hull. I wish my Hobie Outback had this option.


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pre 2013 models are discounted.

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-Kayaks-cln-Malibu-Kayaks/Categories