Here is a link to the official results site: http://www.yakangler.com/spotlight/item/1686-2012-kayak-anglers-choice-awards-winners
Kayak Fishing Location of the Year
3) Chesapeake Bay (Virginia)2) Lady Bird Lake (Austin, Texas)
1) Devils River (West Texas)
Way to represent, Texas! I have never fished Chesapeake Bay, and I would love to go there, but I can honestly say that Lady Bird Lake and the Devils River are both awesome! My vote was for the Devils River.
Online Video of the Year
3) Addiction Kayak Fishing2) Epic Day Kayak Fishing in the Gulf
1) Jackson Kayak: Flying Fish
Flying Fish is a very cool perspective of kayak fishing. Definitely deserving of the win. I honestly have not seen the other video's yet, but I will watch them soon. I did like the Drew Haerer's videos, Quest for the Bass Slam, but I think having two of them nominated might have take votes away from each other.
Online Tournament of the Year
3) Florida Sportsman Kayak Challenge
2) Kayak Bass Fishing Challenge Series
1) Kayak Wars
I am not very familiar with the Florida Sportsman Kayak Challenge, probably because I am not from Florida. I have participated in Kayak Bass Fishing and Kayak Wars and think that they are both run pretty well, and deserving of a spot in the top three.
Tournament of the Year
3) Riverbassin' Tournament Trail
2) Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic
1) IFA Kayak Tour
I was disappointed to see that Riverbassin' Tournament Trail go away this year. I am pretty sure they held only one event. I hope to see it come back soon--it was the only tournament trail I know that was based solely around river fishing. I was also disappointed to see that the Kayak Anglers Tournament Trail Classic was not nominated in this category. It was my write-in vote.
Retailer of the Year
3) Appamattox River Company
2) Hook 1
1) Austin Canoe and Kayak
This was really no surprise to me. Hook 1 and Austin Canoe and Kayak are both great retailers with a ton of dedicated customers.
Blog of the Year
3) Saltwater Kayak Fisherman - Rob Appleby
2) Kayak Angler - Jason Self
1) Angling Addict - Rob Choi
This really wasn't much of a surprise here either. Rob Choi and Jason Self run great blogs with many followers. I was surprised to find out that Fish Tattoo was only a few votes out of 3rd place in this category. That was a pleasant surprise considering this blog has only been around for about a year. I was a little disappointed not to see Man Powered Fishing - Drew Haerer in the top three. I think he runs a great blog with a ton of good info.
Magazine of the Year
3) Coastal Angler
2) Kayak Fishing Magazine
1) Kayak Angler Magazine
Not really a surprise in this category either. Coastal Angler covers a ton of water, and so do Kayak Fishing and Kayak Angler Magazine. I hear that The Milkcrate did well in the voting, coming in 5th. They deserve to be up there in the top next year, with their unique perspective on the personalities of the kayak fishing community.
Most Innovative Product of the Year
3) Overboard Fishing Rods
2) Hobie Pro Angler 12
1) Jackson Kayak High Seat
All three of these products are very innovative, however I have a couple issues with this category. Overboard Fishing Rods belong in this category, and congrats to them. So does the Jackson Kayak High Seat. It is a great product that revolutionized kayak fishing in my opinion. All manufacturers are starting to build new seats because of this one now. Although I do think the Pro-Angler is a new and innovative product, I don't think it belongs in this category. I feel like Kayaks have their own category, and should stay there. I also hope to see this category restricted to products that were introduced during that specific year for next years awards.
Kayak of the Year
3) Hobie Outback
2) Jackson Kayak Cuda 14
1) Hobie Pro Angler 12
All three are great kayaks. All three deserve to be up in this category. Not many arguments to make here. Do you think that this category should be restricted to "new" kayaks, with only kayaks that came out within the last year being in the nominations? I am torn about this. I don't know what to think about that.
Forum of the Year
3) Kayak Bass Fishing
2) Austin Kayak Fishing
1) Texas Kayak Fisherman
Again, Texas represented itself well. I know all three of these forums are well run, and very informative. Good job.
Guide of the Year
3) Dean Thomas
2) Justin Carter
1) Dee Kaminski
I do not know any of these guides personally, but I am sure they are all great. Congratulations to them. Hopefully this helps their guide business!
Angler of the Year
3) Justin Carter
2) Drew Gregory
1) Kayak Kevin Whitley
Congrats to Justin for placing in the top three for Guide of the Year and Angler of the year. That is quite an accomplishment! I know Drew, and I know he is a great guy on top of being an excellent kayak angler. I don't know if there is an angler who wears more hats in the industry than Drew. And Kayak Kevin Whitley, well there isn't much to say other than this was well deserved. I am not sure if there is a bigger name in the sport right now, and not many have done more to promote the sport than he has. Congratulations to all three. All three are well deserved.
My Thoughts
Congratulations to all the winners. I know everyone and everything on this list worked hard to get where they are. You all deserve it. I love that Yak Angler and Kayak Fishing Radio do this every year. They do a great job. I think everyone should take the time to thank them for do this. I heard them talk about some changes that they have in mind for next year, and changing with the time is a good thing--especially when the sport, and these awards, are growing as fast as they are.
I don't even think I can imagine how hard it is to put something like this together. I appreciate everything that everyone did to get it going. I am extending my right hand for a firm handshake, and my left for a nice pat-on-the-back, to everyone who worked on this. Y'all really did an excellent job.
I am already excited about and am looking forward to next year's awards. And yes, bring a Boondoggle to Texas soon!!!
Pat great showing for Fish Tattoo, you were right in the mix! Thanks for the "Props" the KACA's are a ton of work look for them to get better every year. Chip and I have already talked about many if the issues you pointed out and look for some big format changes to the awards next year!
ReplyDeleteSounds great, Mark. Like I said, I am already excited. I think what y'all are doing is a great thing, and is helping to grow the sport of kayak fishing.
DeleteCongrats Pat! Having the 4th best kayak fishing blog in the world is no small shakes here. Great job and keep up the amazing work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Evan, however, I actually came in 5th. I don't remember who, but another blog was a few votes in front of me.
DeleteOh, well...Still some good work considering. I think reputation is 9/10ths of the process with these awards. I am sure to see yours on the podium nextyear and hopefully mine a nomination.
ReplyDeleteEvan, I have a feeling you will be up there next year. I know you post some good stuff on your blog. For one, you have gotten me excited and swimbait fishing again. I got away from it for a couple years, but want to get back out on the water throwing some big swimmers.
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