Another year has come and gone, and it is that time again where all of the forums are being bombarded by shameless plugs to vote for them during the Kayak Angler Choice Awards. Just keep in mind, if you have to plug on every forum known to man to rally support from or grow a fan base at this point in the game, you first of all may be too little too late. That brings up my second point. If you have to plug heavily on every forum known to man to gather the winning votes, does that really make you Angler Of The Year based on the merits, accomplishments, and manner in which you promoted the sport in a positive manner? Or, does this just make you the only name everyone knows because of how abrasive your posting/plugging has become. This is just something to think about as our feeds get swamped with the requests to Vote for me. As for me, I have voted for the companies, people and videos which I believe promote the sport in the most positive way. I do not agree with everything they do all of the time but, they are what makes this sport grow. Here is how I voted and why in no particular order: Angler Of The Year: Glenn Madden Reason: For the positive manner in which he introduces and educates new anglers into the Texas Offshore Realm through numerous educational videos ranging from How To Make a Ribbon Leader to How to DIY a Paddle leash. Glenn is a Yak Gear Yak Gear Brand Ambassador. He participates heavily with the local Heroes On The Water Organization, hi church functions where he donates meat from his catches, as well as numerous other charity events and tournaments in the Corpus Christi Area. Video Of The Year: YakFishTV: Why I Kayak Fish By Rex Rexdelrey DeGuzman Reason: This video absolutely nails what most Kayak Anglers spend years attempting to explain to others who ask, questions like; Why kayak fish when you can afford a boat? Rex is up front, candid, and emotionally attached to each video he creates. This video is no exception, you can feel the emotion change with his voice and the difference in music choices. Forum Of the year: Texas Kayak Fisherman or TKF for short Reason: This forum has grown exponentially over the years and is well Moderated. This gives new anglers a location to ask questions from the mundane to the difficult without being harassed or persecuted. It is where many of us got our start including yours truly. Blog of the Year: Paynes Paddlefish By Chris Payne Reason: This blog takes a no holds bar approach to blogging. Chris tells us how it is. If something is annoying he calls the entire industry out on it without tiptoeing through the tulips about it. The best examples of this are his blog posts about Pro Staff and Sponsorships. In his other posts he covers a wide range of information on how to stay safe, what to take with you on various trips, and basic knowledge for anglers today. Retailer of the Year: Austin Canoe & Kayak - ACK Reason: From the time I started getting back into Kayak Fishing until now, ACK has been there. They provide a vast list of supplies ranging from camping, navigation, whitewater kayaking, freshwater kayaking, blue water kayaking, and everything else needed to transport and outfit everything in their lineup. In addition the website contains numerous tutorials on proper selection of kayaks, Personal Floatation Devices, and Safety Gear. Again all of this is carried and stored in their warehouse. As if this wasnt enough, their customer service and knowledge is bar none, they will take care of you as if you were family. Magazine of the Year: Kayak Fish Magazine - Edited by Paul Lebowitz Reason: This magazine truly strives to build the sport by providing the best quality reviews, stories, and images from all over the world. It isnt hard to notice this when you flip through and issue. That being said, top quality images will build a following in the sport with a fresh level of action and intensity. Paddle of the Year: Werner Kalliste Reason: Light as a feather, do you really need another reason? Kayak of the Year & Reason: What I paddle, if you know me and what I put these boats through, you wont ask why. The new innovations and efficiency speak for themself when paddled, Viking Reload. New Product of the Year: Railblaza Starport HD Imported via Yak Gear Reason: This mount is simple, strong, and very compact. It was created to fit the same footprint as the much bulkier standard Scotty mount. The quick disconnect and low profile make this bad boy a winner. The only innovation which would beat this is the Reload Tackle pod, unfortunately, I did not see it listed. Therefore I will chalk that up as another reason why I chose the Reload as Kayak of the Year. Location of the Year: Mayan Princess Rigs, Port Aransas, Texas Reason: This location is in danger of being demolished. Mayan Princess is an artificial reef structure created by old rig legs. This structure is home to hundreds of thousands of the elusive and endangered Red Snapper, Kingfish, Cobia, Goliath Grouper, and other pelagic species. In addition this location provides BTB (Beyond The Breakers) kayak anglers with a place to start their offshore careers in the company of many other anglers in various stages of learning. We all learn together, and in turn help each other stay out of trouble. There you have it, if you are still reading, thank you. Go vote for who you feel is the best for each of these categories, not just those who are out there plugging for their sponsor, team, or self. Go Vote! yakangler/
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 20:48:45 +0000
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