2007 Angler of the Year - Sponsored by Fishsticks4U

[Sam]

2007's Angler of the Year Award is being sponsored by Fishsticks4U!

The winner will be awarded a Rainshadow 1418 blank
with Batson products (guides, reel seat), and black diamond shrink wrap!

We need your input! Please post who you think should receive 2007's Angler of the Year award. Please post why you think your nominee should win. Include as much detail as possible and as always, show us PICTURES!

POLL OPEN - CLICK HERE TO VOTE:

Helpful Guidelines:

• Dedication to fishing - Braving the elements when normal folks stay home.
• Protecting and preserving - Practicing catch and release, cleaning up other's fishing areas in addition to their own
• Persistence - Not giving up!
• Helping others learn by answering questions on the forum, taking others fishing if possible and showing consideration.
• Giving good reports of their fishing trips
• Showing pictures of their catch
• Anything else you think would qualify as a great angler.

At the beginning of February, we will post a poll of the anglers who were entered and everyone can cast one vote.

Please keep all posts directed to all members of the site and keep other discussion at a minimum.

Good luck to all!

[Dixie719]

Man I don't want to go first, but my nominee's would be between Charkbait, Coop and good ole RACN35!

[trowpa]

Just reinforcing the nomination of Charkbait and Coop

[Coop]

After sifting through some reports, I would definitely say one of the boys just to the south of us...in Virginia...nice reports, pictures, and always seem very accomodating with invites and excellent info...and they catch fish!

[Steve]

I agree with Dixie's mention, Charkbait, Coop and Racn35.
And I'll add Dixie to the list!

Hmmm, can you cat Catfish on a Rainshadow?

[Charkbait]

thanks ya'll makes me wish I could have fished the second half a little better. I caught a keeper anyhow. (see below) Also managed to keep the Largest Fish Landed Award in house in the world surf fishing contest...had the top 2 and tied myself.

pure catching I think RACN35 takes the cake, Coop put a ton of time in so...

RACN = catcherman of the year
COOP = fisherman of the year

Not a knock in any way Scott, I wish I could fish that hard...if you had the horse shoe I did this season the stripers would have been stacked high as the dunes. Hopefully I will have retained some of the ju ju for 2008.

Gotta give ffemtreed a mention for time fished and building up all that fish karma this year, soon or later the big ones have to pay up.

[devomd63]

As a newbee to this board in 2007, I have to say the people on here show as much commitment to fishing as I have seen anywhere else on the Web.

I have become addicted to the site and have noticed some reoccuring patterns that make me give my nodd to RACN35

1. Flat out fishes all the time
2. Shares it with us
3. Shares it with us in a positve and fun way (with pictures)
4. Always takes the time to welcome newbees
5. Great at Salt and Freshwater fishing.

Dave

[fish-aholic]

Hmmmm, so many good people out there....I think everyone is worthy....are there enough to go around? This makes it tough....I'm with everyone else on Charkbait, Coop and Racn35, ffemtreed.....Trowpa for finally breaking the trowpacal storm trend and man...he's an addict....Look how far that boy has come since the first fling where he perfected the Running cast.....Now look at him...he's throwing conventionals....and not to mention I don't think I've EVER seen someone run so fast towards every rod twitch that happens....I guess thats why we should rename him blue-slayer....Oh...and I'm guessing he'll pull his name out of the hat...but SAM!!!!!! Good job on a great board......if it weren't for you...none of this would be happening anyhow......

[Sam]

Just some of my thoughts, personal experiences and observations:

Oliver (igormothra) is just fun to fish with. I have had many trips just relaxing and socializing with him on the sand. I didn't do much fishing with him in 2007 and missed it.




Dave has been one of the most persistent fisherman I have ever seen. He drives 2 hours each trip two - four times a week ALL spring, summer and fall! Honestly, I couldn't keep up with the man and I live 5 minutes from the OSV! When my Jeep was about to totally die, Dave helped me keep it on the sand. He is constantly learning and wanting to learn and did catch some very nice fish this year, meeting his goals.




Scott (Coop) has to be the most dedicated I've met so far. Over the past 3 years, I have spent more time on the sand with that crazy guy than I care to admit. He ALWAYS outfishes me. With two kids, both he and his wife work full time and still catch that much?? He always has very nice, tight, clean gear and willing to help in any way he can.


OCsnapper (David) is also a great guy to fish with. Always has a smile, conversation and makes fishing truly unique experience. He has helped with the site much more than any of you know. Any site organized event has been made possible by David.




Steve has also helped out with the site by answering questions, posting reports and has spent a great deal of time helping me out. Great guy to help others with gear, bait and pretty much all around nice guy. *unless he hits you with a bunker.



DaveH was kind enough to take me on his bay boat. He is always willing to bring food to events and is also learning how to be a good shark fisherman!




Matt (Pierman) has helped me with gear, knots, technique and has a lot of interest in fishing. A very nice guy who fishes A LOT more than he lets on. The guy has caught some very large fish both inshore and offshore and is incredibly humble. (the one with the glasses)




Steve (trowpa) is online the most from what I can tell! A very dedicated fisherman who wastes no time when he's at the beach. He has been teased for his luck with the weather, but the guy sure fishes hard.




Randy Stinchcomb has helped with the site a lot as well. Consistently bringing over new members, answering questions and taking folks fishing. Hope to see more of him and Barb this year.




Ben (Charkbait) is also an asset to this site. Ben has taken me way beyond the beach (quite literally) in an effort to catch big reds. Lots of knowledge, dedication and another nice guy. When my three year old daughter walked in and saw this picture, she said, "daddy, he has no hair and BIG muscles)



Phil (Esoxangler)... I don't think I have ever met a nicer, tough guy in my life. Anyone who can fish all day/all night in NOVEMBER with nothing more than a beach umbrella and pull behind cart is ok in my book. They guy consistently checks his bait, catches fish and will do pretty much anything for you.



The Virginia guys, especially Steve (Dixie719), were an incredible help in 2007. Inviting me to fish in a tourney, posting pictures, reports and bringing more people to this site all the time.

I am very proud to be friends with these and many I haven't mentioned. Thanks guys...

Now if we could just get this guy back on the beach!

[mdram]

Originally Posted by Steve

I agree with Dixie's mention, Charkbait, Coop and Racn35.

gonna agree with Steve

[Randy Stinchcomb]

WOW, so many choices

Sam thanks for the year in review I do hope Barb and I do get- out and fish more

now in the begining I offered-up a Big Kahuna Portable Shower for Angler of the year and the offer still stands, so we could do a AOTY and something else for the Big Kahuna, maybe most tenacious? my vote would be Ben...or most improved? my vote would be Steve aka Trowpa

whadda' ya'll think

[Skylar]

Nicely done Sam!

I'm thinking Coop would be my nomination...

[Steve]

Originally Posted by Sam

all around nice guy. *unless he hits you with a bunker.

Hmmm, which time was that? I remember it being in your chair....

Nice little stories Sam, good work!
Without all these great folks on here, Sam wouldn't have anything to write about. Ya'll are top notch!

[Pier_man0909]

what about sam? he started off the year traveling to the Outer Banks to fish for rockfish with me, he brought his dad along with him and they had a great trip. he has taken his dad out on the beach several times, he started this website dedicated to fishermen and continues to keep it running. he helped start a tournament..well, two tournaments that have brought anglers to the beach on weekends they might not normally go. hosts spring and summer fling's which bring people to the beach. he has caught quite a few fish and is willing to pass on his knowledge to newcomers. I vote for sam! if that is a conflict of interest then I don't know who to vote for since everyone is a great candidate.

[Bunker Head]

My vote is going out to Sam.

Sam has devoted his time and efforts into making everyones fishing experiences a pleasure to share with all. This translates into meeting new friends, sharing the wealth of information, caring about our resources and trying to preserve them, raising a family and still has time to create and run this place so everyone here can enjoy each other. Thanks Sam! I hope yu get out to fish more this yr.