Finner of the Year

This year's contest is designed to generate new Hotspots and to promote write ups of Hotspots. Get out of your comfort zone, try some new places, and write about it (and you never thought you'd need those English classes!). Contestants must be registered members of the site. If you are new and just want to send in pics/tips/spots without entering, that's fine and these rules don't apply to you. If you want to get in on the fun, let me know (visit Members for signup info).

For bowfin pictures, try to get the measurement in the picture if possible. Use auto touchup paint (or pinstripe tape) to mark your fishing rod(s) in 6" increments for a handy measuring stick. Use a different color to highlight the 24" and 30" marks. Anglers may only submit fish they themselves have caught or Hotspots they have actually fished. Take your buddies finnin', but only count your catch. Bait shop hearsay for Hotspots doesn't count. Private hotspots don't count.

Points

30 points for a State or World Record (photo and story posted together, but points applied only when catch is officially verified by state or governing body such as IGFA or National Freshwater Fishing HOF).

15 points for a page about a new, publicly accessible spot. Story must be a minimum 600 words (for reference, HenryV's Durham write up is over 3200 words - references to obscure Japanese literature not required), spell/grammar checked, and should include Topozone links, parking info, boat launch or walk-in directions, special site features, and tips on hot times/lures/baits. Submission must include pictures of the site and the fins caught. At least one caught fin is required to validate hotspot. Aim the write up to those of us that have never been there instead of, "…turn left where the Clampett's barn used to be".

10 points for a longer write-up (600 word min) of a known spot. Same specifics as above.

3 points for a tip and Topozone link to a new, publicly accessible spot.

10 points for a fish over 30", with story of catch. Photo and story posted together.

4 points for a fish between 24"-30". Photo and story posted together.

2 points for each fish less than 24". Measurement not required. Photos must be submitted, but posting will be at BAGman's discretion. Points go directly to FOTY page.

5 points for new web page idea, Science article, recipe, or art design.

5 points for each grocery bag of trash cleaned up from hotspots. Photo of trash bag required (include your smiling face if you can), but will not be posted.

Please include a summary of your submission with the story and pics, e.g., six under 24", 2 over 30", one Hotspot writeup, six bags of trash etc...
FOTY contest page will be updated once per week. No cheating. This contest is primarily to increase our knowledge of bowfin hotspots, with a little friendly competition to boot. In case of dispute, BAGman is the judge, jury, and hangman.



First Prize - any item from the BAG Gear shops, customized to reflect 2008 Finner of the Year!
2nd and/or 3rd prizes will only be awarded if sufficient contributions are received (monetary or merchandise).

The Points

Here's your competition!

FINNER STATE NEW HS WRITEUP (15) HS WRITEUP (10) HOTSPOT (3) RECORD (30) TRASH (5) UNDER 24" (2) 24"-30" (4) OVER 30" (10) OTHER(5) PTS
DrumHunter WayneH NC 47 5 114
HenryV NC 1 2 3 2 39
NCPierman TimT NC 12 6 38
DaveM VA 1 1 7

Now get busy!

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