The NAFC’s 2007 Catch & Release Contest officially kicks off with this issue, and the prizes will be bigger--and the competition fiercer--than during any season in the contest’s 11-year history! 
In response to the great success and large-scale member participation in the 2005 and 2006 Members’ Choice Best Catches Division, we’ve reformatted the event. In 2007, members will choose the winners of the largest single prize packages ever awarded through the contest! After the entry deadline, Jan. 31, 2008, the NAFC staff will nominate XX finalists over a range of species and geographic locations, based on the overall quality of the catches. These entry photos and information about each catch will then be posted on the NAFC and Catch & Release Contest websites, where members can vote for their favorites. The 10 entries that receive the most votes will earn each angler the prize package seen here, which is valued at over $1,000!
As always, the contest will feature the coveted Angler of the Year competition. The angler who racks up the most total points will claim the title, a free Life Membership and a commemorative plaque. All other contest rules will remain the same. ENTRY FORM (PDF) || ENTER ONLINE
FISHING RULES:
All fish must be caught on hook and line and in accordance with state or provincial laws.
Fish must be released within 2 hours of being caught.
Fish must meet minimum length requirements listed below: (No minimum length requirements for youth 15 & under; only catches that meet or exceed the minimum length will be counted toward Angler of the Year points or any other category.) Species - Min. Length
Arctic Char 30"
Arctic Grayling 18"
Bass, Largemouth 22"
Bass, Peacock 24”
Bass, Smallmouth 20"
Bass, Spotted 19”
Bass, Striped Hybrid 24"
Bass, Striped 36"
Bass, White 17"
Bluefish 30”
Bluegill 11"
Bonefish none
Carp 25”
Catfish, Blue 34"
Catfish, Channel 28"
Catfish, Flathead 35"
Crappie, (Black or White) 14"
Dolly Varden 20"
Dorado 40”
King Mackerel 45”
Kokanee 18”
Marlin, all varieties t none
Muskie 42"
Muskie, Hybrid 37”
Perch, Yellow 15"
Permit 25"
Pickerel, Chain 24"
Pike, Northern 38"
Redfish t 30"
Sailfish none
Salmon, Atlantic 34"
Salmon, Chinook a 36"
Salmon, Coho 31"
Sauger 21"
Seatrout 26"
Shark, all varieties t none
Snook 35"
Splake 27"
Steelhead 27"
Sturgeon t none
Sunfish, Redear 12”
Swordfish t none
Tarpon t none
Trout, Brook 18"
Trout, Brown 20"
Trout, Cutthroat 18"
Trout, Lake 32"
Trout, Rainbow 20"
Tuna, all varieties t none
Wahoo t none
Walleye 27"
Whitefish 20”
t Indicates species for which touching the leader is considered a landed fish. Although a minimum length is not required, entrants must provide an estimated length. A chinook salmon caught in Alaska must be photographed in the water. ENTRIES:
Limit of 1 entry per fish (and a limit of one fish per entry form). Multiple entries per person (multiple fish) are allowed and encouraged with a maximum of 25 entries per species. Fish must be caught and released between 1/1/07 and 12/31/07. All 2007 entries must be received at the NAFC by 1/31/08. Entry information must be clearly printed on an official entry form. Form must be signed by angler and witness. (Form photocopies are allowed). Photographs are optional (strongly encouraged) for program entry but must be included to qualify for the “Angler of the Year” award. Quality photographs will be selected for publication in the North American Fisherman magazine and on www.fishingclub.com. Photographs:
1. Must be on or near the water.
2. Fish must be held in a manner that doesn’t harm the fish.
3. Must show the angler.
4. Print name, address, phone # and NAFC member # (if applicable) on the back of each photograph.
5. Do not staple or tape the photograph to the entry.
6. Polaroid and home-printed digital images are strongly discouraged.
7. Send each entry to: NAFC 2007 Catch & Release
PO Box 3429
Minnetonka, MN 55343
CATEGORIES
MEMBERS’ CHOICE – TOP TEN CATCHES
After the Jan. 31, 2008 entry submission deadline, the NAFC staff will nominate 25 finalists over a range of species and geographic locations, based on the overall quality of the catches. The photos and information about each catch will then be posted on the NAFC and Catch & Release Contest websites, where members can vote for their favorites. The 10 entries that receive the most votes will earn each angler a prize package worth over $1,000. (See the Feb. 2007 issue of North American Fisherman, or visit the NAFC website for prize details.) YOUTH
This category is for youths who are 15 years or under on the date of the catch. There are no minimum length requirements for the Youth category. (Only catches that meet or exceed the minimum length will be counted toward Angler of the Year points or any other category.) ANGLER OF THE YEAR:
A free NAFC Life Membership and wall plaque will be awarded to the angler who accumulates the most points based on the following point allocation system:
1 point will be awarded for each qualified entry (must include a photograph).
10 bonus points will be awarded for each different qualified species entered (no points for the first species). ADDITIONAL AWARDS:
All NAFC members submitting qualifying entries that meet the minimum length requirements for the species will receive a Catch & Release decal and one certificate of recognition for the largest fish in each of the species that they submit. Certificates and decals will be mailed in March of 2008. NAFC members who catch and release a state and/or world record fish, and submit supporting documentation, will receive a special NAFC recognition plaque.
GENERAL RULES:
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited by law. No responsibility is assumed for late, lost, damaged, postage due, or misdirected entries. NAFC decisions concerning all matters related to this contest are final. Winners will be notified by mail and prizes will be delivered by June 1, 2008. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. All photos become property of the NAFC and will not be returned. Entrant grants the NAFC the right to publish his/her name, photograph, likeness, and biographical information in advertising and promotion without compensation or permission. Entrant releases the NAFC from any liability arising out of participation in this contest or the acceptance, use, or misuse of a prize. No cash substitutions, transfers, or assignments of prizes allowed, except by the NAFC who reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. The NAFC reserves the right to disqualify any entry.
Reminder: Entry information must be clearly printed on an official entry form (form photocopies are allowed).
PRIZES Ugly Braid
One 125-yard spool of 15-pound Ugly Braid line from Shakespeare. Ugly Braid has near-zero stretch, but is flexible and abrasion-resistant, thanks to its Ugly Armor coating. It’s a good choice for probing deep water and thick cover.Available in 10- to 100-pound test. Call (800) 334-9105, or visit www.shakespeare-fishing.com. Pflueger Trion LP
Pflueger’s Trion low-profile baitcaster features five double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant anti-reverse, a six-pin adjustable centrifugal brake system and more. Call (800) 334-9105, or visit www.pflueger-fishing.com. Cajun Red Lightnin’
A 1,150-yard spool of 12-pound Cajun Red Lightnin’ line. The innovative mono offers excellent strength, abrasion resistance, castability and low visibility underwater. Call (800) 334-9105, or visit www.shakespeare-fishing.com. Berkley Line And Softbait
A collection Berkley’s most innovative lines and lures, including two spools of new FireLine Crystal, a 250-yard spool of 12-pound Vanish Transition Red, 330-yard spool of 10-pound Trilene Maxx, and four packs of top Gulp! softbaits. FireLine Crystal is the first nearly clear superline on the market, offering the zero stretch, high abrasion resistance and the supreme strength of its counterparts, but with extremely low visibility underwater. Call (800) 237-5539 or visit www.berkley-fishing.com. Optimum Baits
Eleven high performance softbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and more from Optimum, deps and ima Japan. Lures include the A.C. Minnow, Banzai Hog, Crashing Thunder, Basirisky and more. Call (951) 676-6384 or visit www.optimumbaits.com. 3M Scientific Anglers Combo
One System 5-weight fly outfit ideal for panfish, trout and bass. The combo includes Ultra 4 floating line, a Concept 2 reel, 9-foot high-modulus graphite fly rod, tapered leader, fly box, backing and more. Visit www.scientificanglers.com. Plano Hybrid Satchel
The 3258 Hybrid Satchel features Plano’s FlipSider technology, plus three 2-3500 Pro-Latch utility boxes and one 3543 Waterproof Spinnerbait StowAway. Four rows of 4 compartments. The box measures 17 1/2x7 3/4x12 3/4 inches and sports four rows of four compartments and sealed waterproof zippers. Call (800) 226-9868 or visit www.planomolding.com. Water Gremlin Weights
A wide array of Water Gremlin’s top-selling weights, including Bull Shot, Rubbercor, split shot, Snap Loc, bell sinkers and more. For complete details on Water Gremlin’s line of high-quality weights, visit www.watergremlin.com/index.htm. Daiichi Hooks
A 21-pack assortment of the “World’s Sharpest Hooks,” including Bleeding Bait Circle Wide hooks and more. The hooks feature an industry-leading high carbon content, high strength and have fast-penetrating points. The prize also includes an attractive Daiichi cap and decal.
Visit www.daiichihooks.com. Northland Slurpies
This vast compilation includes 16 packs of Northland’s new Slurpies softbaits, which feature holographic FishFlakes and SowSauce scent additive to attract fish and trigger strikes. “Fish see ’em, scent ‘em & slurp ‘em up!” The prize includes Slurpies Panfish Tubes, 4-inch Ringworms, Jiggin’ Tubes, Jerk Shad, Swim’n Grubs, Swim Shiners, Swim Shad, Dip-Stick Worms and more. Plus, winners will receive decals and a cap. Call (800) SUN-FISH or visit www.northlandtackle.com. Salmo Hardbaits
Salmo Performance Fishing Lures are made and hand-tuned in Poland to produce the perfect action for triggering strikes from bass, walleyes, muskies, pike and more. Each is tank tested and guaranteed—if the lure ever breaks, just send it back to Salmo for a replacement. The nine-lure assortment includes the Hornet, Maas Marauder Jr., Bullhead and Perch. It also comes with a Salmo hand towel. Call (952) 224-3649 or visit www.salmofishing.com.
G. Loomis MossyBack
This BSR802 MossyBack features a high-quality blended graphite blank and alconite guides, providing superb sensitivity and performance. The 6-foot, 8-inch spinning stick has an extra-fast action and is rated for 6- to 12-pound line. Call (800) 456-6647 or visit www.gloomis.com.
|