1. All fish entered must be caught by hook and line (i.e. hooked, fought, and landed) from a human power kayak (i.e. no sail or motors), without aid from anyone else and using methods deemed legal according to the body of water from which they are caught. No mothershipping allowed, the kayak must be under human powered control from launch until landing.
2. Photographic evidence of fish size (total length for most species, for sturgeon use fork length) against a measuring device must be provided. Fish must be measured in a natural position with either the mouth shut or slightly ajar. The mouth can not be pulled/extended open. Abuse of this rule will result in that entry automatically being disqualified. The AOTY committee will make final rules in this regard. There is no longer an exception for sturgeon. Clear photographic evidence against a measuring device is required for sturgeon now.
3. The pool runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Fish caught prior to payment of entry fees are ineligible.
4. All fish entered must be caught in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, or Alaska. Fish caught from waterways with restricted access to the public, such as members only or private waterways or aquaculture operations, are not allowed. Fish caught from waters where anglers have to pay on a per fish basis, such as trout farms, are not allowed.
5. The pool covers the following twenty species/groups: Walleye, Kokanee, Sturgeon, Greenling, Lake Trout , Steelhead, Cabazon, Panfish, Rockfish, Smallmouth, Chum, Surf Perch, Cutthroat, Largemouth, Lingcod, Rainbow Trout, Halibut, Flounder, Chinook, Coho.
6. Only fish that you can normally keep and eat (per the regulations pertaining to the waters you are fishing in) are eligible.
7. The biggest fish from each angler's top ten species will be used towards the angler’s total points.
8. Panfish are defined as the following common names (freshwater sunfish, crappie, yellow perch).
9. Entries must be posted within 2 weeks of being caught and photographed. No "hoarding" of entries.