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 by the California Department of Fish and Game. No mothershipping allowed, the kayak must be under human powered control from launch until landing.
2. Photographic evidence of fish size (total 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 south of the California/Oregon border and north of the southern borders of the following counties Monterey, Kings, Tulare and Inyo. 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: Sturgeon, Salmon, California Halibut, Pacific Halibut, Rockfish, Cabezon, Lingcod, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Kokanee, Catfish, Panfish, Spotted Bass, Steelhead, White Seabass, Greenling, and Surf Perch.
6. Only fish that you can normally keep and eat (per CA DFG regulations) are eligible.
7. The biggest fish from each angler's top ten species will be used towards the angler’s total points.
8. Trout are defined as the following common names (brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, golden trout, and dolly varden)
9. Panfish are defined as the following common names (freshwater sunfish, crappie, yellow perch).
10. Entries must be posted within 2 weeks of being caught and photographed. No "hoarding" of entries.