Angler of the Year hits and misses

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On Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River, Dean Rojas summed up the thoughts of many Elite anglers. After weighing in a limit of 9 pounds, 9 ounces, Rojas said,
On Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Sabine River, Dean Rojas summed up the thoughts of many Elite anglers. After weighing in a limit of 9 pounds, 9 ounces, Rojas said, “This is such a crapshoot. I’m always looking at AOY, and you just don’t want to take yourself out of it.”
In 2013, Aaron Martens started the season with an 85th place finish at the Sabine River. Even so, he came back to win the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) title. Before that happened, the general rule was you couldn't afford to miss a Top 50, two-day cut and expect to have a shot.
In 2013, Aaron Martens started the season with an 85th place finish at the Sabine River. Even so, he came back to win the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) title. Before that happened, the general rule was you couldn’t afford to miss a Top 50, two-day cut and expect to have a shot.
Last year's AOY winner, Greg Hackney, restored the normal pattern by finishing no lower than 48th (Delaware River) in the eight Elite Series events.
Last year’s AOY winner, Greg Hackney, restored the normal pattern by finishing no lower than 48th (Delaware River) in the eight Elite Series events.
Some big names fell on hard times during the Sabine Elite. A few of the notable 'top guns' whose AOY aspirations took a hit include Brent Ehrler (87th).
Some big names fell on hard times during the Sabine Elite. A few of the notable ‘top guns’ whose AOY aspirations took a hit include Brent Ehrler (87th).
Brett Hite (88th)
Brett Hite (88th)
Steve Kennedy (91st)
Steve Kennedy (91st)
Alton Jones (92nd)
Alton Jones (92nd)
Edwin Evers (94th)
Edwin Evers (94th)
Fred Roumbanis (97th)
Fred Roumbanis (97th)
Jared Lintner (98th)
Jared Lintner (98th)
Kevin Short (99th)
Kevin Short (99th)
Brandon Palaniuk (101st)
Brandon Palaniuk (101st)
David Walker (107th)
David Walker (107th)
Obviously Chris Lane is the AOY leader out of the gate.
Obviously Chris Lane is the AOY leader out of the gate.
Martens is just two points back with his third place finish.
Martens is just two points back with his third place finish.
In 10th place was Justin Lucas, who finished 11th in the AOY race last year. He appears to be a solid contender for 2015 as well.
In 10th place was Justin Lucas, who finished 11th in the AOY race last year. He appears to be a solid contender for 2015 as well.
<p>Here are the Top 15 in the AOY standings after Sabine. See the full ranking <a href=
Here are the Top 15 in the AOY standings after Sabine. See the full ranking here.