I have noticed a sad change in the attitude of many anglers on this board. When I first discovered this site, people seemed much friendlier and open to sharing their knowledge of fishing and PNW waters. These days, the mantra seems to be "don't share" and blast those who do.

It is troubling also to hear of property owners who take up arms against anglers. Altough I hardly condone trespassing, one cannot argue that walking across a farmer's field or through a vacant lot to reach streamside is the equivalent of breaking into somebody's house or backyard.

It's shameful that private landowners prevent access to our rivers. The risk is not to the property owner, but to the public who are prevented from enjoying this state's natural resources. As far as I am concerned, private landowners should be required by law to provide public access to our rivers.

I am an avid angler. I respect nature, other people and their property. I fear, however, that this ugly developing attitude portends a dark future for angling in Washington.

Anglers need to stick together as a tight community. If fishing becomes a combat sport, then it will slowly be outlawed (it's already happening). Who will be to blame for this? It will be those people with the attitude I have described above. Shame on you... we will all suffer the consequences of the divisive seeds you are sowing.

Gerard W.
Seattle, WA