Hey, kids...

On Feb.6th, my freind Craig Acosta, who worked with me at Sportco was taken tragically in a drift boat accident on the Wynooche. A few days later, as we all know, Nick Amato (who I consider my brother) was nearly drowned in his Hoh River accident with *****. Having two people close to you involved in in horrible accidents make you look at your safety on the water closely.

I've been guity as anyone, for two decades I've floated our steelhead rivers- and guided- without wearing any sort of PFD. I can only say, think about your moms and dads, your brothers and sisters, wives, sons and daughters and think how they would feel if you were to have a fatal accident. From now on, and this was one hell of a lousy way to finally get the message through, I wear SOSpenders and my clients or fishing buddies will wear a Coast Guard approved vest. Like it or not, or you don't get in my boat. I consider myself an excellent oarsman, but...

I was Craig's mentor project all through his senior year of high school. What a wonderful young man he was. He wanted to be a fishing writer. And remember, even though the person rowing the boat with Nick on the Hoh is possibly not the most revered person around, she is still a mother of an 8 year old daughter that could have lost a mommy. Think about that. Please swallow some pride and wear a PFD, fellow board members.

Sincerely,
Bill Herzog.