Let's point the finger at everyone else and not get our house in order first. It is the nets fault, it is the Indians fault, it is the land owners fault, etc etc. Yes those are causes for our fish run declinine. Can you do something about most of those nope. But we can get our house in order so when they come and try to blame the Recreational fisherman we have our ducks in a row.

It is ridiculous to think that just fixing one of the 4H's will fix it completely but you know what you have to take steps down the right path. Like Hey not using bait in the summer when smolts are in the river. Remember the 30% rate on Rainbows with bait?

It is so tired to be pointing the fingers at others without at least pointing one at ourselves. When you use resource you have an effect (some more then others). You should look for ways to minimize your effect on it.

I love to fish. There is nothing more I love then to feel the pull of steelhead at the end of the line but I also know there are things I can do to help do my part. No bait, barbless hooks, staying off redd's, Good Catch and release practices, etc.

Call me a elitist if you want. Call me a snob. I don't care. What I do care about is limiting my negative effect on our runs.

JJ