Rich, I am not familiar with the situation of "mass education" you are referring to, but I do not think it is a bad thing for many reasons. First, let me just state that I am currently taking a class in environmentalism from the Mountaineers here in Seattle, that is changing (or broadening) my outlook on many outdoors-related topics. Second, I am a fly fisherman. So take this with a grain of salt.

From a personal viewpoint, if I can learn some secrets "on the water," I am going to do so. A guide may be the best option, and also a more pleasant way to learn than group-grope. However, guides are about catching fish, not teaching (on the whole). So, if I wanted to learn some tricks to start catching fish as quickly as possible, a class may be my best option. How did you learn? Maybe someone taught you or you spent days and weeks of trial and error, but not all are so fortunate to have the time and access you do.

From a broader perspective (environmental hat on here), the more people who get out and ENJOY the environment, the more apt they are to give a **** and to try and save it. It may make for more crowded fishing conditions in the short term, but better and more healthy fisheries in the long-term. The idea of "its mine mine mine" just doesn't do much good for anyone. Least of all, the fish.

As for "profiting" from a public resource, puh-leeze. A class may bring in more per day than a guide, but the guide is no less guilty of profiting from a public resource. Again, the broader viewpoint has to be that the more who fish and care about the resource, the better off the resource will be.

Good fishing to you.

Eddy