We as sport fishers get screwed when WDFW decides to "shut" down any of our sport fisheries or our hatcheries! Apparently the commercials boys have set themselves up with a sweetheart deal that will assure that they always have an "opportunity" to keep fishing or they will get their license fees back becuase of "lost opertunity". Talk about a sweetheart deal! Now you see why the commercial boys always get to fish, no matter how bad the runs are predicted to be.

It's all about money folks, and it's pretty well spelled out in RCW 77.65.060 that's listed below. Should we have the same "opportunities" to get our fishing license fees back if WDFW decides to shut down any of our hatcheries or rivers? Because without hatchery fish, their will be no harvest allowed in most state waters. What's good for the goose should be good for the gander! What do you think?


RCW 77.65.060
No commercial fishery during year -- License requirement waived or license fees refunded. If, for any reason, the department does not allow any opportunity for a commercial fishery during a calendar year, the director shall either: (1) Waive the requirement to obtain a license for that commercial fishery for that year; or (2) refund applicable license fees upon return of the license.

[2000 c 107 § 30; 1995 c 227 § 1. Formerly RCW 75.28.034.]


Cowlitzfisherman