I am not sure this was a sting but an opportunity. A friend who was down there had a good analogy...like fishing at Woodstock...(those of you too young to know what Woodstock was look it up).....and H2o it's allright if you don't remember....

The fishery in August on the Columbia below the Astoria bridge brings out thousands of boats so what better place to enforce the laws. What better place to enforce safety as well since so many drown there.

I'm all for free enterprise CFM and less frivolous regulation but on this issue I land squarely in favor of regulation for the safety of the clients. I think you may be right that the Charterboat Association (Mark Cedargreen) had something to do with influencing enforcement but they have lots of influence on lots of issues concerning WDFW seasons and rules because they are active in the process. They were active in getting Umatilla open for halibut this year and the 7 day a week season in the ocean. This is not undo influence just organized influence. You, too, can influence these policies but it won't happen here.