Todd,
We may not see the new WSR law in exactly the same light.But on this issue I agree with your line of thinking.
The guest speaker at our last PSA meeting said basicly that sportfisherman wouldnt be fishing at all if it were not for the tribes fishing rights.
And correct me if im wrong but havent the tribes in washington said there fishing rights would never be sold? Making the option of buying there rights out of the question?
So as it stands the tribes get 50% and sport/comm get to split the remaining 50%.Out of that 50% the sportfishers get about 10%.
Its to bad the state doesnt buy out the non-indian comm fishers and give controll of that 40% to sportfishers.Give the treaty indians sole right to the comm sale of washington state caught fish.Under the condition they no longer net the rivers. There 50% would have to be taken offshore.This would increase the value of there 50% being they would have higher quality fish.And would help there public image buy getting the nets out of the rivers.There fishing would be more out of sight out of mind.So what do you think Todd can you work that out for us sportsman? 50% would sure be nice! And $$$ generated from better sportfishing in the state could be used to pay off the comm guys buyout.