Thanks for speaking up Parker

here's my feeling on your responses to my questions this is just my take on things so no hanging parties please.

Quote from parker
"Why can't I care for the fish yet value the opportunity to fish, at the same time?"

There are other opportunities out there parker in fact there are other rivers near there that are going to reach escapement.

Quote from parker

"I don't bonk natives. However, I do fish on the Hoh. I carefully release all the steelhead I catch on the Hoh (unless it's a hatchery fish, or salmon). I'm willing to accept the 2-3% mortality rate. I personally don't buy that statistic, but I'm willing to live with it."

I'm happy you release all wild steelhead everyone should. as for accepting the 2-3%(I don't buy it either it's more like 5% when you take in account for the different skill levels and fish handling ability. The fact you take care when handling is great but will the next person do so well?. If A river is in trouble don't fish it let's save every fish we can.

Quote from Parker
I'm also able to sleep at night knowing that I "harmed" some fish, buy putting a hook in it's face. Call me a fisherman, I guess. That's what we do." now that's funny

Quote from Parker
"What good does closing a river do, if the problem just isn't harvesting? You seem to be forgetting the rest of the fish's lifecycle. What happens on land, in the rivers, and out in the oceans are just as much of factors as the harvesting part is."

Your right Parker, but we can make an impact right now by closing them down stop fishermen's impact. The ocean conditions and river conditions will take more doing and time.

Also With a river that is closed you can bet that the wardens will be more effective at enforcing laws and catching poachers. I'm all for that.


Quote by parker
"Take the Skykomish, for example. The spring native run has been in decline (not making escapement goals), so the state shutdown down that fishery. The fish are still declining, yet no one is fishing for them in the rivers. Sadly, this is happening on many of our Washington rivers.

Why is that? "

There are going to be examples for all arguments if you look hard enough like how about the Wenatchee which has been closed and now is getting increased numbers of wild fish return

as for fighting for fishing opportunity I'm with ya bud but I'm looking more at future fishing opportunity. Thanks again for responding Parker.