I can't think of a topic that is better suited for my first here. The Skokomish river has the potential for such a great fishery. With abuses on both sides of the equation I see a river in trouble.

Every year I watch the Native and non native people abuse this river. The complete disregard for the environment by both is a disgrace. The hundreds of pounds of litter and retrieved mono filament line that is left on the banks of the river, and ends up down stream. Every year I see HUNDREDS of "real fishermen" line the banks of that awesome body of water and SNAG fish by the hundreds. The Native population is entitled to their portion of the run. They are entitled under the law to do with their fish what ever they want to. We as guests to their river should at the very least set a good example and follow the rules we have set forth for members of our society. And when we say to the guy next to us on the river that is ripping the water to shreds "hey beat it" the others will stick up for us and run the bums off.

Then we can deal with the Natives. I do agree that something needs to be done about the waste of resources. With the price of salmon at two to one dollar a pound is it any wonder they don't keep it?

Perhaps some form of taxation on Roe that is purchased by Japan would discourage the practice of EGGING?

Capt.Dan