Sorry been a long time since I've posted anything... had to on this one since this closure probably effects Robbo, Myself and a handfull of other guides that make a living guiding the Skagit System more than most.

Shiat happens!! We'll survive and so will a few more fish... pretty much end of story! Why don't I get politically involved in all or any of the sports groups out there (WSC, CAA, Etc) ... Look at this entire thread again!! As a whole we can't even agree to disagree. This board has always had some real good sound advice by some its members, with the education and science to back their comments, and members that I personally respect as a whole, even if I will at times, agree to disagree with them. (My hat is off to Smalma, SalmoG, Todd, Bob, Vedder and others... even if at times some of them let their emotions cloud things at times IMHO)

On Brett's defense he is a great bio for us up here and while we may not agree with many of his decisions he does try his best to stay on top of the fishery. (Wish he would contact Robbo and I more on a regular basis to keep more on top of the actual fishery at hand, after all we're out there on the river just about every single day... we should have been notified of the closure first hand before the rumor mill started... and the fact remains that we are already seeing some 3 salt fish in the system now. )

Robbo and I, along with a handfull of others, have been taking scale samples from wild fish for the past few years for Brett, and it is true that there was not a great sampling of 2 salts concerning this years return. Brett is for the fishery and is also a fisherman but does have his hands tied when it comes to other issues concerning the system. Like the tribes...

We have 3 tribes up here on the Skagit sytem and they can't even agree to disagree! ( Especially when it comes to netting schedules, allotments, etc.) ~Want to get a little more riled up when it comes to the Steelhead fishery here on the Skagit call the Swinomish / Sauk Suiattle netting hotline (360) 466 - 4112 This does not include the Skagit Tribe netting schedule either.

The Tribes definately take a heavy toll on all the fisheries are not being held accountable for their actions (One thing I think everyone can actually agree on and everyones hands are tied on this one.) Bob, I truly feel for you guys out there on the Nince!! Have heard all you guys are going through with all the netting going on.

Peace out, keep your chin up and smile... life is too short!!