I was told when I first started in this field that you cannot make everyone happy when it comes to fish management. Of course, I made it my goal to do just that anyway!

But over the last few years, I think I have to come to the determination that it is a goal that I cannot complete. There are too many factors out there that simply cannot allow for everyone to be happy.

The recent bait versus fly fishing thread is a prime example.

I do have to say, on a professional level, that it is sometimes disheartening for me to hear people unhappy with the way we are managing, when what we really are trying to do is provide fishing opportunities for everyone.

We don't favor any user group. We want everyone to enjoying Washington's incredible fishing resources. Whether you fish the ocean, lakes, babbling brooks or the Mighty Columbia River - we want to be able to provide anglers with the types of fishing that they enjoy.

I had thought about not commenting on the thread regarding triploid trout - but do have a couple of things to say. I will be the first to admit that they do not increase license sales. But they do provide anglers with a different type to fish for.

Now, here in our Region, a lot of our fish are big or bigger than these triploid trout! So our anglers are used to having great big fish!

The longer a fish is kept the more it cost to raise it. So there are two ways, in my opinion, to plant fish out. 1)less fish that are larger or 2) more fish that are not large (regular 8"). We try to use net pens to increase size without depleting room at our hatcheries.

It's a tough decision. I can't really discuss whether it is good or bad to have the triploids planted into lakes that anglers can keep them. I am pro catch and keep, pro catch and release, pro bait, pro fly fishing, pro trout, pro warmwater. I feel I have a responsibility to ALL groups, so I will do my best to try and give opportunities for everyone.

I think it is perfectly fine to have a specific way and to be passionate about it. But I do think that there is no one right way to fish and that people can enjoy many of the opportunities that we offer. And we will be there to try and get those opportunities to you.