I have a question for you Ralph? Have you ever traveled out of "your" state to hunt or fish. I hope not, or you were an outsider. I have, and I have a few things to tell you.

First of all, to hang a tag on outsiders as fish killers is ludicrous. I don't have the privelage to live where there are steelheads, as I have moved away from where I went to high school, so subsequently, all of my steelie fishing is conducted as an "outsider". I see locals where I fish throw crap on the banks, kill fish left and right, kill suckers or rough fish that are foul hooked and thrown on the bank to rot. I've turned them in to the Game wardens for spearing steelies in the shallows at night. In this regard, I am dam proud to be an "outsider". I let more fish go than most people catch in the rivers I fish. You can bet your sweet cheeks that if I caught a 30 pound steelhead that it would be let go. I have caught many "big" fish and they are all swimming. The only mounts that are in my house are graphite, or dead critters that were shot. They haven't come up with a way to catch and release trophy deer yet, but when they do, I'll be first in line. By the way, I do pass up deer on a yearly basis, that would make guys wet themselves. Doesn't mean I'm Joe Pro, just that I like to be around these animals as much or more than whacking them with a bow, or shooting them with a rifle or black powder. I have four kids, and don't drive a $40,000 vehicle, and I save every penny I can to do the two things I love most. HUNTING AND FISHING. I am going to Alaska this spring to fish for native steelies, a dream that I have had since I was 14 years old. I'm 37 now, and I have waited long enough. It has taken me 5 years to save for this trip, and I'm not ashamed of it. You can also bet the farm on the fact that a cooler won't be part of the gear that I bring back. Pictures and measurements will work just fine. I can't wait to come to Washington and catch one of your big native steelies, and I won't keep one even if its a new state record. I don't have anything to prove to anyone. I quit having to kill fish to show people I could catch them when I was in 10th grade.

I wouldn't bash the guides too hard, because it sounds like they are doing a hell of a lot more to protect the resource than most of the people who be-little them. I don't get paid to guide, but I do take new people over to Michigan, Ontario, and Wisconsin to steelhead fish. I try to teach them to treat the fish, fishermen, and river with respect. If these people don't learn that way, how is it going to happen. I wish Bob and these guides could take all the people in places of influence and show them first hand what is going on in regards to this prescious resource. Seeing is believing.

Everyone has their own agenda. Bottom line in the real world is that money talks. Will you be the first one to stand in line to pay for a punch card that allows you to take less fish. It worked with the waterfowl a few years back, and it can work with fish. If you want the fish to rebound, pay for a liscense, and don't harvest any of the fish (hatchery or nates) for a couple of years. then you'll find out what guys really love to fish. My question to you is, Are you willing to make that sacrifice". It would not take long, and the bonkers and plunkers will be sitting at home watching ESPN outdoors and drinking beer.

All of the out door opportunities are turning back to the way it was in England centuries ago. A rich mans sport, Take some time and work through your legislature to make changes, and don't elect these bums who don't care. I can find you a million guys who are quick to point out a problem, but not many who will work towards a resolution. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I'm off my pedestal now.