It looks like we are OK for now.

SB 5401, anti-C&R bill, dead, didn't get scheduled for the Rules Committee.

SB 5455, requiring all anglers under 18 to take a class in salmonid identification and proper catch and release techniques before they can fish, dead, didn't get to it.

HB 2040, anti-wading on the Skagit bill (and anti-fishing all together in effect), dead, didn't really ever have a chance.

HB 2156, creating the Hood Canal Marine Sanctuary, dead. This one would have ended fishing in Hood Canal and its tributaries for any anadromous fish until the State and the Tribes agreed that the runs were "fully recovered".

The first three are gimmes, lame bills that wouldn't have done anything but end C&R fishing or make it hard to get kids into fishing, which is our best bet for protecting our runs.

The last one is a little closer. I guess it's easy for me to say that as I don't fish Hood Canal or its tribs, except for chums on the Skokomish, so I wouldn't be missing out on much. I can certainly find plenty of chums elsewhere. Anyone else have an opinion on that one?

There are also a ton of bills out there dealing with salmon recovery, most of which deal with water issues, timber issues, farming issues, mining and prospecting issues, etc. If anyone wants a list, post a request and I will e-mail it to you.

Lastly, there are bills out there to authorize salmon license plates, like they have in Oregon. Money would go to salmon restoration efforts. In case you didn't know, buying personalized plates still sends a few bucks to salmon restoration. This bill would make it more visible and more beneficial to the salmon restoration programs.

I don't know the status of all the other bills, but if you have a bill number, the lady who answers the phone at the House Legislative Billroom can give you the status of any bill, be it a house or senate bill. Her number is 360-786-7573. Sorry, I can't remember her name.

Fish on...
Todd.