Sounds like a good idea to me.

Many of my fishing buddies agree with the idea you have brought up. The sportfishing "industry" has a much larger economic impact on an area than does commercial fishing. Take into account, a boat, rods, reels, tackle, bait, waders, hats, sunglasses, GPS, fish finder, boots, jackets, hotels, camp grounds, lodges, resorts, RV's, trucks, trailers, fishing guides, charters, shuttle services, extra gasoline sport fisherman spend, food, booze, boat moorage, boat repair costs, license fees, boat registration, trailer tabs, etc etc etc.

Add all that up, all that $$$ makes its way into the local/regional economy, and if I didnt have the opportunity to fish, that money wouldnt be spent(id have alot more in the bank.. just ask my wife)

Sport fisherman in many cases create this sort of economic benefit soley to have the ability/opportunity to chase after and catch/release a wild steelhead, or fly fish on a great stream for trout(think montana). Each of these examples provide the economic benefit to the local/regional area but dont destroying the resource like commercial fishing does.


Needless to say I dont think many outside of fishing forums(including WDFW) realize the benefits sportfishing provides to our economy. If your idea can get off the ground i think it will help to sway the general publics opinion.