Some feedback comments. First of all, I had posted awhile back suggesting a WAA type of organiztion and then being disappointed in the seeming general complacency of Washington anglers. This WAA push & the resultant constructive comunication now taking place here is encouraging.-- What I here Jim Bain saying is that the WAA will be mostly about sportfishing general interest representation by needed fish bio.s/lawyers/lobbyists, and importantly backed by the POWER of great numbers of members. And that the purpose will be oriented toward what's best for salmon & steelhead recovery & health, rather than for divided fishermen's self interest issues. Great! But a little reality check should be forthwith. While I believe that a large part of "what's best for fish recovery" is fighting the status quo of Indian & commercial netting, there is much more to the equation. Getting more financial commitment toward fish restoration from the electric power industry & reversing habitat destruction by such as the timber, agricultural, cattle, etc. industries is also a big part of it. The reality check for sportfishermen and potential WAA members is twofold: 1- While member numbers are very important it is also going to take money (Jim was reluctant to address that issue because it will take a lot for significant change- bio.s/lawyers/lobbyists cost). However, the more the members the less the money per member! EVERYONE joining in will be a powerful force w/o having too much cost per member!! I suggest a member pledge drive to get the numbers high before asking for the needed financial help so costs will be low when asked for. 2- The other reality is that for the future of salmon & steelhead runs, sportfishermen are going to continue to have to make sacrifices. But they don't have to be that painful. Continued manditory C&R where appropriate. Bait bans & barbless hooks where appropriate. And quite frankly, this will likely have to be for a long while in many areas. BUT HEY, YOU WILL STILL BE OUT THERE ENJOYING FISHING IN THE OUTDOORS!! WITH FISH RECOVERING FOR THE FUTURE INSTEAD OF PERMANENTLY DISAPPEARING ALONG WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO FISH FOR THEM AT ALL! So quit worrying about selfish issues & agendas and get with the WAA. I will attempt to get support for those objectives from our Ifish website readers here in Oregon if & when it will benefit your causes. We will be faced with the same battles here, although not as urgent as native steelhead netting. Jim, after a successful WAA membership drive, how about considering an even more powerful alliance combining Washington & Oregon sportfishermen (how does Northwest Sportfishing Alliance or similar sound?). And don't forget about likely substancial financial help from NSIA (Norhtwest Sportfishing Industry Assoc.- read the Feb./Mar.STS mag. article by Buzz Ramsey- they sell tackle, not bait). Another likely candidate for financial help would be the fishing boat industry. There are other candidates. Good luck & keep after it. - Steve Hanson

[This message has been edited by Reel Truth (edited 03-28-2000).]