If nothing else, HB1660 and the Senate companion bill has got us talking as a group. Yes, there are a lot of differing opinions, and just as many problems with the fisheries. But what this Bill primarily address' is the amount of money we the Sport Fishing Community contribute directly to the WDFW as opposed to what our Commercial Fleet does. And how WDFW's management polices favor the Commercial Fleet. Since there are FAR MORE Sport Fishermen and we are contributing FAR MORE Money we SHOULD be considered the Primary Stakeholder in the management decisions. Even removing the wording about making Washington State a world class fishing destination, the root of equality to the Sport Fishermen still rings true.

IF this Bill would pass, it would mandate that Washington State manage the fisheries with priority given to the Sportsmen, and that would go a long way in opening the door to address many other issues that have been outlined and brought up in this thread. But, the first step is to get the legislation passed that gives the Sport Fishermen a real voice by mandating the direction of the WDFW be focused on Recreational rather than Non-Tribal Commercial Fishing.