Chasin' Baitman:

I used to get upset when we sporties got bent over the barrel, but I recently found a new perspective that I think might help you out. I find that when I accept my role in our state's fisheries, which is to open my wallet so the State can manufacture fish for gillnets, for what it is, I find comfort in just how much money I apparently do have to give away.

Sorry. I know that was weak. I thought maybe writing out something positive would help my attitude. I was wrong.

PFMC is all about ocean harvest, and they make the rules. Hence, whether you're a tribal gillnetter or a suffering sportsman, the guys in the big blue just low-holed you. Again.

If I had to guess at why there seem to be no meaningful tribal concessions, my answer would be that the Tribe's fisheries are guaranteed by a treaty, the violation of which could result in hefty lawsuits, whereas we sporties are guaranteed nothing beyond "opportunities," which, as long as something's open for five minutes, we always have. In most cases, if someone's gotta take a hit, it won't be the guys with the power to hit back.