SteelyBob,

Well put indeed. I meant to make a similar comment, but wouldnt have topped yours.

As a 28 year old that has been fishing for his entire life, I always rememeber my days on rivers from years back when I was a kid in much better detail than days on the salt. My Dad always took My brother and I fishing on weekends, and up on the river is where I was taught to fish with a pole that was three times my size ( still have it.)In retrospect, I always have loved those days in the mountains much more versus days out on the sound.

From a fishing perspective, I enjoy River fishing more than saltwater for many reasons. To begin with, the surroundings. Fishing has always ben a great escape for me and when on a river it immeadiately allows me to forget abut the rest of the world. We are all blessed to live in this great state, a I am sure many of you can easliy relate. Out on the saltwater it is beautiful as well, all the areas I've fished...the sound, San Juans, and Straits are beautiful, but it just doesnt beat your favorite river fishing spot, whether the fishing is good or bad.
The fishing does require more skill. Period. Depending on your target, there are many many ways to catch a fish under the various conditions that can exist. From drift fishing to plugging or spinning,from a boat or from the shore... accurate casting to the perfect part of the water with a flyrod...it all adds up to a much more spiritual experience for me.

Dont get me wrong, I am not knocking fishing the salt....I will be doing both as long as I live, but if ever given the choice, I choose the river. The saltwater for me is to only get my "fish on," if you will, when the river isnt in shape.

Well, to each his own, what are your thoughts?

Sky-Guy.