Curt,
There are always going to be casual anglers.
All you need to do is look at odd year salmon fishing. When there are huge numbers of humpies and the catching is easy, people come out of the woodwork.
Where are those same people went is isn't easy?

Carcassman,
It is hard to believe all your saltwater experiences in this state have been that negative.
As far as WDFW pushing boat-based fishing, you certainly don't need a boat to catch salmon in the salt, let alone fish for freshwater species.
In fact, there are shore based only fishing regs in effect for this years saltwater salmon season. Come Sept 5th, a lot of that fancy boat gear will of no use. A sad truth in my opinion.
If people can't have the gumption to go out and explore and learn angling techniques, I'm not sure the state is missing out on that much.
Besides having mentors, how'd you do it well before the Internet?

BFD,
I'm a dinosaur....but I'm going to have a lot of fun before I die off.
SF