I've been on a 6-pack twice for tuna and we "plugged the boat" both times. I wondered the exact same thing you just mentioned...

I've been VERY fortunate to of experienced the end of "the good 'ol days" that the NW HAD to offer in my 47 years. Even for a kid from Eastern Washington my dad was a real gamer. Starting in the late 60's and moving forward up until he died, he pursued everything that swam. Several of the other members here can relate as well.

He drug me around from when I just got out of diapers as his main partner, so I was lucky enough to see and fish The Gray/Naselle in March in late 70's to mid 80's, kings in The Straights in 70's until the first El Nino (saw several 50's each year), Sol Duc and Hoh starting in '82, Westport, Hiking into the Queets mid 80's, Sky-Sno-Snohomish-Green steelhead starting in 81(some awesome BIG summer run years) back when chums were a nuisance, you could crab 10 months a year, Cowlitz, Wenatchee, Methow, yada, yada. Opportunities on top of opportunities.

I'll end with this snippet. Dad and I were drifting down the Hoh one day, getting ready to drop into the Canyon, and I'd just caught another fish that weekend. I thought I was hot chit (13-14yo kid in the front of the boat, not to hard to catch a fish getting the first water). And he reflected a little as we sat on anchor..he said "I've ruined you". I was perplexed, so I quizzed him. He went on to say how he'd exposed me to all these awesome fishing and hunting adventures the NW HAD to offer (he/we were pretty successful outdoorsman) and what was I going to do for fun when was 25yo? I remarked, "well the same thing dad". He said "It'll never be the same kid, It's already going downhill too fast", and that was 30+ years ago. I still fish, but don't travel near as much as I did in my 30's. But I've got great memories, and I can say I saw some real cool chit!!! Unfortunately, I feel my dad was right.