Likely not just because of our protest today (although we could always think so ... but I'm sure the hub-bub didn't hurt either.

Obviously we're not in jail ... although nowadays, they proably have web access there .

Actually, no citations were issued at all as we stuck by our second plan of cutting our hooks off at the bend to prevent any possible injury to the fish.

How'd things go??

Here's a rundown ... lots of big pictures, so please be patient!

I spent the morning making some signs



When I arrived at about 1:45, a Quileute Tribal member was driftnetting the lowermost portion of the Leyendecker Hole ... right in line with the closure signs.



Here he is picking fish when he returned to shore a few minutes later:



The pile is starting ...



You don't even want to see how full this tote was when it was all over ...



We made some more signs ... here's big Mike posing with my barge ...



Lots of law enforcement of all types: I think a half-dozen gammies, State Patrol was on the bridge above for a bit, La Push Police, and BIA officers. Obviously, a little overblown on their end



Then we were off to cast our lures into the netting zone. About ten of us on the water ...



I was joined by the clients that were originally scheduled to fish with me today (lots of you probably recognize them ... it's Lucky and Luckier) Richard and Jennifer Parrick. Thanks for your support!



A look at some of the folks on the bank ... I'd guess probably 4-5 dozen people in all were on the bank ... lots of folks from town, good to see you there!

We'd heard the Quileutes were not really happy happy this whole thing ... does it show in this pic??



And as we started to "fish", out came Warden Brian Fairbanks and his Supervisor to check things out ...



Upon checking our gear and deciding that we weren't officially "fishing" ... we rowed around the hole and swapped some fish stories. The best??? Brian's tale of the "world's worst snaggers!"



Despite some heckling from Tribal members (good job everyone on our side for not making this an ugly scene), the netter offered this fish he caught to us. Is it any wonder that they're not getting much per pound for them. It still laid on the bank when we left ...



And it was good to see some kids involved ... this sign says it ALL!!!


As is usual in these situation, I can't say that we were overly impressed with the turnout, but thanks to all those that came. It no doubt did open some local eyes and a big thanks to the out-of-the-area media that picked up on it.

As I hinted at the start ... it sounds like these fish may have some good news very soon. We'll keep you informed the best we can

I think I speak for all of us on your forum when I say I commend your actions out there today, as well as everyone else who showed up. Glad to see there was a good turnout and nothing got ugly.

Nice work

SG-

Bob,
Great Job!!! Thanks for all your efforts and all those involved. I wish I could have been there. You're a class act all the way. Looking forward to fishing with you someday.-Don

Very nicely done Bob!

Yeah, what they said. Good job, nice, effective protest. Got the publicity, and no-one got hurt. Good for you all!

Excellent job to Bob and everyone involved!!!

We thank you!!!...and can not wait to hear if/what effect(s) everyone's hard work will have the net fishery!!

That last picture of the kid says it all.
Thanks Bob

RL

Bob, what can I say.......

Good show Bob!!! I was there and I had taken a bunch of pics but my digital camera was set up wrong. I had some pics from the bridge and from the bank. I was impressed with the way that everyone handled themselves. I hope this opened some eyes and maybe the Yutes will rethink thier role in saving the Salmon.

Great effort Bob, Maybee this will be the small beginning to a larger involvement. Its great ti see individuals who care enough to show it.

Baitboy

Again, Good Job you guys

Unfortunately, my new job kept me from attending. Kudos to all who helped out on this.
The people who administer and visit this board are a great group to be affiliated with!

Thanks Bob for everything youcontinue to do for us and our sport!

Bob and all who helped, great work...... a job well done!

excellent job anglers! i would have loved to be there and support, but i could'nt make it. hopefully this will help stop the b.s..

Good job BOB! perhaps those of use who couldn't make it over could help out with some letters or phone calls. Could you post some names and or numbers?

It would have been easy for the indians to take the wind out of the protest by pulling their nets for just that afternoon. It would have ruined the photo-ops.

But no, they once again demonstrated their "couldn't care less what anyone thinks" attitude.

Those are some great pics, Bob. I hope the papers will print some of them.

Bob et al.,
Words just don't say enough, but THANK YOU.

NEN

Great Job Bob and to all the other people in volved...............Os

Great job and many thanks to Bob, OPGA and the volunteers who put their time and effort into supporting a cause where the fish are the winners(eventually).
Even more importantly is the issue of taking the high road when confronting the offenders. In a society where airing your differences in a confrontational and insulting manner has become the norm, I congratulate all the protestors for the decorum they displayed. The signs were insightful and intelligent.
This grass-roots appeal to the perpetrators and the legislature is a real win in my eyes.
Thanks again and congrats.

Way to go Bob!

The Quilayute are truly a people without respect for the fish. The lies they are telling , and there actions, surely have there forfathers looking down upon them with SHAME.

Look at this from the Komo website
Witnesses told The News Tribune of Tacoma that tribal fishermen used jet sleds to herd fish into their gill nets on the Quillayute this week.

"The fish can see the nets, but they just panic," said Bob Gooding, owner of Olympic Sporting Goods in Forks.

Quileute Tribal Council information officer Karsten Boysen denied the accusation.

"Sure, it's illegal," he told The Associated Press by phone. "Our fishermen don't work that way. Besides, I don't know a fisherman here who has a jet sled. We can't afford one. And if there's not enough water for fish to go up the stream, how come there's enough water for a jet sled? It's absolutely false. Guaranteed. Somebody is making up stories."

pray for rain!

Bob and everyone else that participated, I know that I am speaking for many anglers when I say THANK YOU! I wish I could have been there and I did try but other obligations prevent my participation.

Well done friends!

Bravo Zulu Bob, there are many, many people who talk about getting rid of gillnetters in rivers. You have made a very pubic and classy display of concern for the fish. Congratulations, I believe you have fired the first shot in the war.

Thank you for showing the rest of us the way.

Good work!!!!!

It sure is nice to see so many different people and personalities from different groups and other BBS's can ban together over one topic. A little proof, that we as sportsman/woman can get something accomplished if we all pool our resources and work together.

Just something to think about for future situations like this one...

Kev

Many thanks to all who participated from those of us unable to attend.

The fish will be the winners in the end.

To all involved...................WELL DONE !

Thank you to everyone who took time out of there day to make it happen! May the fish gods smile upon you.

Glad to see alot of publicity for this. Glad to see the protest was intelligently handled. Believe me the show of law enforcement was not intended to protect the protestors...they were there to bust you and protect the friggin indians. The pictures are the weapons. The pictures are the evidence. Please email the pictures to the media. Thanks to the hard working and dedicated protestors.

Very well done.

You should be proud.

fp

Good Job Bob, Keep up the fight.

Thanks everyone!! As I alluded to yesterday, it appears thast the fish have been given the chance to finally do their thing now.

I'd like to extend my thanks to all those that helped out in one way or another ... especially Pat Graham, Mike Price, and yes, Guy Ruble (goes to show that we should all put differences aside when it comes to the welfare of the fish!).

I'd like to thank those from the town of Forks who came out in support and another thanks for the signs that were brought to us!!

Craig Hunley, OPGA Guides' Association also deserves some recognition for working behind the scenes to get the local political leaders involved and riding the state hard on this.

I'd like to extend my gratitude to those mediafolk who were willing to cover this matter and also to all those who emailed them and said it was important!

And thanks to Brian Fairbanks, or local warden ... for keeping us entertained on the water :p You really were coming to a Cadillac Convention in a Volkswagon!!

Now let's do some more rain dances to help the fish out more!

Recieved many applauses regarding the actions yesterday at work today...boss came in and said he saw your name in the paper this morning and wanted me to extend his appreciation of all your efforts to you.

Well done!!

Ive been very busy at work and missed all the Hubub. Rember there are many people behind you. You are a credit to all sport fisherman in the Northwest!!!

Good job Bob! Wish I could have been there to help out!
Andrew

!!IT WORKED!! click here!

Thanks all.