Eddie/FishNg1 -
I owe you both an apology - it was unfair to single you both out on the those large salmon. As Eddie points out they were taken in legal seasons. I used you as examples of how folks often apply double standards between steelhead and salmon. I personally don't have any hard burn with the taking of those fish but then someone taking a wild steelhead from the Quilleyute doesn't give me heart burn either.

Eddie -
Yes I do care about the resource, in fact my passion for the wild salmonid resources of this state probably matches most on this site. And don't worry it isn't likely that I will drop out of these living debates anytime soon.

Am I disappointed with the commission ruling ? - no, I don't think so.

Surprised ? - no, as a long time observer of fish management issues in this state I have been expecting it.

Concerned ? - Yes, greatly. To my mind this split decision based on resource conservation issues sets a potentially very high standard for the managers and future decisions. That in itself is not a problem for me however I'm not sure how that would play with most of you. In addition I share the concern expressed by others that the portion of our steelhead productivity that historically support recreation fishing (whether bonking or CnR) will by default be used by competing interest; additional commerical fishing, another development, another clear cut or another dam.

Perhaps the above should be an item for a future dicussion.

Tight lines
S malma