Rich,

Thanks for asking without making attacks!

I believe that Todd can tell you that since "day one" on this board, I have always said, If a river has more fish then they need for biological escapement, we should have the "opportunity" to harvest them, if we so choose to do so. That does not mean that we should take every single fish that is available either. It's our choice to make!

It is my understanding that several Commissioners are not really comfortable with this decision either, so it's not just me, or a few other sport fishermen. I like wild fish, and I usually don't keep any, but there have been times when I do. I do not feel guilty when I do. I understand more then many on this board about fish and their needs. But I also understand how rules must be followed by all. In this case, I believe that the rules were twisted, and that the Commissioners members knows it.

Our wild fish survival, in my opinion, will not tilter on this decision one way or the other. Over the years that I have dedicated my life to fish, and the act of fishing, I have learned much. Some of what I have learned drives me to challenge the Commissions recent decision. There is a process that we all must follow, and in this case, it is my belief that the Commission failed to do so. I expect them (the commissioners) to follow the same rules and laws that both you and I must follow.

I may not be right on this issue, but I truly believe that they have not followed the processes that our society as set up. If we can't do that, then all of our wild fish are doomed anyway!

Cowlitzfisherman