Thousands of Washington State recreational fishermen are joining in a temporary boycott of fishing license sales. "With yet another North of Falcon, with its public prohibition on transparency, it only makes sense to delay any license purchase until after the public gets to see what deals WDFW were coerced to accept in order to get any fishing for recreational fishermen."

With fishing shut down, why not delay any purchase until after the List of Agreed fisheries is public? By withholding the influx of early license sales revenue, we might send a message for better transparency and equality in our fisheries management.

Licence Boycott

Open North of Falcon: License Boycott

Given how iffy and variable seasons seem to be now and how, personally, time to go out varies with trips and such I don't see buying either a hunting or fishing license until I am sure that I will be going.

The days when "I know" that I'll be able to do that hunt or pursue that fishery are gone.

I’ll put my puny shoulder to the wheel, and buy a Canadian license instead.

[quote=Bay wolf]Thousands of Washington State recreational fishermen are joining in a temporary boycott of fishing license sales.

Licence Boycott
How can "thousands" of Wa. fishermen be boycotting something that is not being sold? And how many tens of thousands will buy them as soon as we are able to buy licenses and go fishing?

I will be waiting to see if there are any fisheries that I want to take part in. Like the Stillaguamish being open for cutthroat trout fishing this summer. If I knew they were going to open the Skagit C&R fishery I would definitely buy my license.

Go for it. They closed more than WA the last few years so if you think it’ll be better up there this year good luck.

who needs a license?

I agree, I might get a shellfish license. I'll head to Oregon for smallmouth (maybe?), and later to B.C. this summer for a quality trip in the saltwater. I really don't feel guilty about catching our fish up there since our spineless politicians won't do a hard negotiation to get them back to our waters.

Baywolf,

Fabulous letter to the editor in THE REEL NEWS this month. Points our problems that few know about. Don't give up the ship!

I think the director is being a bit optimistic in the article. When this virus thing ends ( and it will ) the loss of state revenue now and for several years to come as things recover is going to be monumental. I really doubt that WDFW's current manner of operating will survive as it is not going to be a priority agency. Just sayin.

The WDFW money grab, needs to be shut off. WDFW fat cats need to take a salary reduction until the States fish and wild life are up to the standards of years past. Its absolutely crazy to have the "chopped up fishing seasons" and WDFW continue to operate with a full budget......and then want more........grrrrrrrrrr

You old guys act like there is no fishing left. Get over it things change. Your license is still the cheapest part of fishing.

Deerlick,

Sure, we older anglers know there is still a lot of fishing opportunity left. However, compared to what was available not so very long ago, it does amount to practically no fishing opportunity. These days we think it's a big deal if Grays Harbor gets a coho return of 30,000. But 35 years ago the average return was closer to 300,000. That's kind of a significant difference, ya' know?

Sg

You young guys act like losing opportunities, harvest and time on the water is no big deal. As long as you get to fish somewhere for something, sometime.

Believe me, in a few years you too will be pissed because the little fishing you used to enjoy has all but disappeared too.

I hope when the young guys tell you, Hey you don't deserve to fish, because you didn't do anything to help, GET OVER IT, you'll understand what was lost.

Salmo, not only that the SS coho used to top a million ITSELF, Bellingham Bay had over 100,000 Chinook too. The rec catch out of Westport was in the neighborhood of 750,000 coho. Nah, we haven't lost much.

I have not yet purchased my new license.

I was all set, couple of friends purchased the shellfish only two weeks ago. denied!

I will wait until just before, If I buy in at all this year.

We didn't lose anything, we destroyed it. Pollution and plastic in the marine waters, habitat destruction in the fresh water ecosystems, and climate change everywhere. WDFW didn't do this, all of society did and buying or not buying a license will not change it.

I know there are other fisheries.....my problem is Age, 79, and bad knees.....I'd love to be able to walk in a few miles and fish in a quiet area.

I always get a kick out of public meetings......younger generation people throw up ideas on, "no boats in certain areas" or want "drift boats only".....I loved it when I was younger, 50 years ago, very few drift boats on any of the rivers in Grays Harbor and very few sleds.......I did the walk bit, then the drift boat, now jet boat......oh, I still drive to certain areas, and carefully walk down the bank.....then pray, not many others there.....and now its hope there isn't a drift boat or two......

You'll all be there some day, age wise----as Salmo g., Carcassman, WN1A, Slabhunter, and many others know.......best future fishing seasons really will be nothing compared to the "old days"

I'd pay thousands more for a license....if I could take 50 - 60 years off my age..

WN1A it appears that age has not effected your clarity of thought thank you for your input that’s spot on. Why so many continually put the blame on fisheries management or specific user groups is beyond me. I’ll still be buying my license as usual and enjoying any opportunity available.