Obviously the "nets" issue is a hot topic.Personally I'd like to see a more workable long-term solution than a bale of hay.If you have read the Boldt decision you would realize that a boatload of lawyers couldn't unravel that mess.It's hard to tell who if anyone regulates what.Yes it absolutely needs to be reworked,especially in the enforcement/responsibility department.Now why would the tribes and or commercials give up anything without something in return?Would you?Think about it.Yes we would all like to see more fish return and have less obstacles(nets)confronting them when they do.We all know the value of a sport-caught vs net-caught fish and I certainly would pay up for more "quality" water.What I suggest is some sort of a buy-back program.This could be voluntary and should be irreversable.This could be started be the sportsmen or better yet in conjunction with the state/feds.It should be applicable to any commercial/tribal fisher.I believe the"net-ban" failed due to the fact that voters saw it as one-sided.And truthfully didn't address the issue fully.I know there is much more to it,but it seems viable to me.Something needs to be done and well...Money Talks! Anyone know Bill Gates?

It would certainly be worth a chunk of change outta my pocket to reduce the number of nets out there.. a "buy back" program would seem to have some merits... would probibly be a pain in the ass to run and regulate though.. wounder if DFW has ever looked into this?? hmmmm

[ 01-18-2002: Message edited by: Sniggler ]

WDFW are a bunch of P***Y B*****S on this subject!
tyler

Tyler, the Boldt decision was approved in federal court, WDFG is a state agency, they have no jurisdiction here so what is it you expect them to do?

exactly!! Everyone *****es about the state but they're hands are tied.
I talked to all kinds of people that weren't going to vote for that ban the nets initiative because it wouldn't effect the indians.
I guess they're waiting for a law that will make the world a utopia.

About a buy out??
Would any teibal fishers even be willing?
how would we keep another tribal fisherman from taking his place?
How much money would it take?
How much could we as sport fishers raise for such a project
What is the possibility of getting some help from the sport fishing industry?
I'd like and would contribute to a buy out program...

RA3 First of all I don't know how all this would work I was looking for suggestions.It seems to me that the state has bought back some Commercial licenses as it wasn't cost effective to net anymore.Also I have heard that Oregon had bought some treaty rights in years past.If anyone knows anybody with pull at the North of Falcon maybe it should be brought up.Also anyone know how the net initiative started?Personally I feel that the tribes or whoever(homeless)? can have all the excess hatchery fish as sportsmen are more interested in the sport. Slug

This was just on the columbia river in one year. imagine how much money we would have to raise.
tyler

[ 01-19-2002: Message edited by: Tyler Celli ]

Might get "yelled at" for this suggestion, but somewhat agreed with it when a buddy of mine brought it up. Speaking on the issue of compensating the tribes for less nets or no nets he proposed this:

A small hike in the cost of a fishing license, all of which goes to compensating the tribes for less nets or no nets on the rivers. Of course the tribes may be unhappy about less nets or no nets, but the money generated from a small increase in licenses could be compensation, and they could feel satisfied being that the sport fisherman who have to buy the license at an increased rate are doing so as part of a compromise. Sure we are out a few more dollars or cents, but a soloution is a soloution right? Thoughts?

id pay $100 if i had to
tyler

Thats what I'm talking about.I'd certainly pay more $ for more fins.

Give it up, it's a dead horse. Tribal Rights are not for sale. In reality the majority of anglers do alot of talking, but take very little action. As hard as it is forget the tribes and do something that you can do to preserve what we have and work towards the future. Lead by example instead of this continuing crying about the tribes. There is plenty of opportunities available to help make things better, but it takes time, work and commitment.

I would be more than happy to contribute some extra money via personal contributions or higher licensing fees!! This is a great idea that should be brought forth in legislation.