It's appears that Trout Unlimited may not be the best organization to join as some of who have noted in this forum. My question is, if not TU, then who is worthy of my time and financial support and why?

thanks ... lobo

Here's an idea.....book a float with Bob (your host).....get the freshest and most pertinent info and fish too!! A guy who lives what he preaches HAS to be good to spend the day with, don't you think?

Lobo,

Kudos to anyone showing a desire to do something more for the resource than they are are taking out!
Thanks to all those that are actually out there putting their own resources (time, money and sweat) back into the resource we all enjoy.
TU is certainly one of many worthy organizations that are doing just that. Although I am no longer actively involved with them, I have seen TU make significant positive contributions to the resource for many years and will be the first to give credit where credit is due. There are also other groups that are doing the same, some more vocal than others. And in spite of some disagreements, most all have the resources best interest in mind. Bear in mind that wherever there is someone trying to do something positive or constructive you can expect there will always be controversy and difficulties along the way. Please do not let this keep you from getting involved whereever that may be; there is far too much at stake. For the resources sake, it is far better to find common ground and work together than it is to be divided and be defeated in all the good that can be accomplished. One way to do this is to simply get involved with any group (TU works), "worthy" or not, to help to make that group stronger, more effective and a more "worthy" place for others to come and contribute. But with all the opportunities that I am sure are available to you, I would suggest that you get involved with a group that is;

(1) local, so that it is easier to stay actively involved with, and
(2) one that is focused on one or more positive enhancement programs.

One thing is for sure though, if you get involved with people that want to build up rather than tear apart, you will see good things happen that you never thought were possible and, in the bargain, you will get way more back than you ever put in. Guaranteed!

Click on the Wild Steelhead Coalition link at the top of the page!

Mooch

Well said

This is the place where "put your money where your mouth is" should be the mission statement. Lot's of ideas flying around on this board. Joining an organization that promotes and enhances the sport of fishing can be real rewarding and not just to you. Rewarding to many people out there who don't "get involved"...Those groups out there like TU bring people together to have fun and in the process hopefully leave their marks on the sport by doing positive things to improve and enhance fishing opportunities.

Puget Sound Anglers is my choice. I spend as much time with fishing and outdoor issues as I do working for a living . PSA is back on the growth curve with new chapters up and down Puget Sound. We provide members with a fun environment to meet new people and get as involved as they like with programs that will bring sport fishing to more people and preserve the sport for future generations to enjoy. Alot of our emphasis will be on making opportunities for kids to get introduced to fishing in a positive way. The kids are the future of our sport. Check out your local PSA chapter and go to a meeting. See what it is all about. Join. That $25 could be the best money you ever spent. There is great power and influence in numbers. Our group is heard in Olympia. I also encourage all to join the RFA. The Recreational Fishing Alliance. The "Freedom to Fish Act" is in the works and the PETA crowd is waiting in the wings to take away your fishing rods....So don't just sit there and spout off...Join a fishing club and then spout off where it might actually make a difference.

Both Mooch and Grandpa have made the correct pitch. Join one that is close to your home and has members that are consistent with your priorities. Unfortunately this is not an easy task. The important thing is not so much the $15-40 a year membership fee, that doesn't mean Sh!t. Its involvement, or as I like to put it mitigation. Do you love the fish (or to fish) enough to make a difference?? Join one that is doing something (other than whining) and get involved in your own back yard or favorite zipper stream's watershed. This means setting aside your precious time to try to improve any of the 4H's for the betterment of the fish. TU, WSC, PSA, FFF, WT, the list goes on and on. You're not going to put in $25 +- a year membership fee and sit back in your boat and feel good about solving any of the fish related problems. Join a group and then make the extra commitment to set aside some time to help that group to do something that will make a difference. Do your homework. IMHO TU (for all cold water fish nationally) is better than most and they have some very good local Chapters in the State of Washington.

Beezer

I belong to the Sky Valley chapter and the Wild Steelhead Coalition. TU at the local level is a bunch of didicated sportsman that strive to make a difference in the local waters. Above that TU is more of apolitical thing than anything else,always pestering members for money. My biggest complaint with them at the state level is their lenghty battle to support c n r of wild steelhead. I would have thought that as the guardian of the cold water species this would have been automatic. It was'nt ,though persuation by good members like Beezer did eventually take a positive stance.

Hey F5A ... I like your idea! Our bank account is always welcome to donations

Seriously, there are some good groups out there. I certainly don't want this to come over as a bash or anything ... but I know for a fact that RFA did not come out in support of wild steelhead release regulations last year at the meetings and I believe PSA was against it as well (if I'm wrong on the second one, please let me know )

I donate several thousand dollars worth of trips and $$$ every year ... they're not going to get my money because of their position on this. Again, they aren't bad organizations, I know they're working hard in many areas, but they don't represent my views on what I like to call "responsible harvest" and thus won't be getting my dollars.

WSc would be a good bet in my book ... perhaps the only controversial aspect being stance on wild steelhead harvest, they're dead set on putting the fish first and maintaining angling opportunity, not harvest opportunity. I also like the fact that at least to this point, they're not totally anti-hatchery. In this less than perfect world, the need currently exists for hatchery programs in some areas / instances ... they seem to realize this need and support more of an agenda of reforming hatchery practices rather than total elimination.

My two cents ... or in this case a few hundred dollars of trip donations

Bob,

My conversations with PSA's State President while at the WDFW hearings a little over a year ago gave me this impression of PSA's stance on statewide wild steelhead release...

They were for it, but only if it didn't lead to increased tribal harvest through foregone opportunity. They hadn't formed an opinion on whether or not it would apply, so essentially said "If it does lead to increased tribal harvest, then no...but if it doesn't, then we're all for it."

Let's see...I am either a member now or have been a member of many different conservation organizations. There are so many different factors to consider when choosing one, or more than one, to belong to. Decide what is important to you and make sure that, for the most part, that organization reflects that.

Are you interested in meeting fishing buddies and learning new techniques?

Are you interested in preserving anglers' harvest opportunities?

Are you interested in preserving anglers' angling opportunities?

Do you wish to belong to a group that focuses on political and/or legal issues that pertain to any of the above factors?

Do you want to have a group that does hands on habitat work? How about one that does hands on hatchery work?

Puts on angler education seminars? (Not fishing tips, but education about the fish themselves, or their habitats, etc.).

I'm sure there are more things to consider, depending on your individual concerns.

Some groups do one of the above, some do almost all of them. Most do more than one, but not more than a couple or a few.

Other thoughts...

You won't likely find a group that reflects the exact same priorities that you would. I personally belong to groups that don't agree on everything, but agree on lots of things.

Also, don't let anyone else, unless it's someone you know and trust, stop you from joining any group. Go out and do your own research...most groups have websites now. This BB is a good place to start, but insist on details if someone gives you an opinion, and consider the source of the opinion.

That said, here are the groups I like the best, in no particular order...

Wild Steelhead Coalition
Trout Unlimited
Recreational Fishing Alliance
Puget Sound Anglers
Washington Trout

I figure that over the course of those five groups I've got new fishing buddies and fishing tips, great education about fish and their habitats, great education about the political and legal issues involved in fish management, and activism and advocacy for fish, fishermen, and habitat.

Plus, they all give me the chance to pay back into the resource that I get so much enjoyment out of.

Fish on...

Todd.
Wild Steelhead Coalition

Lobo, Glad to see that you want to get involved with an organization. If you email me your address, I will gladly send you some info regarding the Wild Steelhead Coalition. wscmembership@yahoo.com

At one time, I belonged to an organization...
Their mission statement sold me however, it was only words, not action. To top it off, the people weren't very friendly either. So my decision to join another organization/club has left mixed emotions and a bad taste.

For the last few months, I have been strongly considering joining Gig Harbor PSA... (Damn Downriggin, I can not believe you are not a member yet!) Now, more than ever, I have more free time, love to share techniques and meet new folks. Plus I have a lot of "proactive" energy to put to good use.

Anyone want to recruit me?

Downriggin'

BTW, what ever happened to the Northwest Steelheaders club?

Downriggin:

Gig Harbor Chapter of PSA is a great chapter to join. They have a large member base and do some great things to promote sport fishing and to have fun. You have a lot to offer judging from your posts here. One of the biggest contributions you can make is to bring your expertise to many new people to the sport. There are many people who join an organization like PSA to learn and interact with people like yourself who have the experience and knowledge to jump-start their fishing experience. Making new friends is also a benefit of being a PSA member. You will have an opportunity to learn things too.

The PSA organization is always active in behind the scenes efforts to preserve fishing opportunities for all of us statewide. The North Of Falcon process is coming up and PSA will be represented at the table. This is a process that determines the seasons and quotas for all user groups including commercial and tribal fishers. The sport fishing representation at the NOF meetings has been overwhelmed by the tribes and commercials in the past and only through strength in numbers will sports fishers be able to stand up and be heard. So , if for now other reason, join PSA to add to our ranks so we have a larger and louder voice. We need to make sure that sports fishing of all kinds is passed on to our kids and grand kids and that the sport is healthy for many years to come. It's up to you how much you contribute and in what way. There is one thing for sure though you will do some good by being a member. Stay safe

Bob:

I respect your opinions, what little I know of them. It is obvious that your alliances have a pretty narrow or should I say focused scope. That is great for steelheading and river fishing. I can't say I know much about the wild steelhead harvest issue so you should enlighten me. What I do know about PSA is that we are not against wild fish release. We are not against retention of some fish. So we are not strictly a catch and release organization. We are not strictly a river or a salt water organization either. We are a broad sports fishing organization.We are against policies that would promote closures for sports fishing while allowing the same waters to be open for tribal harvest. What sense does it make for you to release all of your fish and then turn around and watch tribal nets catch all of those same wild fish and many more? We would most like not endorse any policy that allowed one group to retain fish when another group on the same body of water was prevented from doing so. That does not mean we are against rleasing all wild steelhead.

As a state board member I should know exactly where we stand at PSA on the wild fish release policies but I don't. I will find out and clarify it here. I suspect that we look for broad policies and can't specifically endorse narrow ones that may benefit one small group at the harm of another. I know it is difficult to form a consensus on many issues. PSA is not some kind of dictatorship that sends out pronouncements for all members to follow. We are a large group of fishermen of all types with a diverse pool of opionions and beliefs. The opinion of each individual is very important. In any large volunteer organization it is sometimes difficult to get everyone speaking with one voice on issues. We do, however, speak with one voice on promoting sports fishing of all kinds and we do speak with one voice when it comes to making sports fishing an equal at the table with commercials and tribes. That should be the goal of all sports fishing groups, in my opinion. Narrow focus is great and I applaud your efforts in your areas of expertise. Let's strive to learn more about each others' focus and find common ground to advance our sport.

And by the way you won't find any steelhead on my punch card.

Gill nets can't practice catch and release ......

Downriggin, I am a member of GHPSA and will give you a call a couple of days before our next meeting, if you would like to visit with us. (oops.....forgot where you are headed). I will call when you get back! We have a great time and like I have said before, some of us are very fish educated and some are just plain ol rookies trying to learn......which is a "good" thing. The more of us willing to at least discuss fishing policies,etc. , then the easier it will be to get to the general public "Jo Shmo", who doesn't even have a clue, to the real events going on when it comes to outdoor agenda.

Bob, the one thing that I do see with some of our PSA chapters, is that most of the guys and gals are saltwater salmon and bottom fishers, and I would say that only a few of us are Steelheaders. I have had some very HEATED discussions with a few of our members who are steelhead guys. I always make a statement to deter these guys from keeping wild steelhead and a couple guys have to put the " Well if the tribes are gonna keep um....so am I" statement. This is when I confront them in front of the whole group....with many of our Pro- Catch & Release sentiments. I always get a round of applause after knocking these guys down.......It just takes a few, but I bet these guys at least have a few different thoughts on that topic.

The great thing for our club, is this year our new chapter president is an avid Steelheader and I think he even a member of the WSC. I know he reads this from time to time, so Karl, speak up!

PS Downriggin, shoot me an E-mail with your phone number if you would like.
Steve Ng

The Wild Steelhead Coalition been invited to present at the Gig Harbor Chapter of PSA on April 8, we look forward to meeting it's membership.

FYI, the following is the WSC's Mission Statement:

The Wild Steelhead Coalition Mission Statement

The Wild Steelhead Coalition (WSC) is an organization dedicated to increasing the return of
wild steelhead to the waters and rivers of the Pacific Northwest.

Beliefs of the WSC

Wild steelhead are an important legacy to the Pacific Northwest and have undeniably been reduced to a fraction of their once historical capacity.

Over harvest, habitat degradation, poor hatchery practices, construction of
impassable barriers to migration, and misguided management strategies have all
contributed significantly to the decline, and in some cases extinction, of wild fish
runs.

Without a change in policies and attitudes, these same factors will continue to
reduce and extirpate wild steelhead.

Composition of the WSC

The WSC is comprised of concerned citizens determined to reverse the factors
that have negatively impacted wild steelhead, and in so doing, restore healthy and
viable populations of wild steelhead to the Pacific Northwest. In so doing, wild
salmon and other salmonids will also benefit. The WSC represents
conservationists, recreational fishermen, businesses that depend upon wild
steelhead for their livelihoods, and citizens who seek to preserve the future of the
Pacific Northwest's greatest resource.

Policies and Actions of the WSC

To increase fish runs, more wild fish must return to their rivers and spawn. To that
end, the WSC promotes year round, catch and release of all wild steelhead in the
Pacific Northwest.

The WSC promotes and encourages the development and utilization of fishing
practices that result in decreased mortality of wild steelhead and salmon.

Barriers to migration and the degradation and removal of productive habitat have
reduced the capacity of rivers to support wild steelhead. In order for fish runs to
be restored, the WSC promotes the return of existing damaged habitat to its
productive state, and that miles of productive spawning grounds that are no
longer accessible to fish be made accessible again.

Hatchery programs must be closely examined and be carried out in such a manner
that the negative impacts on wild fish are removed or minimized.

The WSC stands for the mass marking of all hatchery steelhead, and for science,
not politics, to be the basis for the re-tooling of hatchery practices.

The models and policies that drive fisheries management must significantly
change. Maximum Sustained Harvest and Maximum Sustained Yield have failed to
protect and perpetuate our wild fish, and in many cases have been the driving
force behind their decline. New models that are based on factors other than the
greatest possible harvest of wild fish are necessary to return fish runs to safe
levels.

In promotion of these goals, the Wild Steelhead Coalition is an organization that
provides a voice that unites the public, private, and other interests who desire
and depend on wild steelhead. The WSC provides a voice for recreational
fishermen, businesses whose livelihoods depend on recreational fishing,
recreational fishing clubs and conservation groups, united in common goals,
through consultation, association, and collaboration with those clubs and groups.