Zealotry and extremism for any cause, however righteous, makes me wary. I prefer a more subtle approach myself. I'm extremely proud to be the secretary of our local CCA chapter and have emceed our last two very successful banquets. I encourage my friends to join CCA and occasionally talk about it on the boat. Those who join tend to get invited back more often than those who don't. If somebody has a specific issue or principle that prevents their joining that's okay, we can discuss things and agree to disagree. If they choose to support a different conservation group or fishery organization... that's totally okay. If however they're too lazy to join or claim to have too little time free... yet still have enough time and money to go fishing... that's another thing entirely. Their phone doesn't ring.

I am quite confident in saying that things are better this year in WA than they would have been without CCA. We would have lost our fish and wildlife commission almost certainly. We have much more visibility of salmon issues and sportfishing priorities in the legislature now than we ever did before. We have a seat at the table. I intend to use that newfound voice to improve the returns of fish to the Hanford Reach. I owe my kids that.

So, Francis- I completely applaud your enthusiasm. But I don't have a litmus test for letting folks aboard my boat. Life isn't black and white and I don't mind listening to opinions different than mine... sometimes I learn something.

Perfect answer Todd.. You don't need to join another organization to prove that you care about the fish.

cost of a CCA membership = $25.
Realizing that you (or your organization) can't do it alone = Priceless!

Doc, I almost had my "free pass" I guess.

JFC, this when a long ways in a short amount of time Doc is now the spokesperson for CCA. I like it.

I'm going in for shoulder surgery on the 15th. 4 week of immobility after that and not being able to touch a fishing rod until at least the SRC.

Working all this and next week.

Doc wins. The fish wins. I paid my $25 to CCA.

GIMME THAT DAMN SEAT, DOC!!!!!!!

I guess Todd won't be stayin @ Docs anymore!!!!

You never know...but I am feeling a bit bummed about the lack of appreciation for my personal time and money that I spent going to Olympia with Francis to fight for Grays Harbor fish and our sportfisheries there...I hope he remembers that while I'm not fishing with him next week.

Managed to get there all on my own, write testimony, and deliver it fairly effectively...all without being a CCA member.

Strange, but true.

Fish on...

Todd

Todd,

I'm not bummed, but I got that feeling also.

You know me I'm a quite kind of guy, and usually keep my thoughts to myself. But for me to start my own post in regards to this.

Well I guess I'm free on the 9th next week to go fish somewhere too!

Winterun

Damn, Joe! Was looking forward to fishing with you on the 9th. I was even going to bring those Vision hooks you wanted.

Crap - *now* how am I gonna get my free Gami Hat and Jacket?????

WOW.good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

100% on the money Todd.

All of my testimony and communication dealing with fisheries issues whether in person and /or written word has all come without the assistance of any one organization.

I have no issue with people who want to be apart of CCA or any other group.

Just remember.....there were people fighting long and hard for these issues and laid alot of ground work long before CCA came along.

I hope organizations such as CCA, PSA, NSIA and WSC can take it to the next level. But please don't push aside opinions and feelings of people that have been involved long before CCA was ever mentioned in Washington State.

I just wish "Doc" would have used this "soapbox" to explain his reasoning instead of drawing a line in the sand. He knows that people will listen to his opinions.

I have ALOT of respect for Francis. He knows that VERY WELL.

However I do not agree with this approach.

Just my opinion.

Dang it Parker after reading through all these pages and come to find out you were going too!!! With all the hoopla and goings on crap.... looks like I'm going to miss fishing with you too. I started a thread of my own, can you believe that. Look for the CCA Vendor thread, just some of my ramblings.....

Last year I was a last minute substitution, and felt bad I didn't bring any swag with me. But.... it was a trip I'll will always remember! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Thanks Doc!!! I wish you tight lines!!!

Parker give those Visions to Boater, I don't think he'll hurt himself with them!!! Sorry Boater just a look, not a jab or anything.

Winterun

Crap, Joe.....all that work I had to do to get you back on board!

Steve

No Worries Steve!

Your establishment is still my Top 5 places to eat in Western Washington!!!

Winterun!

WDFW won't need as much staff when sport fishing is all but gone. just a thought. That and when hunting is wiped out from reintroduction of predators that clean everything out like the other states.

Kris

I just want it stated for the record that I am not Boater.

could you hold the boater comments until i`m done listening to this ?, thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFd4vEbVB2Y&feature=related

Wow some folks sure have a mighty high opinion of themselves.
I financially support three fish advocacy groups, and have now for almost ten years.
One of the things I've learned is, if you want to get anything meaningful accomplished when politicians are concerned, you need a coalition and consensus of other like minded groups.

fixed. my opinion of our elected officials is very low, but if you can get bill gates involved, you'd be surprised how much he'd get accomplished all by himself.