Talked at length with Sen. Oke yesterday...first of all thanks for all your questions, however we have been unsuccessful in putting a trip together. Here are some snipits from our conversation:

Though Oke believes that Hochstatter and Carlson would be better than what we have now he doesn't think that Hoch has a chance. He does believe that Carlson has a chance however...he does not believe that the stand on nets will serve him well with the voting populus. Though he (Oke)is not in anyway in favor of nets right now he would like to see first 100% fin clipping of all hatchery Salmon and Steelhead, from that real data can be obtained. He would like to see a real push for alternative commercial harvest that protects the wilds and yet harvests the hatchery which will allow for more accurate quota counts. I mentioned that on hatchery systems once the hatcery has its egg take quota realized why do we have a limit? The only answer he had was for the purpose of keeping some resemblance of order from snaggers etc. Once again a few ruining it for the masses, anyway somethings to think about.

I think Carlson needs to come up with a plan behind his statement on nets, my opinion, is that it would be for the soul protection of Salmon and Steelhead...lets leave the herring etc alone for now...This guy needs our support and it looks like we need his.

Question for the board...would you be willing to lay down your rods for say 8 years for the sake of seeing what is really going on with our fish....IF THE NETS WERE OUT ALSO??

Hmmmm....for the sake of science...would that have a more palatable appeal for the general voting population?

Thanks,

Jim

HHHHrrrrrronkkkkkk.....time to go goose hunting,they have been late sleepers so far this season that makes it nice no need to rush out!

Jim;
There is no way that I would be willing to lay my poles down, entirely, for eight years.

Presently, there are so many closures, it is difficult to keep up with what is open, and when. ie Area 10 from this point to that point, etc. Now closing until after the Sea Run Coho get by. I'm hoping they stay out in the Strait until 1 October so we can get back out there when there are some larger fish around.

I recently have seen it suggested here that there be some rotating kind of closures. I don't know exactly what that might be. Maybe something like closing a few systems, like the Snohomish, but leaving others alone. I think it is a rather moot point as the ******* are very unlikely to give up there extrodinary fishing rights/privledges.

Guts