Local outdoors writer takes hit at smallmouth bass

[Nick_Barr]

http://theolympian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060217/OUTDOORS0201/602170316/1038/OUTDOORS

This article talks about how we try and keep all of our beloved bass safe and let the salmon die.

Its Called the FOOD CHAIN/ECOSYSTEM

THE COLUMBIA IS ONE OF THE BEST SMALLMOUTH RIVERS IN THE WORLD

I might be overeacting but when i first read it really lit my fire >

[earthworm77]

Nick, this guy has no clue. In almost every state in this country, bass do not garner much attention in the budgets of fish and game commisions. Trout and Salmon command most of the monies allotted for state sport fishing. Don't sweat it.

[Nick_Barr]

Also th thing is that in Washington, almost NO Money in the WDFW is put aside for warmwater fish, all the money and support comes from the federation.

[Peter E.]

   I can see his point. I feel that if the roles where reversed we would feel the same. To some people trout and salmon fishing is king and these are more delicate fish. I am a bass fisherman when it comes to fresh water.

   I do not know if any of ya'll remember when the Japanese government put must catch must kill on large mouth bass there? As I recall there was an article about it in BASS Masters magazine about it a few years ago. Anyway most Japanesse anglers are strictly catch and release and the Idea of having to kill their beloved game fish turned some of their anglers against fishing all together. You see the japanesse comercail fishing industry put the squeeze on the Japanesse government about bass because they beleived that bass where destroying their fisheries. I really don't know how that ended and would be interested to know.

   The moral of the story is that each particular species of game fish has a following of anglers and in order to protect that species they will go to great lengths. Some do not perhaps take it as stoically as our Japanesse couterparts with some refusing to fish until that law is lifted. America is a land of free speech and freedom of press. I praise the gentleman who wrote that article for his frankness and devotion for his favored species of game fish. I will give a pat  on the back of anyone who fights for the conservation of America's game fish. That is my feeling as an American citizen, and a Christain devoted to the stewardship of this land that God has entrusted to us.

Peter

Besides I think Salmon is delicious.