The catch limits are set by State Fish and Game Departments who have been advised by their biologists as to what is sustainable at the time. If the population increases/decreases enough to warrant a change in catch limits they will be changed in order to maintain sustainable populations. Keep what you want, release what you want to release. The biologists studies and replanting ensure that either way, you are not harming the ecosystem.

I believe I would rather spend my time worrying about what I am going to buy while standing in front of the fishing gear. Use any hand, method or whatever that works best for you. There, problem solved.

Another thing to watch is one I recently came across. It is a TV show called Northwest Fishing report. It deals with rivers and lakes in the Pacific Northwest. If you have sat. TV hit the search I get the Spokane stations and it is on KAYU 028Sundays 1730-1800. They also have a website that is full of information about fishing spots.

I have used fly rods with bait hooks and split shot for creek fishing as I like the length and can usually almost reach across the water to put the bait where I want it. I have also used Ultralight gear for lake and ocean fishing (snapper and such} for around 50 years and absolutely love it. It is so much fun to catch something and have to actually work at getting it landed. The biggest thing a person has to remember is that it is ULTRALIGHT gear, not a telephone pole and winch. Go for it and live a little.

I know this source of information is not all that popular but try talking to a local Game Warden or local district Game Department Office. They are usually pretty knowledgeable about things in their patrol area and usually are more than willing to share information with you.

Have used Eagle Brand Ultra Light rod for Trout, Walleye, Bass, Carp etc. for over 50 years and from the Lakes and Rivers of Washington State to the swamps and canals of Florida, including salt water fishing in the Atlantic off Homestead Florida and it has served me well. Had a lot of fun fishing for Snapper out of Homestead, even Barracuda. Just have to remember it is ultra light gear not a telephone pole and winch.

The people who would take it very seriously are the ones who work for the Game Department and they would be more than happy to explain to you just how serious they are about game and fish violations. Save yourself some grief and follow the regulations.

Retired in Chesaw

Out of curiosity I am asking what difference does it make who kills something for you to eat? The fact remains a living thing died by someone's hand, either yours or someone else's. That also applies to vegetarians as plants are living breathing things that also killed for humans to eat.

My dad taught me that trick way back in the early 50's and passed it on to my children and Gandchildren so I thought that is how everyone put their poles together. Guess I was wrong.

I ran a trap line for several years in the Pot Holes out of Moses Lake Wa using a canoe. They are only as unstable as you are and after a while it is like a bicycle, becomes second nature. I also fished out of mine and the answer to that question is the same. Wear life jacket when on the water. Even if you are an Olympic distance swimmer. Ask yourself this question, how far can I swim unconscious? Nothing guarantees you will be awake when you hit the water. If stability is your big concern, there is always the option of putting an outrigger on it.

You may be on private property but you are still fishing in public waters. If an agent sees you fishing they have the right to check you no matter if you are on private property or not. Buy the required licenses and save yourself some anxiety over being caught committing a crime. It will be cheaper than the fine if you are caught plus you will not have to deal with the stress of watching every person that can see you just in case F&G is in the area in uniform or not.

77 here and you are right about still learning. The man who thinks he knows all there is to know has stopped learning what he doesn't know.

When you are on the beach of an ocean.