2010 fresh water license

[Blacklab]

Just bought bro inlaw a fresh water license a gift for Bday 12/31 for 2010. They added a new charge for salmon fishing in the Columbia an it's tributaries. I for got what they'd called it but the new licenses cost $34.75.

[MAGhunter]

Yep, here is the email that the WDFW probably sent all or most people.

Dear Washington Angler,

Licenses for the 2010 license year (April 2010 - March 2011) will be available for purchase beginning December 1, 2009.

In April 2009, the Washington State Legislature passed into law the requirement beginning April 1, 2010, that any person 15 or older wishing to fish for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries must have a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead endorsement in addition to their fishing license.  The cost of the endorsement is $8.75 (all fees included) and can be purchased at a license dealer or online (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov ).  The endorsement is good for the license year.  Revenue from the endorsement will be dedicated to supporting salmon and steelhead fisheries in those areas.

For more information about the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead endorsement and to view a map that shows where the endorsement is required, please visit http://www.wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/crss_endorsement/

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

[tomy salami]

Just bought bro inlaw a fresh water license a gift for Bday 12/31 for 2010. They added a new charge for salmon fishing in the Columbia an it's tributaries. I for got what they'd called it but the new licenses cost $34.75.

The services we receive from the purchase of licenses is the worst value per dollar a sportsman can pay.

The mismanagement, the closing of hatcheries, the lack of enforcement in crowded fisheries, the lack of opportunity, and the lack of quality are enough to make a guy nauseous.

We get ripped off every year, while the state panders to the commercial and tribal fishermen.

Someday, I envision a mass act of civil disobedience, where we all refuse to buy licenses. Let them come and catch us, until they start giving us real value for the money we spend.

Licenses, tags, fees, permits, launch fees, ALL are forms of TAX..........and I thought taxation without representation was a no no.

   

[rougheye]

Just bought bro inlaw a fresh water license a gift for Bday 12/31 for 2010. They added a new charge for salmon fishing in the Columbia an it's tributaries. I for got what they'd called it but the new licenses cost $34.75.

The services we receive from the purchase of licenses is the worst value per dollar a sportsman can pay.

The mismanagement, the closing of hatcheries, the lack of enforcement in crowded fisheries, the lack of opportunity, and the lack of quality are enough to make a guy nauseous.

We get ripped off every year, while the state panders to the commercial and tribal fishermen.

Someday, I envision a mass act of civil disobedience, where we all refuse to buy licenses. Let them come and catch us, until they start giving us real value for the money we spend.

Licenses, tags, fees, permits, launch fees, ALL are forms of TAX..........and I thought taxation without representation was a no no.

   

   By the way its going to be ANOTHER record run this year . Hurry go buy your licence 

[grousetracker]

the state finds new ways every year to rip us off. there hasnt been a banner year for fish in many years and the fishermen arent givin a cheaper rate. man they suck!

[tomy salami]

Really? They are good at predicting those things?

A record number of pinks show up, and they want to keep all the newbies on the wagon. Keep the $$ flowin,  just to give us some flaccid excuse of why they did not show up.

............I had better git me one of dem dare lisenses. Freezer gonna be out of pink and chum fillets by springer season.

[tomy salami]

Last time I got popped, it was a ninety some odd dollar ticket.

Guy fishes for three years, stays away from the limited number of Walter Wardens, and he will be $$ ahead.

Civil Disobedience? ............I'm in.

[cohoho]

 
[/quote]
Licenses, tags, fees, permits, launch fees, ALL are forms of TAX..........and I thought taxation without representation was a no no.
 
[/quote]

If it stays within F & G, I don't have too much of a problem with it...  But the prices for launches come on, they are the best I have ever seen anywhere and most are pretty darn nice too.  Go visit Alaska and launch a boat, you'll appreciate the $2.00- $5.00 here for sure.  A couple we had there ,The Deshka Landing cost 27 bucks to launch a boat, Seward and Whittier were around 20-25 also.  Besides that there are launches almost everywhere also.  I think Washington and Oregon do a great job on launches and are about the friendliest boating state and someone has to cover the cost of up keep.

[BigGoonTuna]

as much as it irritates me to pay more for less opportunity, a license is still about as much as a tank of gas for my pickup, or a box of rifle ammo for some guys here.

the thing that really pisses me off is the garbage paper they print the licenses and parking permits on.  they used to be printed on tyvek and were pretty much indestructable.  now they're printed on the same stuff that your receipt from mcdonalds is.  they say "use a ball point pen only" but you're lucky if you can get one to write on that paper.  i bet if i pulled out my punch card today, i couldn't make out what i've got written on it, much less a game warden or a state bean counter!

don't get me started on the parking permits either...supposedly they were put in place to make sure that those who weren't hunting or fishing paid for wdfw area access.  of course, the only time they're patrolled is during hunting and fishing seasons, and the only guys that get popped are the ones that forget to put that stupid permit up on their dash!

[tomy salami]

I would love to pay for an Alaska license and their launch fee...........you get what you pay for up there. AK takes so much better care of their fishing resources than we do. Unlike WA, they actually are a destination to fish/hunt.

Alaska, Canada, and California all have better game management than WA. From what I have seen, Oregon, is sort of like WA.....can't comment about them.

We get ripped off, lied to, and given so little for the money we collectively pay. A license does not break most guys banks, especially when we got so much $$ into rigs/boats/gear. It sure is insulting though, when we are such a huge cog in the machine.

Until the state realizes what an economic force sportsmen really are, they will continue giving commercials/tribes courtesy reach arounds.

 

[BigGoonTuna]

alaska has a good manangement strategy:  net the fish coming back to BC, so in turn, BC takes our fish.

[cohoho]

What ever you do, PLEASE don't misunderstand my post as it is better here fishing than AK....   But after 10 years living there, I am not so sure Alaska Department of Fish and Game does this wonderful magnificent magic with their resources as people believe.  There is the same general crap going on there.  AK just has so many fish resources little dents don't hurt it at all.  Talk to some commercial guys and talk to guys that fish it alot there is the constant blame thing going on up there year after year.  As for launches, which was what my interject was, you got access here at at so many places you got to choose which launch to utilize... There we had so few State launches to utilize and a couple outrageous private ramps to dig into our pockets for.  As a prospective from someone coming up for a once a year trip 25 bucks is a drop in the bucket, but when your going out 20 times a month, it adds up is all that I am saying versus the 2-5 bucks here.   Your right for sure on until the state realizes what an economic force sportmen really and getting the tribes on a level playing field it will always be a mismanagement for sure. But has it changed for the better since you been fishing or steadily getting worse?  Are all the organizations out there helping or stirring the pot so much no ones listens anymore.  For discussions I have had with folks that fish the Columbia year after year it is better now then it was 10 years ago....

[tomy salami]

I am not sure the groups who try to get everyone to chip in their $25 do any good..........seems like same same politics to me.

I seriously am considering going back to not buying a license till they catch me. Where I fish, WDFW rarely visits, let alone provides any services there. Do they deserve to be paid for just about nothing?

If I do it for 3 years, I will have covered the ticket.

[cohoho]

I am not sure the groups who try to get everyone to chip in their $25 do any good..........seems like same same politics to me.

I seriously am considering going back to not buying a license till they catch me. Where I fish, WDFW rarely visits, let alone provides any services there. Do they deserve to be paid for just about nothing?

If I do it for 3 years, I will have covered the ticket.

Probably isn't the best approach to it.  From some of your posts your about gear and I bet every rod you got cost more than the fishing license for the year, right?  Yes, in regards to the Gamies, they deserve to be paid.  If your ever in accident who do you think will be there to assist and help you to safety.  With all the people that go totally unprepared a huge part of their budget no doubt goes towards missions like this and takes away from active patrols.   Gamies are no different than and other first responders doing their assigned job.  If the section manager decides he/she needs more enforcement in X spot, well they patrol that area more actively.  Sounds like you got a nice quiet spot, but come  on go spend the money and get your license and show us some pictures of the fish legally....

[fishseeker]

I am not sure the groups who try to get everyone to chip in their $25 do any good..........seems like same same politics to me.

I seriously am considering going back to not buying a license till they catch me. Where I fish, WDFW rarely visits, let alone provides any services there. Do they deserve to be paid for just about nothing?

If I do it for 3 years, I will have covered the ticket.

So you condone Poaching! Thats what you would be doing. No different than snagging,over limit,out of season. That lic. costs very little compared to the bennys you get from it. Those guys that are asking for the $25 ARE trying to make things better and thing would be alot wrose without them. And WDFW is where you fish. Every fish you get is there thanks to them! Just buy the damned lic. and quit whinning and go fishing! From an old fart!!!

[Special T]

I think people like tony salami are just tired of the shell games the state and the WDFW play. The state comes in and reduces funds to the WDFW because they have some dedicated funds.... Much like the WDFW plate revenue that out esteemed Gov Cristine  took away. In business when $$ is tight you trim the fat and focus more on your CORE objectives.... I would love to get the financial breakdown of how the WDFW gets its $$ and where it goes.  If the WDFW had built up some raptor with the hunters and fisherman they could just explain it... Unfortunately we need a forensic audit to find out the truth.. 

[tomy salami]

I have zero beef with the gamies. They are regular guys with a job to do. They are not politicians, just pawns in the game.

No I do not condone poaching. I have more respect for steelhead, especially the wild ones than you could imagine. A wild steelhead has never got the lazy boy treatment from me.

Where I do most of my fishing, WDFW is rarely seen, operates zero hatcheries, and is a non factor. Doubt they will be savin my hiney if the fecal matter hits the fan.

Seems like I do have more money than Davey Crockett in gear. Just like thousands of other guys. So, when is the state going to treat us like the money machine we are, instead of making us suck hind titty? I would be nice to thumb the old nose right back at them.

The only way I have seen average guys win against any large operation (govt,company) is to take the $$ away. They all start listening real good when that happens. Writting letters, joining goups, fund raising, and working in a political fashion are all first line strategies. Taking money away from a govt operation, is probably the last resort, but if enough people do it, results will come fast.

[fishseeker]

Alot people have taken the money away for years! I started fishing for Steel in the early 70s. Have seen many guys and gals say screw it and sell thier gear. Those monies no longer go to the resources that need them.
 I have not fished for Steel in 6 years for one reason or another. Have bought a lic. every year. Found time to fish for trout a couple times! If the crick you fish has ANY brats in it you can thank WDFW for them. They would not be there without them. Is WDFW ran right, Hell no, Can it be changed, Hell yes! Takes getting laws changed to reverse things that have been done. Takes putting YOUR voice in getting things changed. Not going on a forum and telling people to start Poaching.

[MIKEXRAY]

I think the licences are very reasonable and I don't feel ripped off at all. I got the fish combo, archery deer / elk, crab, bear & cougar for just over a $ 100. I think that is a hell of a lot of recreation for a $ 100. I don't know where that money goes or if it used properly but I wouldn't gripe about the cost of the licences. I spend more to fill my truck tank when it is on empty than all my licences combined. Not bad I think. Mike

[kbyers]

So I did a little looking around online at the prices of fishing licenses in the west coast states.  These are the prices that I found if you want to fish in both fresh water, and saltwater where applicable.

               Resident   Non Res
California    41.50, 111.85
Oregon       33.00, 106.25
Idaho         25.75,  98.25
Alaska        24.00,  145.00   Salmon stamp-10.00,  non resident annual stamp- 100.00
Washington 46.20 (freshwater 24.00 saltwater 22.20), 91.80 (freshwater 48.00 saltwater 43.80)    plus 8.25 for the Columbia river endorsement

As you can see Washington is the highest for residents to fish and the lowest for non residents to come fish, because we have such great opportunity

I talked to a fish checker at Ringold in November and learned a lot about the hatchery steelhead on the Columbia.  Each year the WDFW buys 200,000 smolt and project a return of 2% of those smolt.  Also they loose an estimated 500 fish per day from the rearing ponds due to predation from birds.  When ask why a net isn't put up he said that there is no money in the budget for one.  He also said that the ponds are large enough that the net would need to be "engineered" and that it would also be a union job.  Not to knock the unions, but let's face it, they tend to drive up the cost of the job.  So basically a net, like one at an outdoor batting cage, would potentially increase steelhead returns by 10 fish per day(2% of the 500 fish lost per day to birds).

I personally have no problem paying the 8 bucks to have the opportunity to salmon fish the Columbia, if the $8 that I pay and that my buddies pay, and that all of you pay, goes back into the fishery.  Not trout for the tucannon, not a boat ramp on the Skagit, and certainly not to fund the welfare check that someone who is too lazy to get off their a$$ and earn their money receives.  But when you live in a state in which all the revenue that comes in goes into a general fund and then is passed out from there, I find it hard to believe that the money that is paid by sportsmen goes back into funding programs for those individuals.

I apologize for the length of my rant, but when I feel like I am being shafted, it really bothers me.  I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year

[tomy salami]

Big 10-4, kbyers.

Just because a guy can afford a license, does not mean it is a value for the $$. If licenses go up in price, and I can actually see the improvement in the quality and quantity of fishing opportunities, I would be happy to pay it.

Sadly, this is not the case.

[Thehowler]

Pay up, You have no choice. Your governor has some social services she needs to keep funding.

[MIKEXRAY]

I'm still not sure of the griping about "quality " of fishing, the fishing in Washington easily exceeds all of my expectations. I took the kids fishing to multiple lakes all summer (local & eastern) & they caught trout (lots) everywhere. We went to Sequim bay crabbing for two weekends in July & limited out each day & brought home tons of crab. ( still some in the freezer), We had a great lake Chelan fishing trip & caught sockeyes on lake wenatchee for three days. I also went down to multiple rivers & checked on my buddy & he always had fish. My father inlaw & his buddies did a steelhead trip to the columbia & limited out each day & brought home beautiful fish. I had a great year !! Boat launches were all great, life jackets at some to borrow if you need them for kids, Always pretty clean. I can see places for slight improvement , but I would have to really look. I surely would not "focus" on the few negatives I encounter. My     Mike

[ICEMAN]

Well said.

[tomy salami]

Glad to see somebody thinks the state spends our money well.

[MIKEXRAY]

I stated that I don't know if the money is spent in the right places or for the right reasons. I also pointed out that I had a blast last year fishing with the family & am really excited about this summer. I would give the state an 8 out of 10 for services provided. I'm happy with what I received for my money spent. Mike

[tomy salami]

My 2010 resolution..........purchase zero fishing licenses, parking permits, other forms of thievery.

Gonna stop payin the bastids. No more fishing waters that require their tariff.

Still gonna do just as good as I always do, less a spot or two that I slum when the everything is punched.

I can only wish the same tactic could be pulled with my property taxes.

Surly, my tiny bit of $$ is not gonna change nothing. But my conscience will rest better.

[walt]

$35 bucks is a great deal for a years worth of fishing.  Especially for all our state has to offer.  I have been buying my season out of state licences for Idaho and Montana for 15 years and they are starting to get up there.  Idaho is up to $100, thankfully Santa put that one in my stocking.

[Special T]

If your willing to pay a C-note for an out of state license you obviously think Idaho had better fishing, your paying 3x as much...

[walt]

I spend a lot of time on the water.  Idaho is close and family is in Montana.  I like fishing rivers and there are lots and lots of great ones to the east.  and Santa dropped the C-note this year.  It's better than 2008, I bought licences in 5 states.

[tomy salami]

Plenty of fishin to be done in this state, without a license............

Look up your National Park regulations. Cut WDFW out of the mix.

If I was to get an out of state license, Canada would trump any other of the surrounding opportunities.

[Galpster]

Licenses, tags, fees, permits, launch fees, ALL are forms of TAX..........and I thought taxation without representation was a no no.


When is enough enough. I think we need a form of th boston tea party.

IT IS TIME FOR A REVOLUTION.

[tomy salami]

Duly noted.

[BigGoonTuna]

Licenses, tags, fees, permits, launch fees, ALL are forms of TAX..........and I thought taxation without representation was a no no.


When is enough enough. I think we need a form of th boston tea party.

IT IS TIME FOR A REVOLUTION.

sounds like you need to do a little research into what "taxation without representation" is.

[walt]

$35 still seems like a good deal to me.  I spent twice that last night and all I got was a hangover.  Idaho now requires all boats to have an "invasive species" sticker $5-$20 a year depending on the size of your boat.  I'm guessing we will see that one too in the next few years.

[tomy salami]

$35 still seems like a good deal to me.  I spent twice that last night and all I got was a hangover.  Idaho now requires all boats to have an "invasive species" sticker $5-$20 a year depending on the size of your boat.  I'm guessing we will see that one too in the next few years.

Spendin that much on a hangover, still put all of the money you spend to use...........Take into consideration, that if you add up all the fisherman's $$ they spend on licenses, and then figger out how much they actually spend on the guys payin the bills.....tell me it all makes it back to us, and in an efficient manner.

License price goes up, hatchery plants go down..........hmmmm.

All the while, the commercials and tribes got our state over a barrel.

[Dmanmastertracker]

 You guys should really be barking to the Governor's office. The State has been allocating more DFW funds in recent year's to other State programs other than operational budget for the DFW. Not the DFW's fault the money is being robbed out of their funds, of course they could refuse to transfer the funds out, but I'm sure they value their career's in that regard. Bark to Oly. and keep our DFW funds where they should be.

[Galpster]

I feel in America we are being taxed without representation. I feel laws are being passed that the majority of the people it is affecting do not agree with and that to me is taxation without representation.

It means, 'We will only pay taxes that our representatives in a House or Assembly [or similar body] have approved and passed into a law.

The slogan was used by the American revolutionaries and meant they weren't willing to pay taxes imposed by the British House of Commons - as they were not represented there.

Same thing with or WDFW, I am not being represented there!!

[tomy salami]

Does that mean you will boycott WDFW next year, Galpster?

[Alchase]

So let me get this right, you are going to continue fishing "in areas the WDFW does not go" but not buy a licence?

If that is what you are saying? Are you saying you are going to poach? If your answer is "yes",
Then I would ask the mods to lock this thread for promoting illeagle activity.
If your answer is "no" and I am mistaken then I would ask that you explain yourself so I can understand you better?

I would hope your answer is "no" there is some good info in this thread that does not need to tied to poaching.

[tomy salami]

So let me get this right, you are going to continue fishing "in areas the WDFW does not go" but not buy a licence?

If that is what you are saying? Are you saying you are going to poach? If your answer is "yes",
Then I would ask the mods to lock this thread for promoting illeagle activity.
If your answer is "no" and I am mistaken then I would ask that you explain yourself so I can understand you better?

I would hope your answer is "no" there is some good info in this thread that does not need to tied to poaching.

You got it exactly right..........that is exactly what I am going to do.
Do you homework, and read the National Park Regs, before gittin all high and mighty.

And I still won't be poachin to boot.

[Alchase]

Thank you for the clarification.
It was not clear to me from your previous posts, though Fishseeker asked you outright.
I apologize if my post came a crossed "all high and mighty" as you say. That was not my intent. It has been made very clear here on this forum that illeagle activity shall not be condoned or allowed. Maybe both of us could use some home work.

I am very familiar with the national Parks and their regs.
Fish on.