Vote early and vote often

If you've been with us this long, you understand our believe that wild salmon and steelhead conservation is the ticket to sustainable, quality fisheries.  And, we feel it is paramount that our Washington state leaders understand that we are not alone in this belief. 

If this is important to you too, then we encourage you to fill out the 1 minute survey on the right sidebar right here on the WDFW website. 

NEWS RELEASE
Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission
July 13, 2009
Contact: Susan Yeager, (360) 902-2267

Commission surveys public priorities
for a new fish and wildlife director

OLYMPIA – Should the next director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) focus on restoring wild salmon and steelhead populations, or on improving statewide fishing and hunting opportunities?

That is one of several options posed in an online public survey by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, which is currently accepting applications for the state’s top job in fish and wildlife management.

Anyone interested in sharing their ideas about qualifications for that position can do so on the commission’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/ . A job description and application form are also available at that site.

Phil Anderson has been serving as interim director since December, when Jeff Koenings resigned after 10 years as director of the agency.

“We’d like to hear from anglers, hunters and everyone interested in the future of our state’s natural resources,” said Miranda Wecker, who chairs the nine-member citizen commission responsible for setting policy – and hiring a director – for WDFW. “We’ll consider those responses as we get down to the business of selecting a new director.”

So far, 21 candidates have applied for the position, said Anthony Cesario, a state Department of Personnel recruiting consultant, who updated the commission on the executive search during a public meeting July 10-11 in Olympia. “About five of those candidates appear to be qualified,” he said.

Wecker said the commission will review the qualifications of specific applicants at a meeting scheduled Aug. 6-8 in Colville. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, she said.

Soft Plastics: Food for Thought

Just got this note from Matt McKeever (Senior PR Rep from L.L. Bean department of affairs):

Greetings Moldy Chum!

Maine's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife did a study recently on how the ingestion of soft plastics harm fish...not only are they an environmental menace, fish arevoluntarily eating them...and as you might imagine, are getting harmed as a result.

In addition, by August 1, 2009, L.L.Bean Retail Storeswill no longer be offering traditional soft plastic lures and will be proud to only offer biodegradable alternatives which cost roughly the same, are just as effective and durable and breakdown naturally in waterwithin 60-90 days and within 30 days in a fish's stomach. The new assortment of biodegradable alternativesalso closely mirror the broad assortment previously represented by the traditional soft plastics L.L.Bean was offering. Read more at the American Fisheries Society

Rivers of a Lost Coast: Film Review

Quick shot of Tom Skerritt and local buddy Dave McCoy of Emerald Waters Anglers.

Last week's Wild Steelhead Coalition's annual fundraiser delivered a pretty cool experience. Rivers of a Lost Coast's Justin Coupe and Palmer Taylor presented an amazing screening of the film, while the film's narrator, Tom Skerritt, kicked it off in classy fashion.

Story

At the turn of the 20th Century, a handful of pioneers carried their fly rods into California’s remote north coast and gave birth to a culture that would revolutionize their sport. For a select few, steelhead fly fishing became an obsessive pursuit without compromise.

Leading the pack was the mythical, Bill Schaadt, an off-kilter angler famous for his ruthless pursuit to be ‘in the fish’. The new endeavor was ruled by a demanding, unspoken code, which made 'breaking in' almost as difficult as 'breaking out'.

By the early 1980s, the Golden State’s coastal fisheries found themselves caught in a spiraling decline. As California searched for its disappearing salmon and steelhead, these men foraged for their souls.

Chum Take

This one doesn't follow the "extreme fishing" approach that many recent films have taken. Nor does it posses the uniquely wacky storyline of Hustle and Fish. Rivers of a Lost coast is different. And, it pretty much left us floored.

Justin and Palmer are talented film makers and it was clear they poured their soul into this one.  With a Ken Burns - like approach, the film was more of a documentary that tells a powerful story that mixes human interest with conservation.  Hitting a homerun with this type of film isn't easy and with some top notch editing, the boys really pulled it off here.

Rivers of a Lost Coast tells two stories:

1) The rise and fall of  Northern California's world-class salmon and steelhead fishery - they break it down in easy to digest fashion.  It's a historic story that would capture the attention of the most focused conservationist just as easily as it would a disinterested teenager.

2) An epic 1940-1990 angling rivalry - Bill Schaadt and Ted Lindner were arguably two of the most successful and dedicated anglers fly fishing had ever produced. With origins tied to the golden years of California’s Russian River, these close friends would eventually become bitter enemies.

Chum says - two fins way up. 

For more information, visit www.riversofalostcoast.com.

What do you do with 100 million carp?

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Apparently you turn them into mink food.

Fish with 1% for the Planet co-founder Craig Mathews

From our friends at One Percent for the Planet.

That’s right, our newest auction offers a day of catch and release fly-fishing with famed angler, renowned guide, author, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies and 1% for the Planet co-founder Craig Mathews.

Craig will take the highest bidder and friend out on Montana rivers for a day this summer or fall. Complete with special fishing holes, spectacular views, and Craig tying a fly one-handed and blindfolded (ok, maybe not blindfolded), he’ll be sure to provide you with any required gear and end the day with a wonderful dinner enjoyed in good company.

An experience truly not to be missed, click HERE to make your bid!

This auction closes April 30th at 8 pm EST.

One Percent celebrated signing up their 1000th member last month.

Red Gold Event: Portland's Baghdad Theater, Thurs. April 16th

 

THURSDAY, APRIL 16th. Doors open at 5:30, film starts at6:30. Admission is$3. Hosted by guest speakersLisa Sedlar,President of New Seasons Markets, Guido Rahr, president of Wild Salmon Center and MacGregor Walker commercial fishermen andpresident ofWest Coast Wild Salmon, a Q&A will follow the film.FREE BRISTOL BAY SALMONwill be served!!

Directions and more info