Don
I really relate to your perspective I did not realize you were that old you must really know how to fish. In regards to a record fish coming off a bed to me I would not be impressed at all. I can go to the hardware store and pick the biggest hammer off the wall or cruise the shallows and look for the biggest bed fish. I am all for freedom and would like to see all our freedoms preserved as much as possible. I think a fish that is returned straight to the bed will fair better than one that rides in the livewell for hours and then goes to the scales to be realeased who knows how far from the nest. They seem to be very territorial to the nest so I think that must really stress them out.

As far as Casitas goes I am very optimistic that a tag and leash system will be implemented. I know that would not be ideal for everyone, especially tournament guys but it is a step in the right direction. There are many pros and cons, it may be great for locals and take pressure off the lake but will be tough on the semi pros and pros. Hopefully as things evolve the tournament circuits can evolve along the path of the Clean Lakes Coalition.

Change is almost always resisted, that is what my life experience has shown me. Hopefully we are seeing the beginning of The Coalition of Clean Lakes and things will get much better. Cachuma is staying open and I was impressed by what they have done in such a short time. I know it is unfortunate for some but at least it is not a total closure. I hear opinions from guys in the inland empire that it might as well be closed. At least they can still fish their local lakes. I heard an opinion from a board member that he would have really thought the tournament community was helping out if the tournament directors had not had tournaments going from an infected lake to an unaffected lake. I know some of these things need to be planned well in advance but it did not look very cooperative to them.
I have to admit I had that thought long before he expressed it.

Hopefully Casitas will be open to a tag system in the near future. The whole thing got me thinking and I've decided to try to find a 50' boat at a gov auction and turn it in to a commercial fishing boat and a live a board. I could live on it in the marina and fish the salt and enjoy some write offs too. I could keep my boat and big truck in Oak View and just come up to Casitas when I want too fish the fresh.

Out of all my frustration about Casitas I came up with a great Idea to save money and turn a hobby into a money saver and maker. I have wanted to build a boat since before I could drive. I guess I will be able to do a 50' fishing boat on the ranch. I talked to my land lady and was not going to go there, but she went there and said go for it.

As far as donating money for an attorney I have it from a great source that the biggest and most popular of fishing companies will be backing that. my source said he was looking for tens of thousands not hundreds so keep your money.

Peace

Rich