Wow, from gas motors in a no gas motors lake to shall we have two rods or not.
For just a moment, I thought I was in the off topic area. LOL I kind of feel right at home.
For the record, I am a Washington Transplant. I kind of came here kicking and screaming, against my will (followed the job), but now that I am here, I love it. Having said that, consider that I have lived, worked, and fished in 7, yes Seven, states. I have seen so very many rules, and I have seen how so may rules work, and don't work.
I was surprised to see the two rod rule come to Washington, but I have seen it in Idaho, and now in Montana. To be honest, I have not seen much of a difference. Most people don't buy into the second rod (permit), so except for the trollers, often with planner boards or downriggers to begin with, you just don't have that many people using it. Sure, the rule is occasionally abused, but so are so many other rules. I suspect that, considering Washington State is so liberal in the first place, that the rule has been critically reviewed, and re-reviewed, and the impact has been considered minimal. In the South, and a lot of the Mid West, multiple rods are the norm, and it just doesn't cause the problems that many think it will. I suspect that the 2nd rod will be primarily used by trout fishermen, and perhaps some walleye trollers, and maybe, just maybe, by me for big old Catfish, but I don't see the impact that many fear. Again, the rule is new to Washington, but not new to fish management, so if there was indeed a problem, I just didn't see Washington State ever allowing it.
Now, back to the topic, the internal combustion motor in a lake prohibited from having one. I had a discussion with a WDFW manager about this recently. He asked me about my position on the law, because many laws can be changed by the prodding of the people (look at the 50" minimum size on Tiger Musky). I'll bet this was the first time that guy ever heard me stumble over my words. I hate to admit it, but I just don't know.
Sure, there is some concern about oil in the water, but there is more oil in the watershed from paved roads then there is from boat motors. Also, why not just require motors to switch to more environmentally friendly synthetics? I have switch, for other reasons, and it is worth it. Still, we feel good when we say we don't want oil in the water, don't we?!
How about the oil and gas driven boat that removes the motor and then goes to the lake. Legal? Of course, but how many of those boats have oil and gas spilled all over the inside of the boat, oil that often washes into the water due to leaky boats in the first place? Still, we need to start somewhere, don't we?
If we are trying to keep safety up and speeds down, why not impose a speed limit on the body of water. I see several bodies on my side of the state with 10 MPH speed limits, but these are imposed by the Counties apparently, because they are not in the fishing regulations. Still, if the purpose is...........................
If removing the internal combustion motor is adequate to make it legal, then what is the harm of tilting the motor up? I have never seen a motor the "leaks" oil when tilted up verses lowered. And, they can indeed leek oil, then why not allow the motor shaft and prop to be covered by a plastic bag? Again, you have at least as much protection as removing the motor entirely.
Each and every option I mentioned has been tried in at least one other state I have fished in, and each state feels it works for them. Are they that much different then us. Why is our law best, and there law is not?
I see two things happening in this thread, one people are not debating the issue, but arguing it. I encourage people to step back a little and take a deep breath. You are not right just because you can write more or scream louder, nor are you wrong because you cannot formulate your views more clearly. Consider other people's views, think about them, then offer logical and informed reasons why it is or is not so.
Second, I think we are in a time of national, and state, turmoil. We need a way to vent over issue, ideas, and sometimes we need people we can scream at and too. I feel your need, I resemble that remark. Come join us in the Off Topic area.
Last, remember that everyone of us would probably be friends if we met on the lake, so let's not get too angry with each other just because we can't place a name with a face.
Too much water, so many fish, too little time.
LMAO!!!:cheers: :cyclopsan
