Looking to sue WDFW and form GoFundMe account for attorney

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Lambert on June 8, 2016 at 9:44pm

Good job Ben. Keep us posted!

Permalink Reply by stevens on June 9, 2016 at 3:06am

I'm going to play devil's advocate here, and I do wish I could support this. The truth is the only way fisherman could ban together and have an impact on Olympia........ (Let's get it straight Washington is 3 county's Snohomish, King, and Pierce when it comes to $$$$$$$$$$) would be  not to buy boat tabs,fishing licenses, gear, gas, food lodging, etc, etc.... The Casino's I mean the tribes have far to much influence($$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)  how many people gamble compared to fish!....Then you have the commercial fishing industry...(have you bought salmon, crab, shrimp etc, etc lately at a store $$$$$$ but  on the reservation I can get fresh king salmon & crab cheap).....after those  you have the wdfw.....I don't even know where to start or end with the wdfw..... anyway not sure our pockets deep enough 100 bucks doesn't help. (might as well go to the casino) 

Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on June 9, 2016 at 4:33am

Keep funding their pockets!
 
stevens said:

Then you have the commercial fishing industry...(have you bought salmon, crab, shrimp etc, etc lately at a store $$$$$$ but  on the reservation I can get fresh king salmon & crab cheap

Permalink Reply by Ben Hanes on June 9, 2016 at 9:46am

Jeff,

LOL I can't, I'm trying to keep the anger directed toward WDFW!!!....But his motto is, "Save the salmon!  Save the Salmon!"   And he likes to taunt bass fisherman.  It's really frustrating.

On another note, I still need a name for an attorney....The one I thought I had been referred to only works as a defense attorney.

Permalink Reply by Gary Stiles on June 9, 2016 at 10:40am

Guys

Below is partial test in a Facebook thread between Ben and myself.  In Ben's reply (not posted here) he references Goliath.  I applaud Ben for the stance and actions he is taking.  As info, the name of the attorney's I used when I challenged the state over charging sales tax on tournament entry fees is Lane Powell.  Their hourly rate was around $525.00.  Sure, I won, but it cost me over $15,000.00 from my own pocket.

Enjoy the read:

Ben,

Most attorneys if not all would be willing to take on a paying client.  Dah.  That said, photos such as you are posting are visual success stories and used to prove that the DEPARTMENT is effectively and actually managing the salmon population and runs.  They will be used to further justify the request for additional funding from the federal salmon restoration reserves.  Truth be known, it's all about the money.  IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!  In reality you would get more reaction by sending photos such as you post to PETA or the Sierra Club.  While groups such as these might seem like strange bed fellows, they would at least have media stroke and deeper pockets.  Question: Other than an article or two from our friends at BASS and TBF and FLW their involvement has been one of silence.  Why haven't they been called on to lend a hand?  They have money.  What's it all about?  After all, this method of fisheries management could become a national issue if allowed to spread outside of the Pacific Northwest.  Further, you seem to have a great deal of passion relative to this.  Have you called Bruce Bolding (Washington’s warm water fisheries manager) to discuss the issue?  Have you requested to serve on the Inland Fish Policy Advisory Board?  Have you met face to face with your elected official's/representative? Have you called the game commissioners?  Your energy is needed beyond your pen.  What the hell, build yourself a new career.  Ok I'm done.

Just some thoughts from a has been.

(second post)

Ben,

Screw the science part.  Accept it.  There is none.  It's about the money, it's about a west side liberal agenda, but it’s also about group involvement, dedication and perseverance.  Again, BASS, TBF, FLW.  Where are they?  The two federations, where are they?  Who is acting beyond the ink vent?  Even David dropped Goliath with a single stone and God's will.  Honestly, contacting PETA will have more impact than a poorly funded attempt at litigation.  Ben, ask to join the IFPAG.  BE a part of the process.   Further flaming your fire, and yes more questions:  Why do guys pay tournament permit fees for the river?  Why are they being held to mortality rates during competition?  Why does the tournament angler need a banner on the boat?  Why does the DEPARTMENT still request directors to send in reports?  Why are organizations limited to a specific number of events per month?  When Will the DEPARTMENT administratively adjust the WAC to make fishing contests catch and retain (KILL)  instead of catch and release?  If anyone has answers:  Pls. advise soonest!  Ben will need your input as he moves forward.

More thoughts from the same has been.

Permalink Reply by stevens on June 9, 2016 at 11:25am

said I can get fresh salmon and crab cheap, never said I bought it...... (Dana)....Fyi I catch my own crab and salmon

Dana Steiner said:

Keep funding their pockets!
 
stevens said:

Then you have the commercial fishing industry...(have you bought salmon, crab, shrimp etc, etc lately at a store $$$$$$ but  on the reservation I can get fresh king salmon & crab cheap

Permalink Reply by stevens on June 9, 2016 at 12:56pm

This is the other reason it's a loosing battle in Washington (just go fishing and look at the no# of trout and salmon fisherman to bass) the small amount of revenue bass angling brings to Washington state will not motivate anyone worth helping your case. (I know it's not what you want to hear but it's the truth). 

Ben Hanes said:

Jeff,

LOL I can't, I'm trying to keep the anger directed toward WDFW!!!....But his motto is, "Save the salmon!  Save the Salmon!"   And he likes to taunt bass fisherman.  It's really frustrating.

Permalink Reply by Ben Hanes on June 9, 2016 at 1:07pm

Stevens,

You have valid points. It is about the money to a certain extent, but we (bass fisherman) have absolutely no representation in Washington State.  Salmon fisherman have organizations and people working with WDFW.  Bass fisherman just like to fish and mind their own business, including myself, so we have absolutely no activism or representation...When WDFW takes steps like they have to screw over bass fisherman, we don't need people like you saying, "There's no point."  ...Problem is WDFW took a shit in my own backyard and I'm pissed, as are many others.  I would encourage people to start getting off their butts, stop ignoring the problem, stop saying there's no point, stop saying the problem is not a problem, and start doing something about it!

Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on June 9, 2016 at 1:52pm

You might want to pay closer attention to the big picture. There may come a day in the near future, that you won't be allowed to catch your own crab and salmon. Do you really think that they are going to stop taking away the sport fishing opportunities if we don't fight back? This is not just about the attack on the warm water species, this is an attack on your future fishing rights for all species.

If I'm going to lose, I'm going down swinging!
 
stevens said:

said I can get fresh salmon and crab cheap, never said I bought it...... (Dana)....Fyi I catch my own crab and salmon

Dana Steiner said:

Keep funding their pockets!
 
stevens said:

Then you have the commercial fishing industry...(have you bought salmon, crab, shrimp etc, etc lately at a store $$$$$$ but  on the reservation I can get fresh king salmon & crab cheap

Permalink Reply by Ben Hanes on June 9, 2016 at 1:58pm

I was looking at the comments regarding the decision to lift limits on the Columbia River for smallmouth, walleye, and catfish.  Apparently, part of the decision made by WDFW was decided based on comments left by people.  I don't know exactly how it works, but it's obvious plenty of salmon and west-siders are knowledgeable about the process, because they were ALL OVER wanting to eliminate smallmouth from the river!  In fact, the ONLY PERSON who left any good response in defense of BASS was Nick Berto!!!!!  He is the only person!!!  Shame on me.  Shame on us.  We have absolutely no representation, and no one out there who is keeping anyone informed.  We are an unorganized bunch of dudes who just like to fish.  Obviously, sometimes a pen and comments can made a big difference.  It's not all about money, and we can make a difference.

Permalink Reply by Gary Stiles on June 9, 2016 at 2:47pm

Ben

Don't kid yourself.  It is all about the money!!!  The underlining reason for lifting limits was driven by the need to prove to the feds that the state was doing all it could to protect our salmon.  Without extreme measure our state was going to lose money from the Federal Salmon Restoration program.  I agree that we need representation but please refer to the many other issues I surfaced in past posts. There are always unintended consequences. BASS, TBF, FLW should be involved.  What if this mindless money grabbing mindset spreads to the rest of the country?

Along with Marc Marcantonio I served on the Inland Fish Policy committee and other sub committees for years.  (And yes it takes time and personal resources to do so).   As already stated, I also fought the state when they tried an end around relative to tournament entry fees and sales tax.  Marc is now gone and my health along with limited time factors prevent us from being physically on the front lines and active.  I'm glad your pissed.  Get even more pissed.  Call our warm water mother organizations and ask for help.  Call the commissioners.  Organize letter writing campaigns.  Take an active role. Physically attend commission meetings.   Let your passion lead the charge.  Also, consider asking for help from other (doer) anglers that share your anger, disbelief and disappointment.  I know your talents and I thank you for leading this charge.  All this said, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.  It doesn't have to be though.

Is doer a word?  Oh well you get the drift.

Permalink Reply by Dana Steiner on June 9, 2016 at 3:56pm

Mr. Stiles,

You spent your time on the front line, it's time for others (including myself) to continue the battle. However, you can still pass on wisdom and knowledge that will assist the group. Thanks for the input.

I personally doubt that BASS or FLW is going to lend our issue very much support. I think we need to handle this one on our own. That's why I'm advocating reaching out to other states (Oregon and Idaho) to join with Washington for a combined effort.

There are many businesses around the state that profit from our expenditures. We also need to reach out to them for support. I will say it again, this is not just about "BASS" fishermen. 
 
Gary Stiles said:

Ben

Don't kid yourself.  It is all about the money!!!  The underlining reason for lifting limits was driven by the need to prove to the feds that the state was doing all it could to protect our salmon.  Without extreme measure our state was going to lose money from the Federal Salmon Restoration program.  I agree that we need representation but please refer to the many other issues I surfaced in past posts. There are always unintended consequences. BASS, TBF, FLW should be involved.  What if this mindless money grabbing mindset spreads to the rest of the country?

Along with Marc Marcantonio I served on the Inland Fish Policy committee and other sub committees for years.  (And yes it takes time and personal resources to do so).   As already stated, I also fought the state when they tried an end around relative to tournament entry fees and sales tax.  Marc is now gone and my health along with limited time factors prevent us from being physically on the front lines and active.  I'm glad your pissed.  Get even more pissed.  Call our warm water mother organizations and ask for help.  Call the commissioners.  Organize letter writing campaigns.  Take an active role. Physically attend commission meetings.   Let your passion lead the charge.  Also, consider asking for help from other (doer) anglers that share your anger, disbelief and disappointment.  I know your talents and I thank you for leading this charge.  All this said, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY.  It doesn't have to be though.

Is doer a word?  Oh well you get the drift.

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