Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association

[jd39]

I'm thinking about joining the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association(NSIA). I stumbled across information about their impact on the Sandy River lawsuit to cease hatchery production on that Oregon stream and have started looking into them more to see what they're about. They were helpful in securing the judge's ruling which allowed another year of hatchery smolt releases for that river, sportfishing has a future on the Sandy, at least for now.
They have a PAC and seem to be fighting on sportfishers' behalf at the level we need representation at to make a difference.
I'm curious what other walakers know and think about the NSIA? Are they participating in wdfw and NOF meetings and speaking forcefully on the behalf of sportfishers in Washington?
I'm searching for a sportfishing organization to support with time/money that is having a positive impact for us, I hope I've found it in the NSIA. I'll keep researching, I don't join organizations or donate my time/money to them lightly.
If any walakers know of more effective organizations weighing into court battles and lobbying politicians on our behalf please let me know. I'll research them as well before making a decision.
There has been a lot of talk recently about angler presence at wdfw and nof meetings and I get the intent of asking individual anglers to attend and show strength in numbers. Don't disagree but also think anglers joining and supporting an organization like NSIA and having their lawyers, lobbyist and scientific advisers/directors show up to these meetings can be just as if not more effective in representing us and our interests. Happy to know others' thoughts on the subject. Thanks!

[schu7498]

I havent heard of the NSIA up here in Washington yet. They might be working up here though, and I just havent heard anything about them yet. Up here we have the Puget sound anglers they meet every 3rd wednesday in Kent. They have lobbyists and the club has been around for awhile. Its cheap to join and their meetings are usually pretty informative and enjoyable. The Coastal Conservation Association also has a branch up here as well. They too have lobbysists in the Capitol. I am a member of both, both clubs have political influence.

[Toni]

I havent heard of the NSIA up here in Washington yet. They might be working up here though, and I just havent heard anything about them yet. Up here we have the Puget sound anglers they meet every 3rd wednesday in Kent. They have lobbyists and the club has been around for awhile. Its cheap to join and their meetings are usually pretty informative and enjoyable. The Coastal Conservation Association also has a branch up here as well. They too have lobbysists in the Capitol. I am a member of both, both clubs have political influence.

Puget Sound Anglers is a well known club around here. There are several chapters of which the South King County is the one schu7498 is talking about and meets in Kent. They are in Gig Harbor, Olympia , Sno-King. Lots. Go here and find one near you http://www.pugetsoundanglers.org/ it is non-profit.

[jd39]

Thanks schu7498 and Toni, a guy at OE mentioned the Puget Sound Anglers to me, didn't realize they were active on the political front. Will check them out.