[eye_doctor]

I think the way to go is targeting young kids. I still remember my first fish I ever caught (a drum from lovewell lol), but I have had the fishing fever ever since. The youth instructor idea is great, and should be implemented on a wide basis. I also feel that there should be several catch and release only lakes near the urban centers, because the quality of most of the waters around Lincoln and Omaha are extremely poor IMO. The C&R plan would ensure that there were decent waters with opportunities to catch fish in large quantities. Maybe they could buy some good quality private ponds, and turn them into great small public lakes??

On the larger scope of things, I do agree with uglymike on many levels. I target walleyes and with gas the way it is my best options from Lincoln are all located in Kansas. I don't usually go to Big Mac, Merrit, or others out west because I figure I might as well go to Oahe for a few extra hour drive.. more bang for my buck IMO. Many fellow anglers in Eastern Nebraska have the same outlook. Its no ones fault but we just don't have quality water in the vicinity of our major population centers!

Hunting is in way more trouble than fishing is.. private land is hard to come by (we lose some ground every year to leasing or corporate buyouts of land).. Hard to imagine it ever being like it was again, especially when talking about pheasants and quail.