I don't see the overwhelming throngs of people. Last night we were out at Zorinsky, and while there were a few folks on the banks, there were plenty of places to fish with no one around. Maybe a dozen or so people by the fishing pier, and another 15-20 scattered around the shore.
I'm not going to feel bad for having a boat. I decided I wanted something, saved my pennies, and bought a cheap fishing boat that won't win any beauty contests, but floats, starts and runs. Those of us in boats are not in some elite class, out of touch with the 'common' fisherman. Might surprise you to know that a lot of us also still fish from banks quite a bit.
There are not too many anglers in this state. The more, the better. We need more young people, and people who used to fish to come back the sport. That's the only way we can improve our waters. I want people to get out there, and I want them to catch that big fish that hooks them on the sport. Without more people fishing, we aren't going to have quality fisheries in just a few generations.
Sorry, I don't believe in keeping lakes, or even spots on the lake to one person, or a select group. It's a public resource, that everyone has the right to. As more people enjoy the pastime, we can do more to improve our lakes and facilities. That's why I'm always happy to tell people what I caught, where, and what I used.
Nebraska, for a state without a lot of natural lakes, has pretty damn good fishing. The Omaha area has nice lakes within minutes of just about anyone in the city. We caught 5 species last night at the Z, including a 24" walleye and 21" LMB (Both of which are still in that lake for someone else to catch), I'll take that any day of the week, in any state... The fact that it's only about a mile from my house makes it even better.
Sure there is work to be done, but the NGPC has done a pretty good job so far with what they have to work with. they've created great opportunities for most everyone in the state to be able to get to a public lake and fish.
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