Ten years after former DIF&W commissioner Bucky Owen's ground-breaking "Quality Fishing Initiative" was implemented, few anglers would debate the effectiveness of the project in regard to improving (and many feel saving), Maine's salmonid fishing. Based on what I experience in the field (good but not great fishing) and hear on a daily basis in the shop (anglers want more from their fisheries), I feel strongly that it is time for the next wave of changes designed to improve our fisheries.

While not everyone has bought into it, I believe that a large percentage of anglers are ready to support stricter regulations if in fact it will result in improved fishing. The definition of "improved fishing" based on what I hear from most anglers is more fish and bigger fish. In order to attain this goal, we will need to take our management and angling philosophies to the next level. If we do not, we will continue to wallow in mediocrity where few if any Maine anglers are truly satisfied with what is available to them.

In recognition of the fact that there are all types of anglers (bait, troll, spin and fly) and variations in regard to what they expect from the resource (unrestricted harvest, restricted harvest, C&R), we must define a plan that takes ALL anglers into consideration. Under the current DIF&W management strategy, the growing number of hard-core C&R anglers has by far the fewest waters managed to meet their expectations. Conversely, those whom wish to harvest fish have access to a huge percentage of our waters.

A rational starting point for the next wave of changes is a reclassification of our waters so that all types of anglers are fairly represented. First is the growing number of C&R anglers who now voluntarily forgo their right to harvest salmonids in an attempt to develop better fisheries. In addition, while not willing to forgo all harvesting, there are many anglers whom are now willing to waive their right to harvest large fish to help improve their fisheries. Lastly are the anglers whom desire to harvest "trophy" fish when encountered.

By adding more C&R waters (in both rivers and ponds), we are taking the first and absolutely necessary step in creating the true "Blue-Ribbon" fisheries that many of today's anglers are screaming for. These waters must be selected based on a proven history of growing larger than average fish and managed for single-hook, barbless, FFO to reduce incidental mortality (why have C&R and high incidental mortality?). In addition, both wild and stocked waters that fit this description should be considered.

Next would be a series of waters that are managed for trophy fishing while still allowing some level of harvest. These waters should be selected based on a proven history of growing large fish and if self-sustaining, a better than average level of natural reproduction. These waters should be managed for ALO or FFO based on their size and ability to sustain heavy angling pressure. The key component of this group of waters is a true "Slot Limit" where only fish between "x" and "y" can be harvested. In addition, the creel limit should be one fish per day.

There would also be a series of waters that are managed for "Quality" fishing allowing for the harvest of trophy fish while still providing protection to the resource. These waters should be selected based on a proven history of growing "some" large fish with high percentages of medium-sized fish. These waters should be managed for ALO or FFO based on their size and ability to sustain heavy angling pressure with a modified "Slot Limit" with one between and one over. In these waters the creel limit should be two fish per day.

Lastly is a group of waters that are managed for minimum-restriction harvest or pure put-and-take. Minimum-restriction (simple "Minimum Length" and liberal creel limit with bait allowed) would be used in high-yield self-sustaining waters with minimal trophy potential or where the size of the water affords a high level of protection for the resource (large lakes and ponds). Put-and-take management (zero-yield) on the other hand would be limited to stocked waters where little if any natural reproduction or carry-over occurs.

If embraced by the new DIF&W management team, this philosophy would not only satisfy all types of anglers (it seems that no one is happy with the status quo), it would finally take Maine salmonid fishing to the next level. As such, anglers should be willing to make some level of concessions in regard to tackle and harvest and show their support for these stricter regulations. Until this happens, we will continue to under-achieve in regard to our fisheries. Remember one thing, Maine fishing will improve only when Maine fishermen decide they want it to!