Panfish Get Respect

Sun., Sept. 22, 1996

Associated Press

Fishing

With all the problems surrounding Northwest salmon and steelhead, species like bluegill and catfish don’t rank very high on many priority lists, says Washington Fish and Wildlife Director Bern Shanks.

But bluegill, sunfish, crappies and other panfish have an important role as training fodder for the next generation of fishermen, the next generation of advocates to protect fish and their habitat, he said.

“I’m interested in warmwater fisheries as much as anything to recruit new fishermen,” Shanks said. “We have to look at these warmwater ponds in the middle of cities on this side of the mountains. … We have to make sure it doesn’t impact other species, but if there’s opportunity, let’s stuff ‘em full of bluegill and catfish. Those fishermen, at least some of them, will work up to steelhead.”

Beginning in January, Washington anglers who plan to fish for bass, walleye, channel catfish, crappie or tiger muskies will pay an extra $5 when they buy their license.

Approved by the 1996 Legislature, the fee is expected to generate about $1.5 million a year for the department to use to improve warmwater fishing opportunities.

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