09-07-2003, 04:36 AM
Hi fishfather,
As I was very careful to use the term 'sportfish' as opposed to the 'state fish', the 'state sportfish' need not be the same, nor both protected. If you notice the other 47 states that have an official ocean or marine state fish, all those fish are official state fish, not protected but represent the states favorite or major 'game or sportfish'. As a matter of fact, the Garibaldi 'state fish' is not only protected but the poor little thing is also set to be put on the endangered species list. Darn aquarium fish hunters.
Just like the other states seem to feel, a gamefish or sportfish one could go after and is representative of what can be caught in a particular state might attract both state citizens and tourists anglers alike. Kind of a they're grown here pride promotion.
Hope that re-stating the 'sportfish' term elimanates any confusion to 'state fish'.
JapanRon
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