Paying big to fish | The Salt Lake Tribune

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I was interested to read Brett Prettyman's column of July 17 ("Utah fishing groups get wish for fee increases," Tribune) pertaining to fishing groups encouraging raising the fees for a fishing license. What groups and who do they represent?

I am an old-time fisherman who remembers when the limit was 10 or 12 fish. A man could provide for his family since we ate the fish.

There was a time when seniors were given a discount for a license, since it was recognized that seniors had paid into the system most of their lives and in retirement had the time to enjoy the sport of fishing.

When you put a pencil to it, after you buy or rent a boat, purchase a license, travel to a lake or reservoir on $50 or so in gas, and pay a launch fee, all in order to net just four fish, the excursion is really not cost-effective. One could buy a lot of fresh salmon for that price.

Fishing groups want to raise the fees for fishing? Give me a break.

Harry W. Patrick

Salt Lake City