The future of angling

[WTL]

Gonna start a new thread for this, and PigNJig, I'm quoting you here...

WTL, I'm not trying to hijack this thread so I'll understand if folks don't respond...

1. I wonder if the key to an active and growing angler population and increased energy resources might not be related to the availability and accessibility of quality fisheries? I'm not advocating this, just throwing it out. For instance, in the mountainous areas, we have quite a bit of land that is nothing more than hardscrabble farm, pasture or scrub forest. Why not build more hydro-electric dams that double as fisheries? What are the real pros and cons?

2. Regarding winnowing the takers from the givers in fishing- It seems a little spooky that, at least in VA, we need to take hunter safety classes in order to get a hunting license but no classes for a fishing license. I'm not in any way for big government at all, but why not require anglers to take classes? Not boating classes, but something along the lines of angling ethics?

I understand that some of the above raises the spectre of government involvement and regulation(again, I'm not advocating, just speculating). But, I believe that the anglers of this nation need to take a serious and honest look at the direction we're going. You mentioned that maybe there too many fishermen. Assume, subjectively, that you're correct. How does our sport get rid of the "excess"? How do we define excess?

Thanks again for an interesting thread!