For the Reporter

As children throughout the state traveled to the Capitol for Presidents Day, the state Legislature held its first-ever legislative fish-in.

Children, adults and lawmakers cast lines into a temporary pond near the Legislative Building stocked with some 700 trout. Poles were provided for participants and nearly 30 fish were tagged for prizes.

Sen. Pam Roach, R-Sumner, is a national board member of the Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation and one of the lead organizers of the fish-in.

“Today’s event in Olympia had a very specific purpose,” Roach explained. “We want to promote recreational fishing here in Washington among legislators, who are the ones who make the decisions. They are the ones who fund the hatcheries. They’re the ones who determine access to fishing holes. They provide the financing for the enforcement efforts.

“And overall, everyone had a really good time.”

Roach also highlighted the economic importance of the recreational-fishing industry.

“Fishing is awesome,” Roach. “And it is very important to the state of Washington. Some 1.1 million people get a fishing license every year in our state, and that doesn’t include children who don’t have to get a license to fish.

“In terms of the economy, retail sales exceed a billion dollars annually from ‘bait to boat.’ Fishing is also a great activity that brings generations of family enjoyment. So it is extremely important for our state.”

Troutlodge of Sumner provided the trout.