This definitely wasn't aimed at you, or anyone in particular. There's just so much senseless moaning going on about stuff that doesn't require moaning about. Sure there are some legitimately stupid questions asked, but rather than shoot the person down, or complain about them, just ignore their questions completely. The only option they will have left is to use the search function, or turn to google. The same goes for people who post about sensitive waters. Just leave it alone and it will go away. The more flack you give them for posting it, and the more you try to steer people away, the more attention it will generate.
Lots of people seem to blame the internet, and forums for the increased pressure on our local systems. Guess what. We live in the lower mainland. Check the population growth stats. The populations growing every year, and as such, people are getting pushed into different and more "sensitive" waters. I'm definitely not condoning posting about smaller and more sensitive waters, but it's not worth screaming about when it happens. The info on these is not hard to find for those who are determined.
I agree, the internet helps but so does word of mouth, do you think the guys at Fred's is gonna keep every single stream and creek a secret if it means they make some money selling gear to go with those spots? Highly doubtful. Good customer service even if it means spilling out a few good fishing holes means repeat customers, which means more money. Even if he doesn't, you still got places like Army and Navy and other shops who don't really care but are still aiming for the similar goal of making the almighty dollar.
As for population growth, heres the census from 2012, I imagine its only gotten bigger since then.
From a national point of view B.C. is the second-fastest growing province in Canada, second only to Alberta. Canadas overall population increased 5.9 percent between 2006 and 2011 to 33.5 million, with the western provinces leading the charge. Also for the first time, the population of B.C. and the Prairies is greater than that of Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.
Surrey up 18.6 per cent to 468,251
Vancouver up 4.4 per cent to 603,502.
Port Moody up 19.9 per cent to 32,975.
Burnaby up 10.1 per cent to 223,218
Richmond up 9.2 per cent to 190,473.
Abbotsford up 7.4 per cent to 133,497
Coquitlam up 10.4 per cent to 126,456
Langley Township up 11.2 per cent to 104,177
Delta up 3.3 per cent to 99,863
North Vancouver District up 2.2 per cent to 84,412
Chilliwack up 12.6 per cent to 77,936
Maple Ridge up 10.3 per cent to 76,052
New Westminster up 12.7 to 65,976
Port Coquitlam up 6.9 per cent to 56,342
North Vancouver City up 6.7 per cent to 48,196
Langley City up 6.3 per cent to 25,081
White Rock up 3.1 per cent to 19,339
To think some of those people aren't fishermen/women would be kinda naive I think. Not to mention BC was listed as one of the top fishing destinations of the world at one point, Well it was mostly Langara or something, lol but still.