I've been helping as much as I can at my local hatchery lately, and not only is it a lot of fun and a rewarding experience, but there is a huge need for young, strong recruits. From clipping fins to cleaning rearing channels, to releasing smolts, and in the fall bailing and counting returning salmon, there's always lots to do and a lot of these older folks who volunteer so much of their time are simply getting too old to do some of the more labour intensive duties. A lot of these folks don't even have any real vested interest in fishing or fish in general, they are just there because they enjoy it! We need young, enthusiastic blood to get out and offer some of their time, and I can't speak for the other hatcheries in the lower mainland but I'm sure it's the same everywhere. So please, if you're reading this and you've always thought of putting in some volunteer time at a hatchery, go take a visit and inquire. You can also p.m. me and I could put you in touch with someone at the hatchery. you'll have a lot of fun and as an avid angler you will be not only giving back to the fishery but also getting a lot more intimate with the system as well as the young fish you will later stalk. Thanks for reading - tight lines - Jason