This month, I took my boat into the ocean for the first time.

My wife Leslie decided to skip this trip (she wasn’t eager for another bout of sea sickness), so I called a few friends. Our targets: coho, crab, and bottom fish.

When we returned to the port of Garibaldi we had two coho, three rockfish, and ten Dungeness crabs. While the numbers might not blow anyone away, I want to share the real story behind this success: Every fish, every crab, and every safe crossing of the bar in my life has happened because of support from others. My good fortune this year, including the four springers I caught earlier—has come through the strength of our community. I couldn’t have done it alone.

As Steelheaders, we are fortunate to be part of a community with deep knowledge and generous hearts.

For example, Marty Golden the Vice President of the TV Chapter. I called him at least five times leading up to my ocean trip, and each time he shared more about how to safely and effectively fish for coho in the ocean. He even walked me through the safety gear he uses, like the ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon—something that can quite literally save your life out there. Marty also helped with fishing depth, bar crossings, and gear tips like EZ droppers versus lead.

Another prime example of the generosity of our community: Bob Rees, Association Vice President of Conservation and respected guide, sent valuable information on how to interpret ocean conditions and cross the bar safely. On the day I went out, low tide was at 8:30 AM, the wind was 3 to 5 mph, and the swells were 2 to 3 feet. Knowing what those conditions meant, and whether they were safe, helped me make a confident “go” decision. Bob also sent along some helpful crabbing videos from The Guides Forecast that were instrumental in finding those 10 keepers.

And then there’s Bill Kremers, who generously shared a few bottom fishing tips and even gave me two of his “guaranteed hot” coordinates. The gesture alone speaks volumes.

Earlier this year, Keith Hyde from the Columbia Chapter took Leslie and me out Kokanee fishing, and we landed our first Kokanee ever (and 17 others after that). That’s the kind of shared success that only comes from building real relationships with one another and investing in community.

This is what I love about our community of Steelheaders — we show up for each other. Our strength doesn’t end at the water’s edge. As a community, we also come together to protect and advocate for wild fish and healthy rivers. Whether it’s restoring habitat, promoting sustainable sportfishing, or engaging in the legislative process, we get involved because we care. Our chapter meetings, volunteer events, and advocacy efforts are all driven by a shared commitment to our fisheries and future generations.

I want to speak plainly here — we can’t keep doing this work without real, ongoing financial support. We’re at a critical point. The board has approved the hiring of an executive director to help us grow and lead the organization forward. That’s a big step.

But if we don’t have enough sustaining members, we simply won’t have the resources to back up our goals with action.

Let’s be honest: the old $40-a-year membership model is outdated. It’s not enough to fund meaningful conservation, policy advocacy, and the kind of community building we need right now. If you value what we do — whether it’s advocacy, education, habitat protection, or simply connecting people to fishing and the outdoors — I’m asking you directly: please become a sustaining member.

Leslie and I, along with many others, give monthly. We’ve also made additional contributions throughout the year. Why? Because we know this work matters — and it doesn’t happen without people stepping up. So, here’s my ask:

Would you be willing to commit to $10, $20, or even $50 per month? Could you give $250, $500, or $1,000 this year to keep this mission alive and growing?

If you're a life member, thank you. But if it's been 5, 10, or 20 years since that one-time gift, please consider rejoining us as a sustaining member. Your past support built this foundation. Now we need you again.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Whether you serve on the board, volunteer at events, or just show up at chapter meetings — you matter. Every person adds to our strength. Now let’s step up — and move it forward.

We have the right people, the right plan, and a growing community. What we need now is the strength of your commitment.