So far 20/125 take cash over fishing

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by Joe

That's 6%.
Which I think represents the natural attrition of those who have lost interest, incurred failing health or injury, or can't afford the gas.

I think it's a waste of money - they're just paying for attrition. That first 6% represents a significant element of those who were most motivated or on the fence to quit anyway, I don't think you'll get 6% every year. If you really want people to quit fishing, raise the price of gas and start an ad campaign that paints fishing negatively; attach a negative stigma to it - like smoking.

Half of the people fishing have been fishing for five years or less, and are very interested and motivated. So the growth of sport-fishing far out weighs the government's ability to discourage it.

I may be wrong, but aren't they only sending the checks out to active license holders? If that's the case, it would be people who are planning on fishing this year. There will still be the normal attrition but those people most likely won't be buying licenses if they've already decided to stop fishing.