An Open Letter To Donald J. Trump Jr From One Fisherman To Another

It is with some trepidation that I write this letter. This is not a political site. But I feel that you, as the son of our next President, and an avid outdoorsman, can relate to concerns about environmental issues.

As a Christmas gift last year I received the George Daniel book on streamer fishing, Strip-Set. In writing the foreword you discussed how your grandfather was important in nurturing your love of the outdoors. In your own words, “The woods were our playground, the campfire was our TV, and the memories and friendships made there were truly unforgettable. It was these formative year that led me to a lifelong pursuit of all things outdoors”. It is because of your love of the outdoors that makes you the perfect person to carry the message to the new administration that rivers, streams, lakes, and hunting lands need to be protected.

Being a fisherman and hunter you know that trout, deer, elk, and other game live in beautiful places. And if we are going to be able to pass our knowledge and experience to a new generation these beautiful places need to survive.

I have lived in northeast Ohio my entire life, and was around when the Cuyahoga River caught fire. Lake Erie was polluted, and all rivers had a difficult time sustaining aquatic life. It took a major effort to clean up the lakes and rivers. Because of that effort, Lake Erie is now one of the premier walleye and smallmouth bass fishing destinations. The rivers now support a wide variety of aquatic life. In fact, northeast Ohio is in the center of Steelhead Alley. This success is not only limited to Ohio but has been replicated all over the United States.

We need to insure that these special places remain for years to come. If some of the environmental regulations are eased or removed there is a fear that many of the fishing and hunting locations will be affected. Spills, similar to the ones that affected the Yellowstone, Animas, and Kalamazoo rivers could become commonplace.

Donald, you are in a unique position. As part of President-Elect Trump’s inner circle you can have his ear on these issues. As someone who has always been busy building his organization he may not “see” the opportunities that protecting the environment can bring to the country. Your grandfather would be proud of you championing the environment.

Thank you.


John Zimmer
All Things Fishing