Living in Alaska for 4 solid years, I do know firsthand how truly vulnerable this region is to spread of aquatic invasive species. The two primary groups of people to come to Alaska are visitors and those in the Military. My diving boots just happen to be felt sole and I can just imagine after being over in the orient for a year scuba diving and coming to Alaska and bringing an invasive species and just thinking how an Angler can so easy do the same. To a lot of people, if you cannot see the danger, it simply doesn’t exist!

Case and point, my Wife has a nasty flu if I didn’t know any better it is N1H1, but the doctor says it isn’t. She has had this bug for over a week now and I haven’t come down with it, WHY! Simple, I have taken a simple action to prevent coming down with it. I don’t drink after her and I keep my hands out of my face the #1 way to catch any virus.

There is no difference between keeping your hands out of your face and banning felt sole shoes from aquatic regions, it’s that simple!

Speaking of conservation someone once said (to the effect) "The days of just grabbing your gun or rod to go hunting or fishing are over." What this meant was we can no longer take for granted that our natural resources will be there without our help.

I thought they were very wise words.

Go ahead. Keep wearing felt in vulnerable and pristine waters. You'll have your regulation free life. That's what it's all about, right? Who cares if the fishing is any good? We're not being regulated. Great.

DAND meant to say anybody ever try CLOROX at the start, laptope and I don't mix well!.

You know, Andrew, I'll spend a little extra money on some boots that might just make the fishing better for YOU, someday... and I won't be bitter if the government decides to set rules that lead other people to do the same.

I'd be more worried about the fish farms and illegal mining processes than the use of felt boots on a population of sportsman in Alaska. What is the percentage of felt boots in relationship to the infestation and infection from other sources. In a perfect world: Each lodge has a tub filled with 409 disinfectant (I know not 100%). A client arrives. Places boots in the tub. Next day goes fishing. I SAID IN A PERFECT WORLD. But we don't live in a perfect world. When I went to an archery competition in Australia my boots, bow, arrows, quiver and everything else was expected to be clean of all dirt and debris. It was also inspected. Take responsibility and care for your own equipment.

Tim is correct, but I didn't want to write an essay regarding this issue. What about boats, dogs, cleaning equipment. If you noticed at the end of the remark I made I said "Take responsibility and care for your own equipment." When a person visits a location away from home they are staying somewhere. And if that fly fisherman or felt boot wearer is not visiting they have a home base. Soak your boots. Clean your equipment. Was your dog(s). It seems that we all have time to complain, tie flies or sit and drink when we arrive at a fishing destination... why not clean and inspect your equipment for dirt and debris. I have the luxury of owning different boots for different waters. If mandated to rid my footwear and go to rubber I'll need to put up about $1000.00 in boots. When I book clients (I guide) I not only tell them to be sure to soak and clean there boots in 409 disinfectant I also include in my mailer instructions on how to do the procedure. BE RESPONSIBLE! Walk the walk. Talk the talk. Just do the best we all can to stop these infestations.

Shane unfortunately Jacks finest A$$es Breed all too often. {8^D