I love opening day.....The anticipation...the fervor...the traditions....It was my introduction to trout fishing and my excitment each year has never dimminished...in spite of the fact that I do fish for trout throughout the whole year. However, I wholeheartedly concur that opening day presents us with it's own set of problems and taxes the resources that are available. In the long run, it limits the potential for a greater trout fishing experience.....There's no easy solution...it's like a "tradition" or "addiction" that you love but realize is no good for you....As for some of the issues raised.....I agree that there's alot of money involved, and the state could lose some license revenue.....But I'm sure the state would come up with a plan to get their money if fishing license sales were to drop a bit...they always find a way to make us pay.... Still, not for nothing, but compared to some other states, the price of a license in CT is really not bad....Try to fish in a state like Virginia...you need a salt water license, a fresh water license, and a separate stamp for trout! What I'm saying is, I for one, am not opposed to a small increase in the cost of a license if it meant we could do away with opening day and have a better trout fishery..... I also contend, that a tackle shop that is worth it's salt, one that provides quality products and services, will have people interested in fishing, and coming back throughout the year.....As for children, and the benefits that opening day provides regarding the ease in which trout are caught...lets put those resources into trout parks and more "children's fishing only" areas that are more frequently stocked throughout the year, and let them enjoy a longer, more productive fishing season.....Besides, how many children actually benefit from the fiasco opening day has become, and the negative behavior that is modeled by the plethora of idiots that coverge on our streams and lakes.....I've seen too many arguments, scuffles, and territorial disputes....How many of you have wittnessed "homesteaders" camped out at their "honey hole" the night before....I'm surprized that I haven't yet seen a spot "roped off" like at a 4th of July parade route!.....I'm with you Mike.....Opening Day...Take it away...we'll all be glad later on......Just my opinion. :p