everyone weighed in on this topic i rarely if ever ,add my two cents but after this opener,i cannot hold back. I think the pictures in the Waterbury papers on Sunday said it better than I ever could Opening Day is a holiday for many many people In a world where things seem to change all of the time,isnt it nice that we still have something to look forward to every year, that brings a smile to almost everyones face.even non anglers get a tremendous kick out of it.with all of the horrible crap in the news each day,it was a pleasure to see footage of kids and grownups having a wonderful time. I know that my wife and I would miss the tradition of the opener,even if we dont go for trout. the fishermans breakfast,the comradery,seeing dads and moms out with their kids w/o a cell phone,or some sort of electronic device glued to their ears.not even near a mall-imagion that.not to mention that for many the opener is when they caught their first fish or first trout and how proud they are of that fish hanging on a stringer. my worthless opinion-we have screwed up enough things in this state-leave it alone and just enjoy it or dont go.And it doesnt hurt to pick up after others i agree that there is too much trash and crap left by our streams and ponds.bring a plastic bag and pick it up.that is the best thing we can do.keep the opener-our kids need it.