Fishing Michigan

For all the emails I got,  no I wasn’t one of the stranded down on the Ohio waters of Lake Erie.    I worked on the quad getting ready for my next tourney in Illinois coming up on the NAIFC circuit.  I knew they were catching some big buckets of walleye, but the weather and work I had to do in the shop kept me home.

If I had been, I would have had some strong words for the good sheriff of Ottawa County, Bob Bratton.  Inflammatory words come to mind describing this officer, but better judgement prevents expressing them.  While he was calling anglers idiots for heading out there this weekend, he failed to mention the true cause of the chunk of ice to break off and strand the anglers.  Despite the high winds and above average temperatures, the reason the ice broke off was due to a cutter coming through and forging a channel through the ice.  Giving the ice floe somewhere to go once the winds broke it loose. Nowhere to go, no break off.  Perhaps some separation, but certainly passable.

Besides calling anglers idiots, and threatening them with arrest, and civil action,  as an angler involved with a lawful state endorsed activity, I would have pressed for some charges against those who busted out the channel, which is what really put those walleye fisherman in danger.  Perhaps better than calling folks names, which is really bright for an elected official,  he should have come up with a scheduled announcement online somewhere telling folks that a channel was being made that day.  Perhaps call the baitshops and have them post it for anglers to see.  Why is it so hard to work with sportsman, rather than come across accusing them of stupidity?

As of Sunday, Sheriff  Bratton kind of back tracked a bit, coming off saying he respects the ice fishing culture.  Underlying the fact is that he wants to impose fines for rescue operations.  A $20,000 bill for the rescue operation?  Maybe its due to the helicopter fuel.  Before I got dragged into civil court, I would want to see a detailed bill,  and then examine what was the direct cause of the floe to start,  perhaps the channel being busted out?

Through all this remember that a person did pass away Saturday.  Unfortunately the 65 yr old man had a heart condition and died due to a heart attack.  He was one of a handful from what the reports say, who looked for a way off the floe for the stranded anglers.  Remember folks, use a spud while walking to check ice thickness, and in extreme conditions have a rope tied around you secured by others. 

Respect the ice and mother nature with equal attention.  She can be a harsh creature.  Common sense goes a long way, and don’t get suckered into following the crowd.  Several of the rescued group were warned by others (several anglers I know were out there) out on the ice not to venture to far out, but they say the pack and figured it had to be safe.