By Louie Stout

Gov. Whitmer’s Fishing Ban Makes No Sense

Ford Wolkins turned five this week. That’s him posing with a fish with his dad Floyd, who is laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Like most five year olds, he doesn’t completely understand all of this fuss about the virus, but he’s loved having his dad home because they can fish together a lot.

Well, that is, until last week.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put an end to that when she announced she was prohibiting fishing from motorboats. Oh, you can go fishing, but only from a canoe, kayak or rowboat.

The Wolkins, who live in Union, Mich., fish from a 16-foot Sylvan fishing boat that is a lot safer and much easier to maneuver on Michiana waters.

Like most Michiana anglers, Floyd fished alone or with his son. Prior to last weekend, he and others could escape the negative news and crisis facing America by spending time on the water.

With family or simply by fishing alone.

“I’ve never seen so many father/sons or father/daughters on the water as I have this spring,” said TV Fishing Host Mark Zona who lives on Klinger Lake. “Parents who have been furloughed were taking their kids fishing and forming a bond. The governor’s ruling put an end to that.”

Apparently, the governor got wind of a few idiot anglers who violated her social distancing recommendations. Instead of fining or even jailing the fools who violate, she saw fit to shut down all fishing from powerboats in Michigan.

Her actions have created a huge resistance from anglers statewide. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs has filed a lawsuit on angler behalf.

Meanwhile, Michigan’s marijuana shops are booming with business. You can still drive to the convenience store and buy lottery tickets, but shame on you for going fishing alone or with a family member in a gas powered fishing boat.

And in case you were wondering, you can’t use an electric motor, either.

It’s not just the fishermen who are in an uproar. You can go to Menard’s, Lowe’s or Home Depot to buy a ceiling fan, but you can’t buy paint, or garden supplies, or seeds and flowers.

It makes no sense.

We understand the horror Detroit is going through and the seriousness of this pandemic. Most of us are doing the right things, like staying home, wearing masks when we have to go to the store and avoiding people outside our households.

But as we wait this thing out, why deny us of a few small pleasures that aren’t a threat to ourselves or anyone else?