By Louie Stout

When can we have fishing tournaments?

That’s been a major topic in social media among anglers and tournament directors ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

You’re confused and so is everyone else. To be honest, that includes DNR fisheries divisions in Michigan and Indiana who must interpret the sketchy details coming out of their respective governors’ offices.

So, here’s my attempt to outline what we know.

Michigan: On May 22, Michigan began permitting tournaments with no more than 10 participants providing all contestants practice social distancing.

However, on May 27, letters were emailed to tournament directors who have registered events with the Michigan DNR. That letter noted that more than 10 participants would be allowed providing groups follow specific rules.

They are:

• Limit the number of people gathered at the launch at one time to 10 or less.
• Use a staggered start or multiple points of departure and return so that no more than 10 participants congregate before, during or after the event.Limit any in-person weigh-ins, rules meetings or awards ceremonies to no more than 10 people.
• Require participants to maintain social distancing throughout the event.Those rules are pretty restrictive but can be implemented with good coordination. It’s critical that anglers cooperate fully and don’t jeopardize tournament directors who ultimately would be fined for violations.
• Those rules will remain in place until the current Executive order expires June 12, unless it is rescinded beforehand, which isn’t likely.
  Indiana

In Indiana, no tournaments are permitted until June 14, unless the governor rules beforehand. It is hoped that he will relax the regulation after June 14.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t tournaments being held, but to my knowledge, those are being conducted against state rulings.

Tournament directors – and anglers - must remember we are being watched by waterfront residents who are against tournaments regardless of the situation. They wouldn’t hesitate to call DNR Officers if they suspect we’re violating Executive Orders.

Let’s hope that the Covid threat continues to decline and both governors relax these regulations soon so we can get back to somewhat of a normal tournament season.