more news

[Krayfish]

Rscotfish,

Appreciate the report. First off, imho, and it is just that, mho, The logic in not selling out of state license is flawed- well intentioned, and I already have mine so no skin off my nose, but has major flaws. Indulge me if you would. First, my county has very few cases, I have been sheltered at home for 4 weeks and no contact beyond my wife. I am out of state. I have a 21’ boat and two people. We stay in a residence, alone, and only fish, go back, eat at the house, sleep, wake up, rinse wash repeat, then leave. Our only contact would be fuel and bait- and just a maybe on the bait. The risk I bring is little to none, more like zero, if I follow the rules in place for social distancing.
Yet, someone instate, say Cleveland, Cincinnati, even Toledo, Which have much higher infection rates, can come in and fish because they are in state? So that is safer? The bottom line is where you are from is not relevant, as unless you limit travelers/fisherman to only those in, say, Ottawa county, the risk is in non compliance, not location. Otherwise, it is a failed sense of security. Now, What about a person from New York City coming? Well, if they self quarantine while there, keep social distancing and abide by the rules, and you also abide by them, you would/ should still be safe. The problem is a lack of enforcement of those not doing this and too much leeway in the rules. There should be stricter guidelines and crystal clear ones. Example, two people per boat, period. I don’t care if you are quintuplets. Then no excuses or fake “ alibis”. Launching, one group on the dock at a time, period. Bait shops, like carry out at a restaurant, call, order, drop off bucket at door, then pick up. Easy. Why is there no common sense, setting of clear guidelines and then actual enforcement? It would not take long with a few tickets to get the message. Anyway, more voicing of frustration at the current status and being couped up for four weeks. Btw, I called the Ohio department of Health As I had a trip for the 18th just to make sure I was not violating any rules. I was told there was no issue with my coming, my plan and my protocol. Also, no restriction on travel from out of state.

[dunn782]

The problem isn't guys like you. The problem is the people that just ignore the rules so the rest suffer. Its always the way it goes, the few mess it up for the many. As far as implementing rules for the gas station, the bait shop, etc., who polices that? There isn't anyone to make sure rules are followed so its easier to just bar out of state folks for now. From a Governors point of view I suppose it reduces the potential of visitors bring it in. You mentioned you have a license already, I wonder what happens if you get checked by DNR or someone else at the doc just checking limits, licenses, boats, etc.? Does it make a difference if your on an OH boat?Sure a lot of gray areas.

[Walleye Wizard]

The problem isn't guys like you. The problem is the people that just ignore the rules so the rest suffer. Its always the way it goes, the few mess it up for the many. As far as implementing rules for the gas station, the bait shop, etc., who polices that? There isn't anyone to make sure rules are followed so its easier to just bar out of state folks for now. From a Governors point of view I suppose it reduces the potential of visitors bring it in. You mentioned you have a license already, I wonder what happens if you get checked by DNR or someone else at the doc just checking limits, licenses, boats, etc.? Does it make a difference if your on an OH boat?Sure a lot of gray areas.

+1 good point