With May upon us, we find ourselves still under the squeeze of Covid-19. Anglers can still fish on their own or with members of their household, but in compliance with Michigan’s Stay Home/Safe order, not with others unless 6ft of distance can be maintained.
I have been contacted by customers old and new about the easing of the Executive Order and the provisions specifically regarding guiding/charters and have decided to refrain from guiding through May 28, 2020 pending further guidelines from the State/CDC.
Subsection 2 of the MI-DNR response to Charter/Fishing Guide Operations states:
” Limit in-person interaction with clients and patrons to the maximum
extent possible, and barring any such interaction in which people
cannot maintain six feet of distance from one another.”
I interpret this as near impossible to maintain that social distancing during typical guide operations in the confines of a drift boat. And guiding fly fishers is more than just operating a boat – there is a lot of interaction at relative close proximity. Beyond the spacing between guide and angler(s), it’s difficult to demonstrate a technique, teach a cast, or land a fish while maintaining this distance, let alone having to disinfect any shared fishing equipment, the boat, rod, etc.
In consideration of maintaining the mandated distance, providing transportation to the river would be in violation. Getting the car and trailer spotted could prove difficult and would need disinfecting before it’s even backed-up to the boat ramp. And how would you, the client, get back to your car should you have driven separately to the put-in? Lunch or dinner, snacks and beverages would be eliminated. Frankly put, a guided day on the water would be far from a seamless process in an effort to comply with the law and staying healthy.
While I have personally complied with social distancing/staying home and limited my shopping, the nature of virus still allows folks to spread it without knowing that they themselves have it. If I am guiding, yesterday’s customer could unknowingly pass it on to me and I, in turn, could pass it onto you. Not only is this irresponsible of me, but it’s unfair to customers. It’s a risk that can be avoided.
It is my opinion that the DNR’s response was more aimed and intended at guiding/charter operations in larger power boats where keeping distance is easier to do. I am not the one enforcing the law, or calling out those that are interpreting it differently than me, but rather explaining my position and reasoning for “patiently” waiting for a safer approach to getting back on the water with you.
Until then, stay safe, hit the rivers, streams and lakes yourself and take in what the sport offers; now that we are forced to slow down a little, it offers a great opportunity to explore and appreciate our fisheries and natural resources.
Good luck.
Ted