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Outdoors Guide – Connecting to NATURE

Michigamme resident Butch Wiljanen displays “a nice lake trout” after a fishing trip on Lake Superior. (Journal photo)

ISHPEMING — In a world where most men spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power …” Local author and Michigan Supreme Court Judge John Voelker once wrote.

Fishing is a way to connect with nature, whether you are a fly fisherman like Voelker, prefer to fish from a small boat or kayak, ice fishing, or enjoy the challenge of a bigger body of water like Lake Superior.

An angler can use a simple cane pole with a line tied to the end when fishing in shallow water, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, but fishing aficionado’s who are serious about the pastime are also serious about their gear.

There are a variety of different reels and poles that can be used, the DNR site states.

And then there is tackle, not the kind on a football field, but equipment like hooks, sinkers, bobbers and artificial lures to put on the end of your line to make sure “the big one” does not get away.

And although fishing is thought of as a solitary sport, COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines should be followed, the site states.

Be sure to make a fishing license part of your gear. All anglers 17 or older must have a fishing license. And fishing

It is important to remember practice proper social distancing — at least 6 feet away from people who do not live in your household, keep a face covering handy and frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer DNR officials say.

According to the site, a good angler always practices safety in and around the water; always lets someone know where they are going and when they will be back; respects other sportsmen and doesn’t crowd where others are fishing; respects private property and never trespasses; keeps only the fish they want or need and never wastes fish, never litters or pollutes; follows all fishing and boating regulations; doesn’t release bait or any other fish into the water unless it was just caught; and properly releases fish immediately without harming them if they are not to be kept.

For more information on the sport, or to apply for a license online visit Michigan.gov/fishing.

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