Fishing, a break from Covid-19
By Ralph Dickerson
The Covid-19 pandemic forced many changes in our society. Social distancing is now the new “normal” as people stay six feet away from one another to prevent the spread of the virus. During the height of the pandemic, states enacted lockdown regulations designed to help eliminate the virus. Though states started to reopen their economies, restrictions continue in force. Regulations mandate social distancing, and a cap on the number of people allowed to congregate together.
As people begin to get out of their homes and enjoy the nice weather, they look for ways to enjoy each other’s company while obeying Covid-19 requirements.
One way people found to hang out and meet these restrictions is fishing. Social distancing and limits on group size is the definition of fishing. It allows people to hang out and enjoy each other’s company, yet not violate Covid-19 regulations. When the weather started to warm, people started to buy fishing licenses. “In town (Hawesville), we are the only place you can get them now,” Anita Payne, owner of eJs Pawn Shop said. Payne says she sells about 50 fishing licenses per week, both to residents and nonresidents.
Hancock Game and Fish and Vastwood Lake are two of the more popular fishing destinations in the county, and Payne said many people come into her shop to buy licenses to go fishing at these locations. So far this year her business is selling more licenses that at this time last year.
Brandon Nash of Nash’s Archery and Outdoor Gear concurred. During the height of the pandemic, Nash closed his shop. Though he closed his shop to regular business, Nash still sold fishing licenses. Nash said he would open his shop an hour or two each week specifically so people could purchase licenses. Nash said he placed a notice on the business’ Facebook page on when he planned to be in the shop, and people came in at those hours just to purchase fishing licenses.
“This has always been a great fishing area,” Nash said. “Just about everybody fishes.”
Ace’s Sporting Goods also sells licenses. Owner Monty Quinn said he also noticed a small uptick in license sales. It costs $23 per year for a resident fishing license, and $55 for a nonresident. A combination hunting and fishing license costs $42 for a resident. Kentucky also allows residents to purchase licenses on line. Residents interested in this option need to visit fw.ky.gov. To purchase on line, a person needs to use a Visa, Discover or MasterCard, and provide his or her name, address, social security number and date of birth. A phone option also exists, but a small fee applies. Residents interested in this option need to call 1.877.598.2401.
While it costs nothing to fish at Vastwood Lake, fishing at Hancock Game and fish requires a membership, except for special occasions. To purchase a membership interested persons need to contact a game and fish board member to purchase a membership. Board members include Jimmy Cooper, Edna Cooper and Emilee Cooper. The number for Jimmy Cooper is 270.922.9651, Edna Cooper is 270.922.8491 and Emilee Cooper’s number is 270.922.7600.
