Fishermen discuss ice rescue

PORT CLINTON - Ice fishermen did not hold their feelings back during a meeting with Ottawa County Sheriff Bob Bratton in Port Clinton Thursday night.

"I'm one of the stupid ice fishermen,” said Chris Sutton. “I'm the one that feels insulted by your media comments and I expect an apology to all the fishermen you called stupid."

They didn’t get an apology, but they did get an open forum the let the Sheriff know what they think of the events on Feb. 7.

Last month the Ottawa County Sheriff stated ice fishing on a windy day was “idiotic” during an interview with local and national television stations. The statement was made after 134 fishermen where rescued from an ice floe on Lake Erie.

Sheriff Bratton, along with Lucas County Sheriff James Telb hosted the meeting Thursday to
talk with anglers about what to do the next time someone needs to be rescued.

"They've had a lot of time to think,” said Bratton. “Now it is time to sit down and talk. Let's hear what they have to say."

Several ideas were thrown out by fishermen in attendance. Some opposed to being fined for being rescued, others suggested rescue services be privatized. They also took time to explain what they feel are dangerous conditions on the ice on Lake Erie. The fishermen said last month’s rescue was blown out of proportion and more rescuers responded than needed.

"There were more rescuers than people rescued,” said fisherman Eric Gahn. “Because more than 400 to 500 people got off the ice on there own.”

Sheriff Bratton hopes to form a committee, including some fishermen, to review suggestions which were brought up during the meeting. It is hoped a new ice rescue police for both Ottawa and Lucas County will be in place by next winter.