An Open Apology to Michigan and Fishing

Being an Ohioan and an Ohio State Buckeye's fan, I've made more than my share of disparaging comments about Michigan. Also, as a sports fan I've mocked the notion of chess, hunting, fishing or driving a car in circles being considered sports.

Well, after spending a terrific week up in Manistee, Michigan fishing for salmon I owe an apology to the state of Michigan (not the university) and the sport of fishing. Get away from Detroit, Flint, etc and Michigan is a beautiful state. The leaves were changing color this week and gave the scenery great backdrops. The wildlife was bountiful. The streams were clean and clear. Most importantly, the people we encountered were friendly and helpful. So, Michigan if you are reading I sincerely apologize for most of my past insults. I still will root against your football teams, but will curtail my criticism of the state at large.

Fishing is more of a sport requiring experience, skill and determination than I ever realized. So, I will now concede that fishing is a sport. A third or fourth tier sport, but a sport nonetheless. Sorry, Nascar fans, but I still can't buy driving a car around in circles or ovals as being a sport.