California fishing season becomes a flashpoint in the state's coronavirus response

<p>Recreational fishing has became an unlikely flashpoint in California's emergency response to the coronavirus pandemic, as angry anglers protested possible closures of their favorite fishing holes.</p><p>The California Fish and Game Commission reportedly abruptly canceled a teleconference Thursday morning amid cries of “make fishing great again!” and “fascists!” before it could consider authorizing a limited ban on sportfishing in some areas.</p><p>Speaking at a daily press briefing Gov. Gavin Newsom tried to allay fears that there was no statewide ban on fishing.</p><p>"We are not ending the season, we just want to delay it a little bit and work with the counties to address the surge of interest," he said.</p><p>Earlier this week, some politicians and sheriffs signaled their alarm that Newsom’s administration was planning to outright cancel the fishing season statewide because of COVID-19.</p><p>Some, like the sheriffs from Shasta and Modoc Counties, sent letters of concern to the commission expressing concern over restricting these activities because they said outdoor recreational activities are needed now more than ever for both physical and mental well-being.</p><p>Others agree with a partial or temporary closure, fearing too many out-of-town anglers would import the new coronavirus and infect residents.</p><p>About 1 million licensed anglers regularly fish California’s waterways through the year, making the state one of the country’s most active fishing states.</p><p>The Fish and Game Commission said the emergency meeting, originally organized to give powers to Charlton Bonham, Newsom’s appointee overseeing the Department of Fish and Wildlife to close fishing season in certain areas, will be schedule for next week.</p>