At the Chicago fishing committee meeting Thursday, Hall of Famer Don Dubin interjected: ‘‘I thought we were sending a letter to Mayor [Brandon] Johnson.’’
The committee had sent a letter inviting the mayor to send representation and got a Heisman-like stiff-arm in return.
I wonder whether there’s a correlation between dissing the committee and being a single-term mayor. Mayor Richard M. Daley started Mayor Daley’s Fishing Advisory Committee in 1996. Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent a representative from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events to chair the committee (under a tweaked name) during his two terms. During her one term, Mayor Lori Lightfoot ignored attempts to reach her. It appears Mayor Johnson is following a similar tack to the same end.
Other topics came up as the panel returned after a summer hiatus with a meeting at 31st Street Harbor.
Stacey Greene-Fenlon, first woman and first non-public official to chair the committee, continues to reach out more broadly. Next month will feature a night meeting — 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 22 — at the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club at Montrose Harbor.
Daisy Villarreal, the assistant operations manager at Chicago Harbors/Suntex Marinas, led off with illegal snaggers at Jackson Park.
There are always issues with snaggers in September as the salmon return to shore. Conservation police officer Nick Zostautas said they had started efforts to deal with Jackson Park, in particular. He made a map to show where snagging could be done when it is legal (beginning next Tuesday).
The Chicago Park District’s Jessica Prescott-Smith said that ‘‘Fishing at the Jetty’’ on the Riverwalk had drawn about 13,000 people. Zostautas said they have six new CPOs for Cook County. Ken Carwell of Chicago No Limits Fishing said they ran 25 trips in their first full season, ending in October.
David Hughes, an angler at Jackson Park, brought up parking issues and also wondered about getting a formal OK for an informal event that has been held for years on opening night of snagging season at Jackson Park.
I expect to hear more like that next month.
Fall colors
The Illinois Office of Tourism began its fall colors report at enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/seasonal-adventures/fall-in-illinois/fall-color-reports.
Wild things
If you saw unusual birds the last few days, it’s not surprising. A major migration pushed through the Chicago area over the weekend.
Stray cast
Having tickets to the Sox’ home finale Thursday is like seeing the trophy buck you’ve been following hit on the roadside.