Mike Donovan has a unique approach to ice fishing at the Kennebasis River in Rothesay. Unlike many who use traditional shacks, Donovan prefers to fish from his lawn chair or a small pop-up tent for a more social experience. Despite fishing in the area for over 40 years, he finds enclosed structures too isolating.
Recently, the Town of Rothesay installed a gate to restrict vehicles and shacks on the river, a move that disappointed Donovan and other anglers. The town took this step due to ongoing issues with abandoned shacks and debris left behind after the fishing season.
Deputy Mayor Matt Alexander expressed regret over the situation, highlighting past incidents where abandoned shacks turned into communal garbage dumps. Efforts to work with ice fishers to maintain cleanliness have not been successful, leading to the stricter measures.
Donovan and a group of volunteers have been assisting with clean-up efforts but believe that collaboration between the town, fishing community, and relevant authorities is key to solving the problem. They advocate for addressing violators directly rather than penalizing all anglers.
While the town remains open to the return of shacks under certain conditions, Alexander stressed the importance of community involvement in maintaining cleanliness and safety on the ice. Companies in the area are now offering rentals for pop-up tents and manufactured shacks to meet the demand.
Despite the changes, Donovan and others fear that the absence of traditional shacks may drive anglers to seek fishing spots elsewhere, potentially leading to the decline of the annual winter village. The vibrant, customized shacks have been a cultural attraction for both locals and tourists, with visitors from around the world appreciating the unique experience on the ice.