The Great Hook-Baiting Scandal

Saturday is the trout season opener in Vermont, a holiday of sorts for hard-core anglers who have waited all winter for the chance to drown a worm with the hope of landing a rainbow, brown or brookie.

Also, Gov. James Douglas and Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche will celebrate the season opener at 11:30 a.m. at Marshfield Reservoir fishing access area, 2 miles east of the village on Route 2.

There will be youngsters on hand along with their parents or mentors. Douglas and Laroche will be fishing with them and coaching the young anglers as well as talking about the importance of fishing in Vermont.

Let's just hope there isn't a repeat of last year's hook-baiting scandal.

A year ago, I watched footage of Douglas fishing on opening Saturday on the evening news. At one point, I was amazed as the governor reeled in his line, raised his rod and swung his bare hook back toward a man wearing a Fish and Wildlife shirt who promptly baited his hook for him.

I later found out this was Laroche.

I was amazed and told Rutland Herald outdoor editor Dennis Jensen knowing he would get a chuckle out of it. When I told Jensen, he was more than amused. He wrote a column about it, which spread far and wide. Douglas ended up being vilified in several national publications.

Mr. Laroche, please leave the governor's hook alone.

Governor, put your own worm on. You should also be prepared. What if you accidentally catch a fish? You wouldn't want to embarrass yourself in front of all those kids.