Local paper's fishing reports five days to two weeks old upon publication





Michigan resident Tony Petrella

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune is not a newspaper. It’s a history book.

Once the dominant newspaper in the area, the Herald-Tribune is now a shadow of its former self.

When the paper hired Capt. Tony Petrella to provide weekly fishing reports, it had no idea what it was getting. Petrella, who spends part of the year in Michigan, requires contributors to his fishing reports to email him information the Sunday prior to Thursday publication, according to at least two local fishing guides who supply him with reports.

That means information in the report is at least five days old and up to two weeks old when it’s published.

Imagine the report: The Herald-Tribune learned today that two weeks ago the kingfish run started!

But it’s not a shock.

The Herald-Tribune, a management-heavy company, is out of touch when it comes to news. The paper’s management thought that doing away with fishing coverage would be smooth sailing. In fact, the company didn’t recognize that fishing is the No. 1 participatory sport in the area. It’s bigger than golf and tennis – combined.

Few at the paper have knowledge of the sport. Scott Peterson, the paper’s sports editor, has no clue about fishing. Ditto for the assistant sports editor and any of the department’s staff.

The paper, which has struggled now for nearly five years, regularly staffs high school sports events that attract fewer than 20 people. Seems as if the public doesn’t turn out for the event, then there’s little to no interest.

Still, the paper makes sure that there’s coverage of those events.

The paper doesn’t staff the Tampa Bay Rays, but you can bet there’s a reporter at the district girls’ cross country meet.

Meanwhile, the H-T reporter who used to cover the Rays is now interviewing 14- and 15-year-olds.

If you’re a history buff, check out the Herald-Tribune’s fishing report.

It might make you laugh.