Ohio
Offers Free Fishing Days May 3-4
A
chance for families to experience Ohio's great fishing
COLUMBUS,
OH - Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of "Free Fishing
Days" on May 3-4 and experience the great fishing Ohio has to
offer. For these two days only, Ohioans may fish in any of the
state's public waters without having to buy a fishing license.
This
special weekend offers Ohioans of all ages the chance to experience
the fun of fishing. During the rest of the year, anglers 16 years and
older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish,
frogs or turtles from Ohio waters. An Ohio fishing license is one of
the best recreation bargains available, costing only $19 a year for
residents.
On
Saturday, May 3, ODNR staff will be available to assist families at
select locations from 10 a.m. until noon. They will provide
instruction, and a limited number of poles and bait will be available
at each event.
The
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has established locations
that offer family-friendly fishing opportunities within Ohio State
Parks. The designated family-friendly fishing areas are located at
Sycamore State Park, Delaware State Park, Maumee Bay State Park and
Caesar Creek State Park. These ponds will be open throughout the week
and will be stocked with catchable channel catfish. Family-friendly
fishing ponds are open to youths 15 and under. Those 16 and older
must fish with a youth age 15 and under. See
www2.ohiodnr.gov/youthfishing for more information.
A
fifth area for anglers 15 years and younger to enjoy is the Wildlife
District Three youth fishing ponds. These fishing ponds will be open
during the “Free Fishing Days” and then will reopen on the
weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hours of operation are
9 a.m.-7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday as well as Labor Day, which
is Monday, Sept. 2. Go to wildohio.com for more information on the
youth-only fishing area.
Great
fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. An estimated
1.3 million people fish each year in Ohio. In late winter and early
spring, anglers reel in excellent catches of steelhead trout and
walleye from northern Ohio streams. Spring also means great saugeye
and crappie fishing. During the summer months, the fishing heats up
on Lake Erie for yellow perch, walleye and bass, while anglers on the
Ohio River enjoy excellent hybrid striped bass fishing.
Ohio's
“Free Fishing Days” are designed to promote fishing and allow
Ohioans to experience fishing before buying a license. The offer is
open to all Ohio residents and extends to all of Ohio’s public
waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River.
These
family-friendly fishing areas are partially funded by the purchases
of Ohio fishing licenses and federal contributions from the Sport
Fish Restoration (SFR) Fund.
ODNR
ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural
resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at
ohiodnr.gov.
For
more information, contact: Vicki Ervin, ODNR Division of Wildlife,
614-265-6325; Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications,
614-265-6860.
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