Ohioans Can Fish For Free May 3-4
"Free Fishing Days" offer chance to experience
Ohio's great angling opportunities
COLUMBUS,
OH - Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of "Free Fishing Days" on
Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 to experience the great angling
opportunities Ohio has to offer. For these two days only, anglers may fish
any of the state's public waters without a license.
"Fishing is a great opportunity for the family to get outdoors
together," said David M.Graham, chief of the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. "Ohio's many lakes and rivers offer
some of the best fishing anywhere."
During the rest of the year, anglers age 16 and older are required to
have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio
waters. Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores, outdoor
outfitters, major department stores, and at wildohio.com.
An Ohio fishing license is one of the best recreational bargains
available, costing state residents only $19 a year. Ohio residents born on
or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a free fishing license at any
license vendor. Residents age 66 and older born on or after January 1,
1938 are eligible to obtain a reduced-cost senior fishing license for $10.
A one-day fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that can be
applied toward the cost of an annual license.
Ohio's "Free Fishing Days" were established in 1993 to promote fishing
by allowing Ohioans to experience the sport before buying a license. The
offer is open to Ohio residents, and extends to all public waters,
including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. An estimated 1.5 million people
fish each year in Ohio.
Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year. In late
winter and early spring, anglers can reel in steelhead trout and walleye
from northern Ohio streams. Spring also means great saugeye and crappie
fishing. During the summer, the fishing heats up on Lake Erie for yellow
perch, walleye and smallmouth bass, while anglers on the Ohio River enjoy
excellent striped bass fishing.
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For Further Information Contact:
Lindsay Deering, Division of Wildlife, Central Ohio
(614) 644-3925
-or-
Tom Lavergne, Division of Wildlife, Northwest Ohio
(419) 424-5000
-or-
Jamey Graham, Division of Wildlife, Northeast Ohio
(330) 644-2293
-or-
Susie Vance, Division of Wildlife, Southeast Ohio
(740) 589-9930
-or-
Kathy Garza-Behr, Division of Wildlife, Southwest Ohio
(937) 372-9261