No fishing license required May 2nd and 3rd

Columbus, OH – Ohioans are encouraged to take advantage of “Free
Fishing Days” on May 2 and 3 and experience the great fishing Ohio
has to offer, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
(ODNR) Division of Wildlife. For these two days only, Ohio anglers
may fish in any of the state’s public waters without having to buy
a fishing license.

During the rest of the year, anglers 16 years of age and older
are required to have a valid fishing license.  An Ohio fishing
license is one of the best recreation bargains available, costing
only $19 a year for residents.

Ohio residents born on or before December 31, 1937 can obtain a
free fishing license at any license vendor. Residents age 66 and
older who were born on or after January 1, 1938 are eligible to
obtain a reduced cost ($10) senior fishing license. A one-day
fishing license is also available for $11, an amount that later can
be applied toward the cost of an annual fishing license.  A fishing
license is required to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio
waters.  Fishing licenses are available at bait and tackle stores,
outdoor outfitters, major department stores, as well as on the
Internet at wildohio.com.

Ohio’s Free Fishing Days were established in 1993 to promote
fishing and allow Ohioans to experience fishing 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
1.3 million people fish each year in Ohio.

Great fishing exists around the state and throughout the year.
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 smallmouth bass, while anglers on the Ohio River enjoy
excellent striped bass fishing.  The Free Fishing Days weekend
offers every Ohioan of every age the chance to experience the fun
of fishing.

For anyone taking a young angler, there’s nothing more rewarding
than teaching a kid to fish.  Here are some helpful tips:

Keep it simple.

Consider the child’s age and skill level.  If this is their
first time, shore fishing is recommended.

Kids like to catch fish.

The size of fish doesn’t matter to kids.  But catching a fish –
any fish – does. Choose a pond, lake or stream where they will
easily be able to catch a few fish.

Use simple tackle.

A good rod and reel for kids costs between $15-$30.  A spin-cast
reel is easy to use and, after a few practice casts, kids usually
have mastered it.

Bring along a camera.

Children love to show off pictures of their “big catch.”

Keep the trip fun-and short.

Let the child have a good time, even if it means taking a
break.  Take time out to explore and enjoy the time together.

Be patient.

Plan on spending some time untangling lines, baiting hooks,
landing fish and taking pictures of big smiles and wiggling fish. 
By concentrating all your attention on your young angler, you’ll
likely be developing a fishing buddy for a lifetime.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance
between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the
benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.