05-23-2008, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - Warm weather may be arriving a bit late in most areas of Ohio, but this weekend the Buckeye State offers a wide variety of amazing spring fishing.
<br>From the north shores of Lake Erie to the hundreds of inland lakes and thousands of miles of streams, opportunities are plentiful to catch "the big one." Everyone from the most avid angler to the child who is fishing for the first time will find Ohio has a waterway nearby that offers fishing fun!<br>
<br>It's not necessary to buy fancy, expensive fishing equipment. This time of year, with fish hanging out in the shallows and preparing to spawn, a simple setup will do. An inexpensive rod and reel combo with tackle can be purchased at a local outdoor store for as little as $20.<br>
<br>Live baits work very well, including nightcrawlers for catfish, perch, sunfish and bass or minnows for saugeye, walleye and crappie. Maggots and wax worms are good choices for panfish. Artificial baits will work just fine too! Visit wildohio.com and click on fishing for more details about choosing the right bait, places to fish, fish identification, and even how to fillet and cook the fish you take home! Recipes are also available at www.wildohiocookbook.com<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>For more information on places to fish, go to wildohio.com and click on fishing. The Division of Wildlife can also be contacted at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).
<br>From the north shores of Lake Erie to the hundreds of inland lakes and thousands of miles of streams, opportunities are plentiful to catch "the big one." Everyone from the most avid angler to the child who is fishing for the first time will find Ohio has a waterway nearby that offers fishing fun!<br>
<br>It's not necessary to buy fancy, expensive fishing equipment. This time of year, with fish hanging out in the shallows and preparing to spawn, a simple setup will do. An inexpensive rod and reel combo with tackle can be purchased at a local outdoor store for as little as $20.<br>
<br>Live baits work very well, including nightcrawlers for catfish, perch, sunfish and bass or minnows for saugeye, walleye and crappie. Maggots and wax worms are good choices for panfish. Artificial baits will work just fine too! Visit wildohio.com and click on fishing for more details about choosing the right bait, places to fish, fish identification, and even how to fillet and cook the fish you take home! Recipes are also available at www.wildohiocookbook.com<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>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.<br>
<br>For more information on places to fish, go to wildohio.com and click on fishing. The Division of Wildlife can also be contacted at 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).