02-12-2009, 12:10 PM
COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife's Fish Ohio program was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame for 2009. The Fish Ohio program is the only honoree for 2009 and joins a prestigious group of 36 past award winners in the Organizational/Corporate or Government Entity category.
The Fish Ohio program was designed to honor anglers for noteworthy catches of Ohio's fish. Since its inception in 1976, more than 400,000 anglers have been recognized for catches of fish of qualifying length in one of 19 species categories.
Each angler with a qualifying catch receives a certificate and lapel pin. Each year's pin depicts a different species along with the year. There is also a Master Angler category for anglers who catch four Fish Ohio qualifying fish in a single year. The Master Angler pin is the same as the Fish Ohio pin, except it is gold in color.
The first pins were issued in 1979 and displayed largemouth bass. ODNR Division of Wildlife began to administer the program in 1980 and developed the first Master Angler pins in 1982. These pins featured the black crappie.
Anyone interested in participating in the Fish Ohio program can fill out the online application after catching a qualifying fish. The application is available at www.fishohio.org.
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, www.freshwater-fishing.org, is an international, non-profit museum and educational organization located in Hayward, Wisconsin. It conducts and maintains a program for the recognition of persons, organizations and institutions that have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport and heritage of freshwater fishing.
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.
Media Contact
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations (614) 265- 6860
The Fish Ohio program was designed to honor anglers for noteworthy catches of Ohio's fish. Since its inception in 1976, more than 400,000 anglers have been recognized for catches of fish of qualifying length in one of 19 species categories.
Each angler with a qualifying catch receives a certificate and lapel pin. Each year's pin depicts a different species along with the year. There is also a Master Angler category for anglers who catch four Fish Ohio qualifying fish in a single year. The Master Angler pin is the same as the Fish Ohio pin, except it is gold in color.
The first pins were issued in 1979 and displayed largemouth bass. ODNR Division of Wildlife began to administer the program in 1980 and developed the first Master Angler pins in 1982. These pins featured the black crappie.
Anyone interested in participating in the Fish Ohio program can fill out the online application after catching a qualifying fish. The application is available at www.fishohio.org.
The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, www.freshwater-fishing.org, is an international, non-profit museum and educational organization located in Hayward, Wisconsin. It conducts and maintains a program for the recognition of persons, organizations and institutions that have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport and heritage of freshwater fishing.
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.
Media Contact
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations (614) 265- 6860