Ohio is home to some very nice fishing, but before you get out there and cast a line, you are going to want to be familiar with the Ohio fishing regulations so that you're able to have a good time, enjoy your catch & steer clear of getting into trouble for breaking laws you were not aware of. Now, you might be thinking that the standard fisherman wouldn’t need to know, but if you are going to be fishing in one of the many parks, the chances that you can get caught for not paying attention to the Ohio fishing regulations are quite high. So, here is what you need to know before you go:
Fishing Licenses
The most important Ohio fishing regulations is that you need to have a fishing license. You can buy a day long license for $11.00 or you can get one for a full year for $19.00. Don’t skip out on this step or you will get a ticket if you are caught. For some people, it makes more sense to purchase the license for a year & be done with it. If you’re not a citizen of Ohio, you'll also have to get a fishing license if you’ll be fishing in this state, but you will find that you can get a one day fishing license for $11.00, a 3 day tourist registration and annual license even if you are not a resident for $40.00.
According to the Ohio fishing regulations, all the licenses will let you to fish in any public waters of the state, except for the Ohio River, Lake Eerie and tributaries, Pymatuning Lake or other certain bodies of water. For these, you will need a different license.
Knowing what you can fish for
Ohio fishing policy is very strict about what you can fish & take with you every day. By understanding the restrictions, you’ll be able to guarantee that you’re following the laws and help to look after the wildlife so that everybody can enjoy fishing.
The Ohio fishing regulations say that you can catch one Musky per day, 40 perch a day, five trout of any species (no more than five total a day), five smallmouth, spotted or large bass (no more than five total), 6 channel catfish (in public lakes that are less than seven-hundred acres, smaller than twenty-eight inches, but none in all other waters), one channel catfish that’s over 28 inches, no blue and flathead channel catfish under thirty five inches & one blue and flathead channel catfish over thirty five inches.
The Ohio fishing regulations also declare that you can not catch and keep any other fish, so if you do not know what’s at the end of your hook, let it go, because if you are caught with it, you might face a fine.
Knowing when you can go fishing
According to Ohio Fishing regulations, there are specific times of the year that you can go fishing. For example, if you have a standard fishing license, you’re allowed to fish year round if your license is good all year & you will be able to catch frogs from June to April and you can even catch turtles from June to April.
While the essentials of Ohio fishing regulations may appear dull, you’ll have a better time if you are aware of the laws.