COLUMBUS, OH - Nearly twice as many fishing licenses were sold this Memorial Day weekend compared to the same time period in 2001, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Preliminary figures indicate that more than 45,000 resident Ohio fishing licenses were purchased from Friday, May 24 through Memorial Day. Last year 22,700 licenses were purchased during that time period.
I think this heightened interest in fishing is representative of what is happening all around the country, said Mike Budzik, chief of ODNRs Division of Wildlife. People want to spend quality time with family and friends - they want to have fun together and they want to relax. Fishing provides that opportunity.
Budzik said wildlife officers from around the state reported seeing an increase in fishing activity over Memorial Day weekend.
There are a number of reasons for the big increase. The weather is finally warm and its just now getting into the prime fishing time for species such as panfish, bass and saugeye in our inland lakes. He added that Lake Erie fishing also has been great so far this year, with anglers experiencing excellent perch catches as well as bringing to net some exceptionally large walleyes.
Great fishing exists across the state, with Ohio anglers enjoying a diverse mix of fishing opportunities: from Lake Eries renown walleye to Ohio River striped bass, and thousands of miles of streams with plentiful smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish, crappie and bluegill.
For Further Information Contact:
Vicki Mountz, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6393
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882