COLUMBUS, OH -- June 2 and 3 will be Free Fishing Days in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio residents can fish in any public waters of the state without having to purchase a fishing license during those dates.
An annual resident fishing license costs $15, and young anglers under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a license. People aged 66 and older can obtain a free fishing license at any license vendor. A one-day fishing license is also available for $7, and that amount can later be redeemed for credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license. A fishing license is normally required to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters.
"For many Ohioans, good times spent fishing with family and friends are among our fondest memories," said ODNR Division of Wildlife Chief Michael Budzik. "For those who haven't recently taken their kids or grandchildren fishing, Free Fishing Days is the perfect time to let them try this wholesome family entertainment."
Ohio's Free Fishing Days was established in 1993 to promote fishing and allow Ohioans to experience fishing before buying a license. The two-day event is held annually on the first Saturday and Sunday in June. The offer is open to Ohio residents only, and extends to all public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. An estimated 1.5 million people go fishing in Ohio each year.
A survey conducted in 1995 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service indicated that anglers age 16 and older went fishing in Ohio an average of 14 days during the year. The collective angler effort was 17.8 million fishing days.
For Further Information Contact:
Vicki Mountz, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6393
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882