Ohio’s annual free fishing days offer residents a unique chance to experience the thrill of fishing without the need for a license. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, providing an opportunity for all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. Wild Ohio has provided a comprehensive guide to help beginners get started with fishing. The website offers a variety of resources, including online modules, events, and recipes, to ensure a successful and enjoyable fishing trip. For those looking to try their hand at fishing for the first time, the Fishing License and Resources page is an excellent place to start. This page provides information on special locations, fishing tips and tricks, and suggestions for targeting specific species. In addition to the free fishing days, Ohio’s public fishing locations are great places to catch a Fish Ohio! qualifying trophy. The Fish Ohio program celebrates amazing catches of 25 species of fish and there are specific fish length requirements based on species to be a qualifying catch. Those who reel in a qualifying catch receive a commemorative Fish Ohio pin for their first entry, and a Master Angler pin for catching four different qualifying species in the same year. This year, the pin features a largemouth bass. Fishing in Ohio offers a unique opportunity to experience the state’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife. With over 200 locations in Ohio stocked annually with species such as walleye, saugeye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, muskellunge, channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid-striped bass, anglers can enjoy a wide range of fishing experiences. According to a report released by the Wildlife Management Institute, Responsive Management, and Southwick Associates, anglers generated $5.5 billion in economic spending in Ohio in 2022. This highlights the importance of fishing in supporting the state’s economy. The ODNR Director Mary Mertz emphasizes the significance of Ohio’s public fishing locations, stating, “Ohio’s variety of waterways offer exceptional fishing. Including Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and the thousands of inland lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and streams, Ohio is home to an abundance of fresh water and public fishing locations.”
Ohio’s free fishing days offer a unique chance to try fishing for the first time. For those looking to get started, the Fishing Tips for Beginners section provides valuable advice, including:
• **Consider a person’s age and skill level and keep the trip simple.**
• **Choose a pond, lake, or stream where beginners can easily catch a few fish.**
• **Use live bait to increase the odds of catching a fish. Live bait is also more interesting for children.**
• **Take plenty of photos and bring snacks.**
• **Be patient. Be prepared to spend time untangling lines, baiting hooks, waiting for a bite, landing fish, and taking pictures.**
• **Have fun!**
In addition to the free fishing days, the Master Angler Program offers a unique opportunity for anglers to track their catches and compete with others. The program celebrates amazing catches of 25 species of fish and there are specific fish length requirements based on species to be a qualifying catch. For those who want to explore public fishing destinations near them, the Go and Do fishing page provides a wealth of information, including maps, photos, and descriptions of fishing locations. With over 46 million fish stocked in Ohio waters in 2024, anglers can enjoy a wide range of fishing experiences. The Fish Ohio program celebrates amazing catches of 25 species of fish and there are specific fish length requirements based on species to be a qualifying catch. Those who reel in a qualifying catch receive a commemorative Fish Ohio pin for their first entry, and a Master Angler pin for catching four different qualifying species in the same year. This year, the pin features a largemouth bass. In conclusion, Ohio’s free fishing days offer a unique chance to experience the thrill of fishing without the need for a license. With over 200 locations in Ohio stocked annually with species such as walleye, saugeye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, muskellunge, channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid-striped bass, anglers can enjoy a wide range of fishing experiences. By visiting public fishing destinations, supporting the state’s economy, and trying fishing for the first time, Ohio’s free fishing days provide a fun and unforgettable experience for all ages.
