What You Need to Know About Ohio Fishing Licenses and Regulations

It is almost spring time, and time to bring out the fishing rods, camping gear, and bug spray. Here you can find all the information you need to know about fishing in Ohio.

The great thing about the internet is that you can virtually find anything and buy anything you want online. At http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/vendor.aspx you can purchase your fishing license instantly with a secure debit or credit card purchase. If you prefer to go to a local licensing dealer, you can also go to this website to find a location near you. All you have to do is type in your city, county, and zip code, and the website will list all available licensing vendors closest to you. If you would rather purchase your fishing license through the mail, you can also call 1-800-945-6300 to request an application form.

When you purchase your fishing license, they are only valid from March 1st, 2010 to February 28th, 2011. You will then have to purchase a new one. There are several options to choose from. A residential license is for ages 16-65, and you must have been an Ohio resident for the past 6 months, cost is $19. A resident senior license is for seniors over the age of 65 and you must have been a resident of Ohio for the past 6 months, the cost is $10. You can purchase a one-Day license that is for non-residents and residents, the cost is $11. A nonresident license will cost you $40, and a 3-day nonresident license will cost you $19. If you have already purchase a license and lost it, someone stole it, or it was damaged, you can purchase a new one for $3. All licenses will have a $1 added on for a writing fee. If you are impaired, and need assistance to cast your pole, then you can fish without a license. If you are a county or state institution you also can fish without a license. If you are a former prisoner of war, a veteran with permanent disabilities, or a veteran with a license plate that says veteran with the wheelchair symbol, you too can fish without a license. If you were born on or before December 31, 1937, you are eligible to fish without a license. Active duty military members are required to purchase a fishing license only if they are not on leave or furlough. If your children are under the age of 16, they also can fish for free. May 1st and 2nd , 2010, is free fishing days for anyone wanting to fish. So take advantage of this day, and take the whole family out for a free fishing day.

These fishing licenses are good for fish, frogs, and turtles. If you have a private lake for pond, you must still have a license to fish for frogs and turtles, but not for fish. And if you let the public use your private lake or pond, you must have fishing license along with all of your visitors. Everyone who is fishing must carry their fishing license with them at all times, just in case an officer may stop you and ask if you have a license to fish. If you do not have a license you can be fined.

If you are looking for a particular fish, check out http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/fishing_sites.aspx. Here you will find a list of all types of fish and where you can find them. It will list all the available lakes, ponds, creeks or reservoirs that contain your fish.

At http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/fishing.aspx, you can view site specific regulations about the size of the fish you are legally allowed to keep and how many.

Things you should know before you fish in Ohio.

You are not allowed to sell or buy any fish that has been caught in a lake, pond or river that you had to have a fishing license. That means you can not catch any fish, frogs or turtles and try and sell them for a profit to anyone, even if they say they will not tell anyone.

You can not take the fish you caught and tag it, or move it to any other lake, pond and river. So let's say you were fishing at one lake and you caught 6 fish, and then you moved on to another lake down the road and caught 6 more fish that were larger than the first 6 fish. You can not take the first smaller 6 fish and put them into the second lake you began fishing at. It is illegal.

You can not take the fish you caught and clean it, slice it or cut any parts of it off anywhere near a body of water. If you are planning a camping trip, and you are going to eat the fish you caught, you must take your caught fish away from the lake, pond or river before you do any cooking preparation. Take your fish to your campsite, far away from any body of water.

To see what types of fishing is allowable, go to http://www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/dow/regulations/fishing_general.aspx. You will find frog and turtle season fishing, what types of bait you are allowed to use, and the kind of fishing tools you can fish with.

If you violate any of Ohio's fishing regulations, you will be fined. Make sure you have the appropriate fishing license, the right fishing equipment, and you know the limits and sizes of your fish. Poaching is a serious offense, and you will be in violation of Ohio states fishing laws.