Ohioans can fish for free during Father’s Day weekend

CLEVELAND — Ohio anglers will have a chance to cast their lines for free at public fishing locations on Father’s Day weekend, June 17-18, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said. 

It’s the only weekend of the year that the state allows residents 16 and older to fish for free in public waters, such as Lake Erie and the Ohio River, without buying a license to fish. It’s already free for everyone under 16 to fish for free in the state year-round.

ODNR said the free fishing days is a way to expand access and participation in the activity. 

“Fishing is a pastime that’s meant to be shared with friends and family,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release. “We encourage everyone to come out and experience the abundant fishing opportunities Ohio has to offer.”

ODNR also said it’s a great time for those who have never went fishing before to give it a try.

Here are some tips for those who may be trying it for the first time:

• Keep the trip simple, such as picking a pond, lake or stream where it will be easier to catch some fish.
• Use live bait to increase the odds of catching a fish, plus it makes it more fun for children
• Bring snacks and a camera
• Keep the trip fun and be patient

There are several ways to pick out where you want to fish. Use the HuntFish OH mobile application or Go and Do fishing page at ohiodnr.gov. ODNR also offers additional tips for those who are fishing for the first time.

To fish outside of the free fishing weekend, those 16 and older mush have a valid license to take fish, frogs and turtles. Licenses can be purchased through wildohio.gov or on the HuntFish OH application.