Ohio anglers need to be aware of new fish filleting rules

With many Ohio anglers taking advantage of early fishing opportunities, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR), Division of Wildlife would like to remind anglers of a new rule affecting their catch.

Anglers must leave the fish they catch in public waters in the round (whole) or as a complete fillet with skin attached until they reach their home. This regulation is necessary to deter over harvest of certain species of fish. The rule was designed to be a law enforcement tool to protect the fishing resource, and allows wildlife officers to identify fillets in an angler’s possession, so that they can enforce Ohio’s fish bag limits. The new rule was modeled after surrounding Great Lakes province and states' existing regulations. Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and Minnesota all employ similar regulations.

An Ohio fishing license will be valid March 1 through Feb. 28, 2013. An annual resident fishing license costs $19. A one-day fishing license is available and may be purchased for $11 by residents and non-residents. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward purchase of an annual fishing license.

Ohio residents born on or before Dec. 31, 1937, may obtain a free fishing license where licenses are sold. Persons age 66 and older who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1938, and have resided in Ohio for the past six months are eligible to purchase the reduced cost resident senior license for $10.

The 2012-13 Ohio Fishing Regulations pamphlet can be obtained and fishing licenses can be purchased online at wildohio.com or at hundreds of agent outlets throughout the state. A complete list of participating license sales agents can be found at wildohio.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.