If you've been out on Ohio’s waters armed with a fishing rod, there’s a good chance you might be due for some bragging rights. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has gone on celebrating anglers hauling in trophy fish. In 2024 alone, our fine fishing enthusiasts snagged 10,284 Fish Ohio pins, a badge of honor for those who landed a whopper meeting specific length requirements tailored for 26 species.
Talk about pinning your fishing achievements - the division has awarded more than 420,000 catches since 1976. According to the ODNR publication, hooking a Fish Ohio-sized specimen of just one species will get you that commemorative pin, but 903 master anglers didn't just stop at one. No, they masterfully reeled in qualifiers of four different species within the last year.
And let's not overlook Lake Erie, folks. Turns out it's not just a large body of water. It's the place where dreams come true for fishers. This lake isn't just for swimming with fish; it’s the backdrop for some of the most impressive catches, with the largest walleye measuring an eye-popping 34 inches long. Sweeping the most submissions for the Fish Ohio program, as reported by ODNR, Lake Erie holds its reputation as “The Walleye Capital of the World” pretty high.
It's not just about Lake Erie, though. Ohio's inland lakes saw some action too, with largemouth bass, saugeye, crappie, and sunfish stirring up the most buzz amongst anglers. The state's reservoirs and lakes are apparently to quickly become the hunting grounds for anyone keen on netting themselves a Fish Ohio pin, which, this year, features none other than the largemouth bass - quite the departure from last year's longear sunfish emblem.
For those looking to cast their lines, ODNR's got you covered. Grab your smartphone and tap into the HuntFish OH mobile app for lake maps, fishing tips, and regulations, all neatly tucked in your pocket. With a license costing $25 for Ohio residents, valid for a year from the purchase date, the stage is set for anyone 16 or older to try their luck.
Remember, whether you're skirting Mosquito Creek Lake shores or finding yourself at Alum Creek Lake, get ready to potentially earn a spot in the prestigious circle of Fish Ohio pin holders. For more info, all the fishing 411 is up for grabs at wildohio.gov - because the ODNR's mission is ensuring we all enjoy and sustainably use Ohio's diverse fish and wildlife.
