LAKE ERIE AND OTHER OHIO WATERWAYS NOTED AS 2004’S BEST SPOTS FOR REELING IN TROPHY-SIZED FISH “Fish Ohio” program recognizes trophy catches of 19 fish species Columbus, OH - Lake Erie and a dozen inland lakes were among the best places to reel in “Fish Ohio” catches during 2004, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The “Fish Ohio” program recognizes noteworthy catches among 19 fish species. With 2.25 million Lake Erie water acres, 451 miles of the Ohio River, 40,000 miles of streams, some 200 inland lakes and thousands of private ponds, Ohio anglers have great opportunities to catch fish that qualify for the “Fish Ohio” recognition program. Among the state’s best “Fish Ohio” waters in 2004 were: LAKE ERIE: Top spot for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass INLAND LAKES: Home of trophy saugeye and muskie PRIVATE PONDS: Best places for panfish, crappie, channel cat and largemouth bass Lake Erie topped the list for qualifying catches of channel catfish in a public waterway. The Ohio River, Hoover Reservoir, Indian Lake, and the Maumee and Muskingum rivers also proved to be hot spots for channel catfish action. The top “Fish Ohio” lake for largemouth bass was Mogadore Reservoir, with Lake Erie, Portage Lakes and Nimisila Reservoir - both in Summit County - and the ponds on AEP’s ReCreations Lands also noted trophy catches of that species. During 2004, the “Fish Ohio” program recognized 12,855 anglers from across Ohio and 36 other states for trophy catches. Each angler with a qualifying “Fish Ohio” catch receives a certificate and lapel pin. The 2004 pin featured a walleye; the 2005 pin will display a freshwater drum. There is also a Master Angler category for individuals who catch four “Fish Ohio” qualifying fish in a single year. The Master Angler pin is similar to the “Fish Ohio” pin, except it is gold in color. Since 1976, more than 360,000 anglers have been recognized for “Fish Ohio” catches. Anyone interested in submitting an entry in the “Fish Ohio” program should fill out an application. Forms are available by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or visiting www.ohiodnr.com/wildlife/fishing/recordfish_fshohio/fishoho.htm Source: ODNR |