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From The Bench April 9, 2008 |
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Written by Judge William Steuk, Huron Municipal Court
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Wednesday, 09 April 2008 |
Free Fishing Days
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has announced that May 3rd and 4th are "Free Fishing Days" for 2008. Free Fishing Days allow Ohio residents to experience fishing without purchasing a fishing license. Only two days per year are designated as Free Fishing Days.
For other days of the year, those fishing on the waters of our state must carry a proper fishing license. Fishing licenses are required even for those catching frogs and turtles.
Fishing licenses are not required for persons fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs to and from which fish are not accustomed to migrate. But a fishing license is required to take frogs or turtles from these areas.
Resident annual fishing licenses are $19.00 and are good from March 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009. This is the same amount as last year. Citizens 66 years of age or older at the time of application may obtain an annual special senior fishing license which is $10.00. A fishing license is not required for those less than 16 years of age or for those on active duty in the armed forces of the United States while on leave or furlough.
Certain residents of this state are eligible for a free fishing license. They include:
persons who are physically disabled and require the assistance of another person to fish;
residents of state and county institutions; holders of "Veteran" license plate displaying the international wheel chair symbol; certain veterans who are permanently disabled;
Former prisoners of war; or qualified residents born on or before December 31, 1937.
These licenses can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE.
For more information and to obtain a fishing licenses please visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' website at www.dnr.state.oh.us. There are also many vendors locally who issue fishing licenses. A list of these vendors is also available on ODNR's website.
Ohio Revised Code Section 1533.32 is a statute regarding fishing licenses. Fishing without a license is considered a violation of section 1533.32 and is considered a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
Articles appearing in this column are intended to provide broad, general information about the law. Before applying this information to a specific legal problem, readers are urged to seek advice from an attorney.
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