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Ohio fishing offers largemouth bass, crappie and saugeye



OHIO — The Fish Ohio program recognizes noteworthy catches of 25 species at inland lakes and reservoirs, Lake Erie, the Ohio River and other public waterways.
According to Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife officials (DOW), Fish Ohio records show three popular species — largemouth bass, saugeye and crappie — are abundant across the state.
The Fish Ohio program has highlighted amazing catches since 1976, and a saugeye longer than 21 inches, a largemouth bass longer than 20 inches and a crappie longer than 13 inches have qualified for recognition. Those who catch a qualifying fish receive a Fish Ohio pin for their first entry and a Master Angler pin for catching four different qualifying species in the same year. Applications for a Fish Ohio pin are accepted at fishohio.gov.
Largemouth bass,
one of the most popular sport fish, is an aggressive predator that can grow to large sizes, according to DOW officials. The top three destinations for them are the Portage Lakes in Summit County, Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area in Muskingum, Morgan, Guernsey and Noble counties and Alum Creek Lake in Delaware County.
This species has a dark stripe that extends down the side of its body and a mouth that extends beyond the rear edge of the eye. It eats frogs, crayfish, large insects and other fish. Artificial lure presentations that mimic these prey items are excellent choices when fishing, as well as minnows or worms fished under a bobber near submerged vegetation.
A hybrid cross between a walleye and a sauger, saugeye are stocked in more than 60 Ohio lakes and reservoirs by the DOW. These fish grow fast and are caught throughout the year, making them a favorite of many Ohio anglers. The top three destinations for saugeye are Indian Lake in Logan County, Buckeye Lake in Fairfield, Perry and Licking counties and Alum Creek Lake.
The best way to identify a saugeye is to look for dark bars or vertical spots between the spines of the first dorsal fin. Saugeye also have dark, oblong blotches on their sides. Food lures include gizzard shad and other small fish. Artificial lures such as twister tails, jigs and crankbaits often entice a bite. Minnows and night crawlers are good choices for live bait. Saugeye are active around dawn and dusk, and night fishing is also a good time to catch them.
Both black crappie and white crappie are native to Ohio and are common. A black crappie has irregular blotches or spots along its sides, while a white crappie has more uniform dark stripes. The top three destinations for Fish Ohio crappie are Mosquito Creek Lake in Trumbull County, Indian Lake and Alum Creek Lake.
Crappies are usually situated around areas such as points, drop-offs, creek beds, brush piles, fallen trees and stumps. Light tackle — a fishing rod, reel, line and bait — are the best choices to catch a crappie. Use minnows, small jigs or rubber worms to catch the most fish. Crappie fishing is a good way to start someone new to this activity because the action is fast when fish are biting.
An Ohio license is required for all anglers age 16 and older before fishing in any public waters. An Ohio resident license is $25 and valid for one year from its purchase.
The DOW offers numerous resources to assist anglers. Lake maps, fishing tips by species and fishing forecasts are available with the HuntFish OH mobile application, along with fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map.
For more on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov.