Ohio’s Free Fishing Days weekend are coming up on Saturday and Sunday (May 4-5) to offer Ohioans of all ages the chance to experience the fun of catching a fish without having to first purchase an Ohio fishing license. The rest of the year, anglers 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters.

Fishing licenses are available from participating agents and online at wildohio.gov.

Here are some helpful tips for taking a youngster out fishing. Keep the trip simple by considering a child’s age and skill level; Choose a pond, lake or stream where children will be able to easily catch a few fish; Use live bait to increase the chance of catching a fish. Live bait is also more interesting for children.

Bring a camera and snacks. Be patient. Plan on spending time untangling lines, baiting hooks, landing fish and taking pictures. Most of all, keep the trip fun.

Anglers 16 years and older are required to have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs or turtles from Ohio waters when not fishing on Ohio’s free fishing weekend. Fishing licenses are available from participating agents and at wildohio.gov.

East Harbor State Park in Marblehead will host a Family Fishing Day on Saturday, April 20, The angling begins at 10 a.m. for youngsters only.