BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

A gaggle of fishermen will be heading to fabled Lake Erie, the Walleye Capital of the World, in the coming days and weeks to take advantage of the spring angling bonanza on the notable Great Lake, as well as the spring river fishing for walleye on the Sandusky and Maumee rivers.

Many sportsmen are already making sure their rods and reels are spooled with fresh fishing line, buying a new pair of waders or getting the boat ready for adventure. Some will realize at the very last minute that they have yet to purchase a 2023 Ohio fishing license!

That is a necessity each year on March 1, but don’t panic.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife has made buying a fishing or hunting license quite easy. It can be done online with a credit card at wildohio.gov, and at bait and tackle shops and big box stores all around Ottawa County.

Ohio’s resident fishing licenses are $25, are valid for one year from the date of purchase, and can be purchased up to 30 days prior to the expiration date. A fishing license is required to fish in Ohio public waters for anyone 16 and older.

Ohio’s annual resident hunting licenses for the 2023-24 seasons are $19 for adults ($10 for youth) and are available now. Hunting licenses are valid immediately after purchase through Feb. 29, 2024. All hunters, regardless of age, are required to carry a valid hunting license to hunt or trap in Ohio.

Multiyear hunting and fishing licenses are also available, with three-, five-, 10-year, and lifetime licenses on sale.

Fishing and hunting license sales fund the Division of Wildlife’s projects and programs that benefit wildlife and people, and this spring that includes a state of the art fish cleaning station at the Mazurik Access Boat Launch on Marblehead, as well as a new brick-and-mortar restroom in the spacious parking area.

The Ohio Fishing Regulations brochure for 2023-24 is now available at tackle shops, tourism centers and online at wildohio.gov. Check it out before going fishing on Ohio waters.