Just Askin': Fishing season is here. What happens if you don't have an Ohio license?

Erin Couch, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·2 min read

The Enquirer's Just Askin' series aims to answer the questions that no one seems to have an answer for, not even Google.

It's the time of year for Ohioans to pick up their fishing poles and take to the water.

A fisherman pictured at Winton Woods Park. Fishing licenses are required in Ohio to fish almost anywhere.
A fisherman pictured at Winton Woods Park. Fishing licenses are required in Ohio to fish almost anywhere.

With 64 lakes across 75 Ohio state parks, the Buckeye State is a sought-after spot for fishing. But you can't just walk out to any lake or river and cast your line. You'll need to buy a fishing license through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Here's what to know.

How can I get a fishing license in Ohio? What do I need it for?

You can purchase your license through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. There are different options for fishers by age and resident status, and they all have different prices. Fishers under 16 years old don't need a license. You can find the full pricing details here.

You'll need a fishing license to catch critters in pretty much all public waters, including privately owned water bodies open to the public. You must have a fishing license for:

  • Taking fish from Ohio waters.

  • Taking frogs or turtles on public and private property.

  • Fishing in privately owned ponds, lakes, or reservoirs that are open to public fishing through an agreement or lease with the ODNR Division of Wildlife.

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty stationed in Ohio, but not on leave or furlough are required to purchase a resident license.

The big takeaway: Keep the license on you at all times.

What happens if I get caught without an Ohio fishing license?

You can face fines if you're caught fishing without a fishing license. The department's Division of Wildlife employs state wildlife officers to enforce fishing license use.

You can show your physical card or a digital image on your phone. If you don't have one, the process to pay a fine is similar to a traffic ticket, according to Rick Rogers, Division of Wildlife District 5 manager and commissioned state wildlife officer.

There are two routes when it comes to license enforcement. Fishers will either get a warning or be issued a court summons with a fine. You can either pay off the fine or dispute it in court.

Fines are typically between $150 to $200. The charge qualifies as a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

Do you have a question for Just Askin'? Send it to us at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio fishing license: Here's what happens if you're caught without one

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