Two online systems are promising to enhance the experience of Ohio anglers this fishing season.
Fishing 101
Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced the availability of a new web-based interactive learning system designed to teach anglers the ins and outs of the sport.
Known as “Introduction to Fishing,” the module first presents a series of slides similar to a PowerPoint presentation covering everything from the benefits of fishing to regulations, from conservation to a primer on the various fish species found in Ohio.
“Fishing brings us closer to nature and understanding our natural environment,” the module says, reminding users wild-caught fish are lean and healthy, captured in a sport that develops mind, body and patience.
And that’s only on Slide No. 3. Later on in the conservation section, you’ll learn about 124,000 acres of inland water the Wildlife Division manages and the laws designed to protect species.
The lessons cover tying a basic knot, various types of bait and how to cast.
“It takes some practice to coordinate this motion and time the sequence well,” the module says. “As you get more comfortable with the motion you can practice casting to specific areas and different distances.”
Even fileting a fish and cooking it are covered, but since everyone learns at a different pace, the ODNR advocates additional practice.
“After reviewing introductory information, we encourage you to attend a virtual or in-person learning opportunity with friendly and knowledgeable staff for hands-on experience,” the ODNR website says.
To view the training, visit https://my.visme.co/view/jwp449ny-introduction-to-fishing.
Fishing tournaments
Now that you’ve completed the ODNR “Fishing 101” course, the next logical step (after practicing, of course) is to test your angling skills at one of the many fishing tournaments offered across the state.
The ODNR has you covered with its new online application that gives you tournament registration data, results and stats.
Announced March 15, this new web portal lets users access a roster of upcoming competitions, discovering when and where these matchups are taking place. The database is searchable by venue size, date species and other criteria.
Most users won’t even need a username and password to obtain this data. However, advanced functionality is available for tournament directors. This new dashboard allows them observe and schedule events. “It will also expedite the review and approval process for requests at ODNR sites.” That functionality does require login credentials and an account approved by ODNR staff.
If you’re scheduling a tournament at a site the ODNR oversees, you’ll need to create an account and use the new system, as the release says. Approval of tournaments will come via email, replacing hard-copy permits.
“Scheduling an event involves selecting the access area of interest, providing basic information about the start and end times, number of anticipated boats, and preferred fish species,” the department says.
Visibility to real-time fishing tournament data will equip Division of Wildlife biologists to assess the tournament’s impact. Each year’s results will be summarized.
To learn more about the state’s wildlife resources, visit wildohio.gov.
