MOUNT VERNON – The Knox County Fish & Game Association will partner with Mount Vernon for its annual Fishing Derby Day on Saturday, taking advantage of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Fish for Free Across Ohio event this weekend.
Ohio residents 16 and older can fish public waters for free without purchasing a fishing license on Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18.
Mount Vernon Public Works Director Tom Hinkle said that Ariel-Foundation Park will host the derby from 9 a.m. to noon, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. Participants can register for prizes and food. The derby is open to youths 16 and under, seniors over 55 and all veterans.
The derby will feature hot dogs for kids, free loaner fishing poles, bait for kids and prizes for the biggest and smallest fish hourly. Hinkle said the city has partnered with the Knox Fish and Game Association, which arranged for $5,000 worth of fish to be stocked, or 1,250 fish, with 6-8 inch hybrid bluegill and channel catfish of up to 15 pounds.
During the Fish for Free weekend, residents can cast a line at hundreds of public fishing locations without a fishing license on just those two days this year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“Fishing is a pastime meant to be shared with friends and family,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. “We encourage everyone to come out and experience the abundant fishing opportunities Ohio has to offer.”
In Ohio, anglers under 16 can fish for free year-round. The annual free fishing days allow beginner and experienced anglers to try fishing in any of Ohio’s public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River. All other fishing regulations, size requirements and bag limits apply.
The Division of Wildlife’s once-a-year free fishing day aims to expand access to and participation in this popular summer activity.
Here are some tips from ODNR for those just starting out:
- Keep the trip simple by considering a person’s age and skill level.
- Choose a pond, lake or stream where beginners can easily catch a few fish.
- Use live bait to increase the odds of catching a fish. Live bait is also more interesting for children.
- Bring a camera and snacks.
- Be patient. Be prepared to spend time untangling lines, baiting hooks, waiting for a bite, landing fish and taking pictures.
The Division of Wildlife works to improve spawning habitats, construct fish attractors and structures and implement fishing regulations. In 2022, the agency stocked more than 52 million fish in Ohio waters. More than 200 locations statewide are stocked with species such as walleye, saugeye, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, muskellunge, channel catfish, blue catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Use the HuntFish OH mobile application or visit the Go and Do fishing page at ohiodnr.gov to explore public fishing destinations near you. If you are new to fishing and need help getting started, the Division of Wildlife has the resources to set you up for success. The Wild Ohio Harvest Community has online modules, events, learning opportunities and recipes to get you started. Find information on particular locations like Lake Erie and the Ohio River, fishing tips and tricks, and suggestions for targeting specific species on the Fishing License and Resources page at wildohio.gov.
Outside the free fishing days on June 17-18, all anglers 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to take fish, frogs and turtles. Licenses can be purchased at participating agents, at wildohio.gov, or on the HuntFish OH mobile application. Check the 2023-24 Fishing Regulations before you go.
Want to stay current on everything wildlife? Connect with the Division of Wildlife on Twitter and Facebook for instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, local wildlife information and more.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
