Try something new this summer with the family or maybe try a new spot. Many locations offer catch and release or maybe bring home some dinner. Be sure to check out their website or give them a call to know each locations specific rules!
According to the Ohio DNR, Kids ages 15 and under do not need a fishing license to fish in Ohio. Kids ages 16 and older are required to have a fishing license. An adult without a fishing license may assist a youth that is fishing, but if an adult also wants to fish, he or she needs an Ohio fishing license. Licenses may be purchased online or at a hunting and fishing license agent location. Learn more about fishing license requirements in Ohio. Click here to obtain a fishing license.
Check out these places to fish near or [a little farther] from Dayton!
Sycamore State Park
4675 Diamond Mill Rd, Dayton, OH, (937) 854-4452
Delaware State Park
5202 US-23, Delaware, OH 43015, (740) 548-4631
Caesar Creek State Park
8570 Ohio 73, Waynesville, OH 45068, (513) 897-3055
Lake Loramie State Park
4401 Ft. Loramie Swanders Road, Minster, Ohio 45865. (937) 295-2011
Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Rd, Oregon, OH 43616, (419) 836-7758
C.J. Brown Reservoir at Buck Creek State Park
2630 Croft Road, Springfield, OH 45503, (937) 325-2411
Wildlife District Three, 912 Portage Lakes Drive
Akron, OH 44319
Clark Lake
Pleasant Township, OH
Cowan Lake
1750 Osborn Rd, Wilmington, OH 45177, (937) 382-1096
Stonelick Lake
2895 Lake Dr, Pleasant Plain, OH 45162, (513) 734-4323
East Fork Lake
3294 Elklick Road, Bethel, Ohio 45106 ,(513) 734-4323
Acton Lake at Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Rd, College Corner, OH 45003, (513) 523-6347
Tips from Ohio DNR on taking your children fishing:
- Have fun. Seeing your child enjoy reeling in their first fish is rewarding. (Take pictures!)
- Target areas with a high likelihood of success. Most kids are satisfied catching lots of smaller fish such as bluegills rather than catching fewer, bigger fish such as bass. Catching a few fish on the first few outings will pique children’s interest and make them look forward to the next trip.
- Use live bait to increase the chance of catching a fish. Also bait is more interesting for children.
- Pick a place that is easy to get to, comfortable, and safe.
- Bring snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and first aid basics. This will make your trip comfortable for everyone.
- Provide them with simple tackle in working order. Nothing can be more discouraging to a child than complicated equipment or equipment that doesn’t work. Consider giving the child their own, kid-sized fishing rod. This gesture is practical because short rods are easier for kids to handle.
- Above all else, have patience. You will be unsnagging lines, baiting hooks, and landing fish for them often. On your fishing trips with youngsters, they will get dirty, fall down, or even get a little wet. But by taking time to introduce children to fishing, you’ll likley end up with a fishing buddy for life.
