Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I know I am probably in the wrong forum lol, but I need some help understanding the Fishing Regulations for Ohio. Particularly the Sandusky Bay area of Lake Erie.

The regulations states the following for Bass:

May 1 to last Friday in June (June 28) illegal to possess

Does this also mean that you can not target them for catch and release during that time? I know that in Ontario you're not allowed to target out of season fish. But I can't see anything in the regulations for Ohio that clearly indicates whether or not you can fish for Bass during that time as long as they are immediately released.

And just to clarify, I am not looking to bed fish, just hoping to catch some Bass while perch fishing with my nephews when we're there on vacation the week of June 8th - June 15th.

I tried calling the number listed on the ODNR website but the number is disconnected or I am not able to reach them from my calling area maybe?

Any help with this inquiry or a number to call would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Aric

I have not checked the Ohio regulations this year yet, but when that change was implemented, it was meant to stop regular tournaments and any other anglers who keep bass in their livewell and/or to take home and eat.

Catch-and-release bass fishing is still allowed. You just cannot keep bass whether to take to a weigh in or to take home.

I believe Pennsylvania has a regulation (as of last year still) that you could not target a bass that you can see is on a bed on some or all waters. I do not believe Ohio has such a regulation. I would not guaranty I am correct without looking through their fishing guide and possibly talking to one of their law officers but considering many smallmouth bass bed 15 foot or deeper on Lake Erie I wouldn't think bedfishing would be spelled out separately. I have not heard that it ever has been in Ohio.

Ohio generally stays away from statewide closed seasons as most other states do using more effective fish regulations like size and possession limits. If you haven't already, I imagine they have a downloadable copy of their latest fishing guide. It should be explained in there. I just have not looked at theirs yet for 2013.

Ohio anglers demanded this change. No idea if it has had any success in more bass in Lake Erie. I have not heard that it has.

Thanks for the info!