Fishing is perhaps the most versatile outdoor activity a person can enjoy at our state parks. Fishing can be the sole reason for the visit, or a pleasant diversion while camping, boating or hiking. A fishing trip can occupy half an hour or all day. It can be a solitary, reflective experience, or a lively social outing with family or friends. A successful fishing trip can be thrown together spontaneously with the most basic equipment, or planned for weeks while tackle is painstakingly prepared.

Ohio State Parks offer anglers access to the big open water of Lake Erie, as well as fast flowing rivers, placid ponds, and a smorgasbord of lakes with deep passages, winding channels and marshy margins. The perfect fishing spot could be along the shoreline, or off a pier just a few steps from the parking lot. It might be in the middle of a river, or in a remote cove where the hike in is half the fun.

It could be off the stern of a charter boat trolling in big water, or off the comfortable back seat of a pontoon. Fishing in Ohio State Parks is a 24-hour, four season sport. It?s a great excuse to hang out on the water on a steamy summer evening, or soak up the sunshine on a color-drenched fall day.

Ice fishing is a sure cure for cabin fever, and springtime is prime time to land the big game fish. A fishing boat offers a perfect view of the night sky to look for constellations, meteors and satellites. Without a doubt, something will be biting any ishing ishing time of year, in any weather, any time of day or night.

Fishing is an ideal way to introduce youngsters to the great outdoors. A little beginner?s luck should provide enough gratification for the young and the restless. No prior experience is required, and even a young child?s haphazard cast and jerky reeling can produce results.

To increase the chances of getting nibbles, choose a weedy spot where the quick-biting pan fish take cover. It?s just as well if they?re not too big? easy to reel in and the right size for little hands to take off a hook. Add variety, and stave off boredom, by encouraging child?s play and enjoying the distractions of the natural surroundings. Turn over rocks, look for crawdads, listen for frogs and ducks, and even skip a few stones (away from fellow anglers, of course).

Every trip promises a new discovery and, best of all, quality time spent together. Even for the skilled angler, there is always a new challenge to be mastered. Those who are hooked can spend a lifetime perfecting their technique, analyzing the whims of their favorite species and studying the impacts of a bevy of environmental factors, from water temperature and clarity to barometric pressure and the phase of the moon.

It?s never too early?or too late?to get started or get passionate about this timeless and universal outdoor pursuit.

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