Dick Martin: Last year's released fish now big enough to keep

Literally thousands of Ohio anglers from all parts of the state like to make at least a trip or two to Lake Erie for some serious fishing. And this year there's first class action waiting.

The 2018 walleye population almost qualifies as "huge" with anglers set to catch fish mostly from the 2014 and 2015 hatches. Those youngsters that were caught and released by the dozen last year because they didn't reach 15 inches will now be 15 to 20 inches, with lots more from the 2003 and 2007 hatches producing trophy walleyes. Yellow perch populations are up too, especially in the Western Basin, and anglers will be catching primarily fish from the 2014 and 2015 year classes providing a range of sizes.

Smallmouth bass fishing is expected to be consistent with recent seasons with smallmouth catches remaining strong for the sixth consecutive year, and steelhead anglers should enjoy another year of great fishing. White bass will continue to provide excellent seasonal catches in both the Maumee and Sandusky rivers, and in the open lake. Finally, bays and harbors should offer excellent fishing for panfish, as well as occasional northern pike and muskellunge in vegetated areas. That's good news for everybody.

Bird watchers from all over the state will be converging at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area this year for the free Hike the Dikes program. It's open to all ages and provides opportunity to explore Magee Marsh, one of the nations top bird watching hotspots. Each walk will be hosted by personnel from the Division of Wildlife, the Black Swamp Observatory, or the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Hike dates include April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, and Sept. 8. For more information, call 419-898-0960.

The Sportsmens Alliance Foundation will host its 12th annual Central Ohio Charity Shoot on Saturday, May 5 at the Cardinal Shooting Center on Ohio 61 near Marengo. All shooters will be provided with 100 clay targets, shotgun shells, eye and ear protection, a good lunch and a chance to win great outdoor gear. Proceeds will go to protect Ohio hunting, fishing, rapping, and recreational shooting. For information, call the Sportsmen's Alliance at 614-888-4868.

Ohio will receive $23,356,598 in funding for conservation and sportsmens access from the Department of the Interior this year. The funds, which are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, support critical state conservation and outdoor recreational projects. To date, the Service has distributed more than $20.2 billion for state conservation and recreational projects in the U.S..

Looking for fun things to do in Ohio this summer? TourismOhio will offer travel ideas and things to do by visiting Ohio.org. Download the free "Official Ohio Travel Guide by Tourism Ohio app for easy access for anything you need to explore. Ohio.

Dick Martin is a retired biology teacher who has been writing outdoor columns for 30 years. You can reach him at richmart@neo.rr.com