A new report from Captain Experiences, an online platform for booking fishing and hunting trips, reveals that Ohio ranks 27th as a fishing destination, falling behind many other popular outdoor states. Despite being known as the “walleye capital of the world” and having top-notch guides along Lake Erie, Ohio's ranking is surprisingly low. The report evaluated states based on the number of annual fishing licenses issued to nonresidents and the revenue generated from these licenses in 2022. Ohio earned $3.66 million from nonresident fishing licenses, making up 18.3% of the state’s total fishing license revenue. Overall, Ohio sold 136,204 annual fishing licenses to nonresidents. Jake Lane, a marketing specialist at Captain Experiences, mentioned that the ranking could change if coastal markets were excluded. He noted that Ohio is still a great destination for anglers, but the data suggests there is room for improvement. Efforts to attract more anglers could boost revenue and support outdoor programs and equipment for Ohio's Department of Natural Resources. Although messages to TourismOhio were not returned, researchers highlighted that fishing tourism, despite a temporary setback during the pandemic, saw a rise in 2022, contributing significantly to wildlife conservation and job creation across the country. Florida topped the rankings with 917,665 nonresident fishing licenses and $25.75 million in revenue. Alaska also performed well, with high percentages of nonresident licenses. In contrast, Ohio’s neighbor, Michigan, ranked 9th with 252,180 nonresident licenses and $9.78 million in revenue. Ohio is also gaining a reputation as a promising destination for white-tail deer hunting. While some hunters prefer to keep their successes quiet, there’s potential for more revenue from hunting, which could benefit rural economies. For those interested in fishing or hunting adventures, visit Captain Experiences at captainexperiences.com. In Michigan, there will be a Furtaker User Group meeting on Aug. 23 and a Bear Forum on Aug. 24, both at the Quality Inn & Suites in St. Ignace, to discuss hunting regulations and population estimates.

Ohio’s Surprising Fishing Ranking: Why the ‘Walleye Capital’ Falls Short

by

A new report from Captain Experiences, an online platform for booking fishing and hunting trips, reveals that Ohio ranks 27th as a fishing destination, falling behind many other popular outdoor states. Despite being known as the “walleye capital of the world” and having top-notch guides along Lake Erie, Ohio’s ranking is surprisingly low.

The report evaluated states based on the number of annual fishing licenses issued to nonresidents and the revenue generated from these licenses in 2022. Ohio earned $3.66 million from nonresident fishing licenses, making up 18.3% of the state’s total fishing license revenue. Overall, Ohio sold 136,204 annual fishing licenses to nonresidents.

Jake Lane, a marketing specialist at Captain Experiences, mentioned that the ranking could change if coastal markets were excluded. He noted that Ohio is still a great destination for anglers, but the data suggests there is room for improvement.

Efforts to attract more anglers could boost revenue and support outdoor programs and equipment for Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources. Although messages to TourismOhio were not returned, researchers highlighted that fishing tourism, despite a temporary setback during the pandemic, saw a rise in 2022, contributing significantly to wildlife conservation and job creation across the country.

Florida topped the rankings with 917,665 nonresident fishing licenses and $25.75 million in revenue. Alaska also performed well, with high percentages of nonresident licenses. In contrast, Ohio’s neighbor, Michigan, ranked 9th with 252,180 nonresident licenses and $9.78 million in revenue.

Ohio is also gaining a reputation as a promising destination for white-tail deer hunting. While some hunters prefer to keep their successes quiet, there’s potential for more revenue from hunting, which could benefit rural economies.

For those interested in fishing or hunting adventures, visit Captain Experiences at captainexperiences.com.

In Michigan, there will be a Furtaker User Group meeting on Aug. 23 and a Bear Forum on Aug. 24, both at the Quality Inn & Suites in St. Ignace, to discuss hunting regulations and population estimates.

Leave a Comment