Fishing tech at the fingertips

Most anglers have enjoyed the electronic revolution to the point that many don't recall ever being without simple depth finders. That technology has replaced the "best guess" and depth charts for those trying to keep their propeller attached to their boat or from the worst case of running completely aground. Those depth finders have come a long way. While many boaters still maintain a simple digital depth reader, dedicated anglers most often choose the more recently developed models which can show intricate details of what was once hidden deep beneath the surface. Besides reading the depths and warning of submerged obstacles and reefs, these gizmos identify fish-holding structures, movements of fish swimming singly or in schools and even the approximate size of those fish. This information can help confirm the angler's target location, how deep the fish are swimming, and; based upon experience, the likelihood of what kind of fish they're seeing and the methods and lures best suited for the situation. Hotspots can then be stored in the gear's electronic brain so that the angler can return to the same location at any later point. To me, this is something I like to call magic. I can't fathom how they interpret these fathoms or exactly how they work, so I set out to get some basic understanding of how these gadgets operate. Most of us have seen a movie where the submarine is underwater and a loud "pinging" is heard as some overhead ship tries to locate it. This is the basis of sonar, the acronym for Sound Navigation Ranging. It was originally used to help explore and map the depths of a lake or ocean. It also became useful in locating objects such as that hiding submarine. Think of it as underwater radar. These new fancy fish finders are an extension of that sonar technology which was adapted into becoming a fishing tool. The earliest "sporting" models were simple depth flashers that could also detect fish swimming through the area. These would show another "flash" on the clock-like faced dial of the unit. They were effective and many are still in use, even though that technology has been pretty much swept away since the 1990s. They're still regularly found at flea markets and garage sales. Today, LCD screens and advancements in technology have netted a lot of anglers, put the hooks into their wallets, while gaffing them for as much as $4,000 for the very best. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that won't break the bank. Specialty books and a lot of expert authors often weigh in about selecting the best suited fish finding and underwater lake analysis – but this column isn't one of them. What good is a fish finder if you don't know where to go or what area offers the best angling opportunities? Once again, we enter into the age of technology. A couple of years ago during an outdoor event geared for outdoor lovers, then Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, announced, "The best places to fish are usually kept secret, but not in Ohio. Now anglers can find out where the fish are through the DataOhio Portal that provides data-driven guidance on the best fishing opportunities across the state. This tool is designed to take you where the fishing is the best, but figuring out how to catch them is still on you." The DataOhio Portal is an information loaded site that will be the centralized location for State of Ohio data for agencies, their partners, and citizens, helping to inform programming and policy by combining data from across state government. The portal currently features over 300 datasets. Within this site, you can now access the Where to Fish, Sport Fish Report, Angler Survey and Waterbody Report tools which include interactive maps, graphs, and table surveys that allow you to customize your search based on criteria that's most important to you. The Where to Fish tool equips anglers with a guide on where they're most likely to find the best fishing opportunity based on their interests and criteria. Users can enter the radius in which they are willing to travel, their sport fish species of interest, and other fishing factors. Visit: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/where-to-fish The Sport Fish Report tool displays relative abundances (catch per effort) based on a user's selections of species of interest. Visit: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/sport-fish-report The Angler Survey tool combines the outcomes of angler surveys for a waterbody and year of interest. Users interested in where anglers go most often to catch fish and how many are caught per hour. Visit: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/angler-survey The Waterbody Report can be used to select favorite locations and review changes in the sport fish abundance, size, and structure throughout time. In addition, you can view the average length-based growth data by species. It can be used in identifying the sport fish in favorite reservoirs, streams, or pools of the Ohio River. Visit: data.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/data/view/waterbody-report Whether you're a landlubber or a waterdog, you can now use your smartphone or laptop to help preplan that next fishing trip. Then, if you have a fish finder or just a dose of fisherman's luck, maybe you'll be having a fish fry during the upcoming holiday or celebrating a new "Fish Ohio" trophy. Regardless of the fish you catch – this might land you another reason to be casting your rods. "Most of the world is covered by water. A fisherman's job is simple: Pick out the best parts." – Charles Waterman Along the Way Ohio has plentiful public fishing opportunities with Lake Erie, the Ohio River, thousands of inland lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, as well as miles of streams. At $25 for a resident license, fishing is an inexpensive outdoor recreational activity that is accessible for all. Youth under the age of 16 can fish for free. The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, and fishing forecasts. Many are available right at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be accessed from any mobile device. For more information on fishing tips, forecasts and regulations, go to wildohio.gov. In northwestern Ohio, there are some great places to catch a Fish Ohio Program qualifying trophy. The program celebrates amazing catches of 26 species of fish that reach the length requirements based on species to be considered a qualifying catch. Those who reel in one of these big ones receive a commemorative Fish Ohio pin for their first entry, and a Master Angler pin for catching four different qualifying species in the same year. Here are a few species in northwestern Ohio that anglers may want to pursue: Yellow perch: Findlay Reservoir No. 2 (Hancock County) – This reservoir offers abundant large yellow perch, some longer than 13 inches. If fishing from a boat, start by fishing on the east side of the reservoir along the shared dike with Findlay Reservoir No. 1. The deeper areas of the east basin often hold perch. A concrete launch ramp with a dock at Findlay Reservoir No. 2 makes access easy for boaters, and a floating dock is perfect for shore-based anglers. The reservoir's entire shoreline is accessible for shoreline angling, which is often productive in spring and fall. There is a 10-horsepower limit on the reservoir. Boaters should be cautious of wind direction and speed before venturing out, as the reservoir is often subjected to more intense winds than the surrounding areas due to its height. Largemouth bass: Clear Fork Reservoir (Ashland and Richland counties) – Clear Fork Reservoir is one of the best locations in the state for largemouth bass. Explore the shallow western end and target bass hiding among fallen trees and stumps. In spring, cast along the eastern end near the dam for larger fish. Division of Wildlife sampling surveys consistently show an abundance of bass longer than 20 inches. The reservoir features a multi-lane concrete boat launch ramp as well as a full-service marina. This is an unlimited horsepower lake with an 8-mph speed limit. Crappie: Pleasant Hill Reservoir (Ashland and Richland counties) – Pleasant Hill Reservoir continues to be the best crappie producer in northwestern Ohio, with many crappie longer than the minimum length requirement of 9 inches. Fishing along the rocky ledge on the southern shore and small coves along the southern neck of the reservoir often leads to full coolers. Cast near trees or logs submerged in the water where crappie seek cover. The northern end of the reservoir has abundant cover and is often popular in the summer. Pleasant Hill has a boat launch with courtesy docks as well as an accessible fishing dock. This lake is an unlimited horsepower lake that attracts many boating enthusiasts. Try fishing in the upper end of the reservoir when it gets crowded. Bluegill: Lake La Su An Wildlife Area (Williams County) – The lakes and ponds on Lake La Su An Wildlife Area are managed for abundant large bluegill, with many longer than 8 inches. At the largest lake in the area, Lake La Su An, the east and south shorelines across from the fishing dock are hotspots. Live bait, especially waxworms and redworms, entice panfish to bite. Live fish, including minnows, cannot be used as bait in the wildlife area. This area has site-specific regulations that are released every spring. The fishing season on Lake La Su An is on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until September 7, 2026. Please visit wildohio.gov for the area rules. Step Outside • Today – Tomorrow: Ohio's Free Fishing Days. Ohio residents can fish without purchasing a license during Free Fishing Days on Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. All size and daily limits apply during these two days. View fishing regulations at www.wildohio.gov. • Today: Youth Fun Day, open to all ages 18 years-of-age and under, no prior experience is required. Event begins at 12 noon. Mount Blanchard Gun Club, 21655 Delaware Township 186, Mount Blanchard. Kids have the opportunity to learn more about gun safety while getting to shoot rifles and break clay targets with a shotgun. Firearms, targets and ammunition will be provided. This is a free event, but donations are gladly accepted. For questions, contact Bill Dick 419-575-8996. • June 28: 3-D Archery Match, mixed animal targets. Field and Stream Bowhunters; 11400 Allen Township 109, Findlay. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Contact: John Fenimore at 419-957-8764. Jim Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com.