GOVERNOR PROMOTES LAKE ERIE SPORTFISHING AT ANNUAL FISH OHIO DAY PORT CLINTON, OH -- Governor Bob Taft fished Lake Erie today with nearly 100 participants, including local officials and representatives of the charter boat and tourism industries, as part of the 2lst annual Fish Ohio Day celebration here. "Lake Erie fishing provides a tremendous boost to Ohio's economy and to tourism here along the lakeshore," Taft said. "In Ohio, sportfishing contributes nearly $2 billion to the state's economy each year and the sport's popularity has been a key factor in the growth of Ohio tourism." The lake's strong appeal to out-of-state anglers is borne out by statistics: Ohio's Lake Erie counties account for about 25 percent of all fishing license sales to Ohio residents, while nearly 85 percent of all non-resident licenses are sold along the lakeshore. Fish Ohio Day, based this year out of Port Clinton, is sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, Ottawa County Visitors Bureau, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and the City of Port Clinton
Source: ODNR |