OHIO’S “WALLEYE RUN” ANGLERS SHOULD OBSERVE RIVER WADING SAFETY TIPS: OH

RIVER WADING SAFETY TIPS

COLUMBUS, OH - The arrival of spring and the popular “walleye run” along the Maumee and Sandusky rivers is just days away and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reminds wading anglers to consider some common sense safety tips.

Each spring, thousands of anglers head to the Maumee and Sandusky rivers in northwestern Ohio for the fantastic fishing offered during the spring walleye run.

“The walleye run is one of the most anticipated fishing events of the year,” said Ken Alvey, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. “As important as it is to land some good fish, it’s critical that anglers know how to be safe when on the river.”

To help assure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience, here are some safety tips for wading anglers:
· Wear a life jacket or flotation coat.
· Be properly dressed for the water temperature, which is often much colder than the air temperature; wearing clothing such as wool, synthetic fleece or polypropylene helps preserve body heat when wet.

· Wear a good quality pair of chest waders and tighten a cinch belt at the waistline outside the waders to help prevent them from filling with water should immersion occur. Water weighs about 8 pounds per gallon and can make walking to the shoreline extremely difficult if waders fill with cold river water.

· Carry a large walking stick or wading staff to help provide balance while wading in a river or stream. Using a pair of crampons, or metal cleats, which fit over the boot portion of waders will significantly help to improve traction and avoid falls when wading across slippery rocks and other debris commonly found along river bottoms.

· Let friends or family know of expected departure and return times while on a fishing trip or out on a boat.
· Be prepared to handle an emergency should one arise.
Anglers are reminded that the daily bag limit for walleye between March 1 and April 30 is three fish, with a minimum length of 15 inches per fish. Fish snagging is prohibited.

Source: ODNR