Quote Originally Posted by wayne johnson View Post
yOU FIRST HAVE TO BE A LICENSE CAPT. before state will give you your ice guide license. The game wardens do ask for both capts. license and ohio guide license, plus your ohio Ice Guide license.
and they do check. Capt. Mike johnson license coast guard and ohio licensed guide and licensed Ohio Ice guide. Matt here what it says must have original or notarized copy of U.S. coast guard license to apply for ohio ice guide license, at a fee above your ohio charter license and coast guard license. Thank you Capt. Mike
Mike,

I am not belittling anyone that is a Lake Erie Ice Fishing Guide.

However, you do not have to first be a licensed captain "UNLESS" you are using a boat.

If you want to be a licensed Lake Erie Ice Fishing Guide and are only using snowmobiles and shanties, the ONLY requirement is that you list the number of shanties being used and the "general" area you will use them.

Again, Mike, you are licensed boat captain and experienced Lake Erie charter captain. I was in no way discrediting the Ice Guides on the Lake. I just think that it is VERY important the people not just accept the fact that someone is a licensed Lake Erie Ice Fishing Guide by the ODNR as credential of them having any knowledge of ice safety.

If anyone wants to check the ODNR website feel free. It is clear that all requirements for being a licensed captain first are all exempted if you are not using a boat as an Ice Guide.

Lake Erie is dangerous enough when it's soft. People don't need to have a false sense of security because someone has a piece of paper that anyone can get for $50. Ask questions. Find out if your Ice Guide is knowledgeable and has numerous years of ice fishing on Lake Erie. Go with someone that you have vetted and know is safe.

I'm not a guide. So I am not self promoting anything. Just hoping that everyone is safe on the ice this year.

-Matt