Can you fish during this mandatory stay at home order?

I’m curious if you can still drive to launch your boat or drive to the marina where your boat is docked? I read the order on what is essentially allowed but nothing is said about fishing or boating.

I heard the Governor of Ohio say go fishing, go to the metro parks, get outside, just practice the social distancing.
I would say we can fish.

Ya I believe that we're aloud to fish from everything I've read

Isn't fishing almost like like going to the store to get meat........in fact I'm sure I will be in contact with alot less ppl on a trip than I would be by going to the store

I plan on fishing. I have a question for the charter captains. You have clients that are from out of town and out of state. How do you practice social distancing and how are you protecting yourself?

Along the same lines... if the motel I would be staying at doesn’t close the doors, coming by myself for a couple days from Wisconsin - is it seen as irresponsible? I would live out of the motel room, be alone all the time... maybe around someone while cleaning fish. Eat out of a cooler in room. As residents of the area, would you be offended to have me there?

Cheap gas, rooms available, out of work, things may not be this easy ever again.

Social distancing of six foot on a charter boat could be difficult at the same time last I heard fishing is an outdoor activity. That being said I AM GOING F I S H I N G me and my dog. LOL

Worth a call for sure!

In Chicago they just sent out a notice all docks, harbors, landings, storage facilities, and such are closed until April 7th.

In WI we do not have a stay at home order, yet, but our charter boat organization contact our local representative and we were told that charter fishing would be considered non-essential and therefor not be allow to operate should an order be put in place.

EDIT: WI now is getting the Stay at Home mandate as well, no specific yet.

I would consider the middle of lake Erie as one of the safer places to be. Taking my fishing away would rank right up there with taking my guns away. I will be there in 11 days and counting!

I just read that they are closing all State Park Marina's . I hope we're still able to launch boats at the state boat ramps!

Ohio Department of Natural Resources
6 hrs ·

In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s Stay At Home Order, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be closing campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds, and state park marinas at all ODNR properties effective March 24, 2020 to protect the health of both visitors and staff.

Public outdoor spaces at Ohio state parks, wildlife areas, forests, and nature preserves including trails, dog parks, and non-marina docks remain open at this time, but visitors should use common sense and follow guidance from the National Recreation and Park Association for staying safe (Page Not Found | National Recreation and Park Association).

For more information on COVID-19 and ODH’s recommendations on prevention and preparation, please visit coronavirus.ohio.gov.

I wonder that myself as after watching the Governors speech regarding the “stay at home” order and having a friends husband stopped by the Ohio Highway Patrol for a check of the essential business that required him being on the road I just don’t know. I would say probably not.

so the boat launches remain open like mazuricks the way im reading this

mazuricks is a state launch also so would think it would be closed too

Weird I think it said, state marinas closed (wherever those are) and state docks open, does that mean state launch IDK

The way I understand it is that the launchs should be open . I was hoping somebody local would help us out on this I'm two hours away .

First I'll say I'm only offering an opinion here. The ODNR statement posted here said "non-marina docks remain open at this time." I think the intent here is to say that State Park marina docks (also slips) are off limits or closed. These would be the marinas were you come in and dock your boat. Stay for awhile or overnight. Like Middle Bass Island State Park or the dock at South Bass State park. I would not think the intent is to close launch ramps that technically have a "dock" associated with them (the part you walk out on). One or two or three people from the same city or town that don't have any of the symptoms would probably be fine. It's outdoor non-group (read not soccer or softball, etc.) recreation. Follow the social guidelines when out. I would think that is OK.

Now, a charter boat with 6 people from out of state or from various locations in Ohio is probably a different situation. The "head boats" even more so. I have no doubt we'll hear from a charter operation on here soon to let us know what they have been told.

Until we hear something specifically addressing this issue, I would think if you want to go fishing, go. Just keep in mind the number of people you will have on your boat, and where they are from. Follow all the social guidelines. Have some fun, catch some meals, but do it smart and cautiously.

FYI to all Charter Captains. That is a big No Go on Charters. . This is best for all involved.


https://scontent.fdet1-1.fna.fbcdn.n...65&oe=5E9E3BFB

Michigan Charter Boat Association1 hr
Captains: Important information from Gary Hagler, Chief, MDNR, LED.
Attn: Any charter excursion prior to April 13th would be in violation of the governor's orders. Any law enforcement agency, DNR, State, County Sheriff or local would enforce.
Note: Continued reservations are appropriate, it is just operating on the water during this period.

This would be for Michigan based charters in Michigan Waters. I believe that Ohio’s dates are a bit different.

This is for info only. So no one get caught in Michigan waters with a full boat.

Don’t plan on visiting any of the islands anytime soon. They are closed to all non-residents until further notice.

This off the Shore-Nuf Head Boat website. DUE TO THE CURRENT CORONA VIRUS SITUATION WE ARE POSTPONING OUR 2020 SEASON. THE SAFETY OF OUR CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.
Shore-Nuf Charters Photo Gallery | Port Clinton, OH

Off the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce website:
Miller Ferry Response to Covid-19: Due to the Covid-19 situation, we STRONGLY DISCOURAGE traveling to the islands unless you are a resident, employee, or doing business. All restaurants, bars, shops, public restrooms, and attractions are temporarily closed.
Miller Ferry Response to COVID-19 | Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce

Just remember gas pump handles hold the virus for nine days and money extended will spread the virus. Be careful what you touch and use plenty of sanitizer

Heard from my buddy in the coastguard. They are in fact planning to keep state run launches open which also implies that fishing is ok. I think if you see the state run launches close I’d assume they changed their mind.