Question

[Madd Matt]

The ODNR is in fact starting non-resident license sales tonight at midnight.

ODNR has not been doing any “stay at home” enforcement at the ramps in Ottawa County (Catawba and Muzurics). However, the local County Prosecutor’s office has had a couple local officers at the ramps. They are at a couple ramps when they are there and they are just turning people away. There are plenty of other public ramps and private ramps open and available.

However, the local County has not made any comments as to if they are still doing this or not. It’s kinda messed up if the State (ODNR) opens up fishing license sales, but then a local entity won’t let you use it. Lol

From my understanding, all that can be enforced is that you are supposed to quarantine for 14 days if you come from out of State... so... as long as you have been at your friends house for the past 2 weeks in Ohio then you should be fine.

Or if you go to a private ramp you are good.

You can also rent a slip at a marina for the weekend and put in at that marina and keep your boat in a slip.

[Herkimer]

Madd Matt,
Thanks for the clarity. Seems to me that State Ramps are not under County jurisdiction. Law question at best. Wonder what would happen if you launch at state ramp defying local police? I would ask in court for a jury trial, lots of conflicting, local, state, national dialog. Boy as Juls mentioned, it’s maddening!
LOL, thanks for your informative reply, much appreciated.

[Madd Matt]

I was told that the officers told people that they couldn't physically stop them from launching and going fishing... They just told them that they couldn't promise that their truck and trailer would be there when they got back.

Of course they didn't say that they would tow it... but as far as I know nobody tested them. I have not talked to anyone that was there nor heard of anyone that actually got threatened with arrest or fine. They were more just telling them that they weren't supposed to be there and needed to return home, and everyone complied.

Everyone in local law enforcement has been more than reasonable and courteous. They have been very non-confrontational and approach everything from educating people on social distancing and current orders.

I personally do believe that there are too many legal grey areas and also most of these guys are local and know that the entire economy in Port Clinton and Ottawa County relies heavily on Lake Erie activities and out of State people.

-Matt