Huron, OH Another great fishing season will be here soon and there’s no better way to get prepared and get into the fishing mood than by attending the 31st Annual Ohio Charter Captains Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at the Bowling Green State University Firelands Cedar Point Center.
Conference attendees will hear from numerous experts about the latest information about fish stocks and fishing outlook, changing lake conditions, licensing, regulations, and charter business management. This year, Ohio Sea Grant Director Jeff Reutter will speak about the overall health of Lake Erie, including the causes and effects of the harmful algal blooms (HABs) that were so prevalent in 2011. A large group of vendors will be on hand with charter products and services.
"The conference is a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues, and at the same time learn about what’s going on with Lake Erie and how to improve their charter business," says Ohio Sea Grant Extension Educator Tory Gabriel. "With the information learned here, captains can not only improve their bottom line, but also better serve their customers with factual information about what’s happening with Lake Erie."
Jeff Tyson of the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit will present this year’s status of Lake Erie fisheries and Mary Clifton of the Ohio Department of Health will talk about HABS and how they can affect fishing.
Those captains interested in attending should contact Ohio Sea Grant Extension Educator Tory Gabriel for a registration form. The registration includes continental breakfast, all breaks, and a truly outstanding buffet lunch. The event is sponsored by Ohio Sea Grant Extension, Lake Erie Charter Boat Association and ODNR Division of Wildlife.
Ohio State University’s Ohio Sea Grant program is part of NOAA Sea Grant, a network of 32 Sea Grant programs dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of marine and Great Lakes resources. For information on Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Lab, visit ohioseagrant.osu.edu .
###
Contact:
Tory Gabriel, Ohio Sea Grant, Extension Educator, 419.898.3631, gabriel.78@osu.edu .