Make It
Oh-Fish-All
Smallmouth Bass
Our STATE Fish
January 19, 2000, The legislation to designate the Smallmouth Bass as Ohio’s state fish symbol was first introduced to the House of Representatives by State Representative Anthony "Tony" Core, 87th District. Now, House Bill number H.B. 19 has been assigned to the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee for consideration. (Please use this bill number when referring to this initiative). State Senator Larry Mumper has agreed to carry the bill through the senate once it passes the House.
As is evident from previous proposals, a state fish symbol is greatly desired by Ohioans. Despite having a storied history and nearly one billion dollars spent each year on fishing and related activities; no symbol to honor Ohio’s bountiful, aquatic resources has been decided on. With past and recent proposals the issue has been, with no substantiated statewide support, those proposals were quite simply class projects or whims from localized groups, until now.
For the past three months, The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance, allies and friends have been on a mission to see if the people of Ohio would support the Smallmouth Bass as our state fish symbol. This campaign was based on public awareness, education and support. The premise was simple and factual; if the people of Ohio did not support the Smallmouth Bass, then the time of our State Representatives and Senators would not be wasted on a proposal.
We believe that our unique approach towards designating our state fish symbol set new benchmark for any future state symbol proposals. This standard would require the effort necessary to show statewide support before the proposal is presented to the House of Representatives or Senate.
This broad coalition of supporters of the Smallmouth Bass has accomplished what has never before been achieved. Individuals, schools, and organizations statewide are united in their support of the Smallmouth Bass as our state fish symbol. This exemplifies the desire of the people to have a state fish symbol that will represent all Ohioans with dignity and distinction.
The magnitude of the collected support for this effort should not be confused in any way with past or present attempts of naming a state fish. Nor, should any of those attempts be considered on the same level as this campaign. Quite simply, this campaign has galvanized the broadest coalition of support ever assembled for a state symbol.
This simple act of naming the Smallmouth Bass as our state fish, would also have a far reaching, positive influence on water quality in Ohio. Not only is this great sport fish native to every county in Ohio, but, the presence of Smallmouth Bass in a stream or lake is an indicator of good water quality and a healthy ecosystem. The Smallmouth Bass as our state fish symbol can be used as an environmental role model for future
generations.All State Representatives and Senators are urged to support this proposal. To accurately reflect the spirit and resolution of the immense, statewide support, a BI-partisan effort is warranted and expected. Once and for all, we can now have a state fish symbol that is supported by the people throughout this great state.
For more information contact:
Michael Utt,
President
The Ohio Smallmouth Alliance
P.O.Box 1993
Westerville, OH 43086
(937) 592 9534
Smallmouth Bass as the State Fish Symbol For Ohio
There is a grass roots effort underway in Ohio to have the Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) designated as the state fish symbol. Ohio has numerous state symbols that reflect the diversity and quality within its boundaries. Symbols like the cardinal (state bird), white tail deer (state animal), and ladybug (state insect), all represent something special about Ohio. However, we do not have a state fish symbol. We believe this symbol would be very important in representing all Ohioans. When you consider its historical significance, statewide distribution, and social value, the Smallmouth Bass is a worthy choice as our state fish.
The Smallmouth Bass first appeared in the Great Lakes region some 20,000 years ago. As the last glacier melted, the runoff helped distribute them in all 88 counties within the state, from the Lake Erie basin to the Ohio River valley.
Smallmouth Bass have long been considered a superior gamefish by anglers who also refer to them as smallies, bronzebacks, and jumpers. Outdoorsmen, such as Zane Grey, wrote of their beauty and sporting qualities in the early 1900's. Commercial fishermen of Lake Erie also depended on them and routinely caught over 100 fish per day on hand held lines. They were also highly valued by families on Ohio's inland waters and fishing for Smallmouth Bass often created a fond childhood memory.
In fact, some of the very waters early Ohioans fished have become world-renowned for their quality of Smallmouth Bass fishing. Recent estimates indicate that the popularity of the Smallmouth Bass in Ohio's water of Lake Erie has quadrupled since the 1980's, and many charter captains now target them for their clients. Ohio's inland waters have also benefited from the increased interest in the Smallmouth Bass. Their presence in a lake or stream is a sure sign of a healthy ecosystem, as they are a living indicator of good water quality. Furthermore, they are self-reproducing and therefore require no stocking. Best of all this prized gamefish is accessible to all Ohioans regardless of age, gender, or fishing skill level. Many sportsmen hold the Smallmouth Bass in such high regard that they release all they catch, for others to enjoy.
This effort to have the Smallmouth Bass designated, as the state fish, will be one of public awareness, involvement, and support. Responsible stewards throughout Ohio are joining in this unique opportunity to create a legacy for future generations. Conservation groups, fishing clubs, schools, and scouts are encouraged to use this opportunity as a learning experience about conservation issues and the workings of the state government. All Ohioans are urged to contact their State Representative and Senator to support this initiative.
The merits of this campaign will be beneficial to all Ohioans in many ways. So please, show your support for what many regard as ìinch for inch and pound for pound the gamest fish that swims'......... the Smallmouth Bass.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Why do we need a state fish symbol? With over 200,000 acres of inland water, 262 miles of Lake Erie shoreline and almost 7,000 miles of river, Ohio has a rich fishing heritage, yet no official symbol that honors it. It is estimated that Ohio's 1. 2 million anglers contributed 1 billion dollars to the state economy in 1998.
- Why Smallmouth Bass and not another species? From Lake Erie to the Ohio River, and the thousands of miles of streams in between Smallmouth Bass have been an important fish for generations of Ohioans. Historically speaking, no other fish has played such an important role throughout the state.
- Will state fish status impose special fishing restrictions? No. Professional wildlife managers make those decisions based on scientific research. For example, the white tail deer is our state animal and is managed in that manner.
- How long will it take to get the Smallmouth Bass designated as the state fish? A grass roots movement, such as this, requires sufficient time to spread the word and create awareness. Because of the overwhelming statewide support, we are dedicated to continue this campaign until our elected officials consider the will of the people.
- Who can get involved with this movement? Anyone can get involved. Conservation groups, fishing clubs, schools and scouts are encouraged to use this opportunity as a learning experience about conservation issues and the workings of the state government. Adults or children may sign the petition.
HOW CAN I SHOW MY SUPPORT?
Call or write your state elected officials and urge them to support HB 19.
You may also contact THE OHIO SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE and request the Smallmouth Bass/State Fish packet. Please, help spread the word.WHAT IS THE OHIO SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE?
THE OHIO SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE (TOSA) is an organization of anglers "Dedicated to improving Smallmouth Bass fishing in Ohio's watersheds, through education, habitat preservation, and responsible management."
THE OHIO SMALLMOUTH ALLIANCE
P.O. BOX 1993
WESTERVILLE, OH 43086-1993
References:
1. Lake Erie Fisheries News, Dec. 1998
2. Smallmouth Bass, Field & Stream, February 1999
3. Michael Budzik, Chief, Ohio Division of Wildlife
4. Hunting & Fishing Library, Keith Gardner,
5. Lake Erie Fishing Outlook Said Excellent, Philip Bourjaily
6. McClane's Game Fish of North America, A.J. McClane
7. Book of the Black Bass, Dr. J.A. Henshall