From the sprawling waters of Lake Erie to hidden inland reservoirs and scenic rivers, Ohio boasts some of the finest bass fishing in the country. The variety of environments and fish make it a diverse, exciting experience for anglers of all skill levels. With bass season peaking from April to October, this is prime time to catch smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass.
The best part? You don’t need a decked-out glitter boat or raft to have an unforgettable day on the water. Whether you’re wading in a small creek, skimming the shoreline on your paddleboard, or enjoying a summer paddle in your kayak, you’re likely fishing in one of Ohio’s bass hotspots. This Tools of the Trade segment, presented by onWater Fish, is designed to give anglers the confidence and tools needed to chase bass in Ohio, explore their own backyard, and get on the water.
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In this installment of ‘Tools of the Trade,’ we turn to Jessica Suvak, a seasoned Midwest bass and toothy critter angler, to share three essential tools she keeps handy when fishing her home waters in Ohio. While Jessica may focus her time in the Midwest, these tools transcend fisheries and are applicable just about anywhere to get on the water.
Getting on the Water
It may sound cliche, but you’ll never catch fish sitting at home. Learning your home waters and when to fish in certain areas is a process that can take years to perfect. Regardless of where you are or what you fish for, getting out on the water is the first step. Jessica Suvak has honed her angling skills on the vast and varied waters of Ohio and the greater Midwest. With such an expansive area, strategic planning is a must to cut down on the learning curve and start catching fish. The following tools stem from a lifetime of exploring and learning new fisheries. They are designed to make the most out of your time fishing and aid in exploring your own home waters.
1. Connect with Your Local Community
While fishing—especially fly fishing—is often seen as a solitary pursuit, it doesn’t have to be. In Ohio, many waterways offer multi-use public access points, often near major cities like Cleveland and Columbus. While there’s solitude to be found, you’ll also be sharing the waters with other outdoor enthusiasts. Embracing this community can lead to shared tips, camaraderie, and a richer angling experience.
Finding your community is essential, especially in today’s busy world, where it’s easy to feel isolated. Surrounding yourself with people who share your passion for fly fishing can make being on the water not just something you love but a shared experience. Here are a few groups worth joining to find your people:
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Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA): Focused on preserving North America’s outdoor heritage, BHA promotes education and advocacy to protect public lands and waters. Local chapters give anglers an opportunity to be a part of a bigger conservation group with a unified goal. Events like river cleanups and fundraisers allow anglers to meet fellow enthusiasts who share the same passion and, of course, talk fishing.
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Trout Unlimited (TU): Dedicated to conserving rivers and streams, Trout Unlimited aims to ensure future generations can experience wild trout and salmon. Throughout the country, local chapters focus on their fisheries and conservation issues. Everything from river cleanups, habitat restoration, and fly tying nights create abundant opportunities to get involved and meet like-minded folks.
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Ohio Women on the Fly: A growing group, Ohio Women on the Fly, brings women in Ohio’s fly fishing community together, encouraging more women to hit the water. While this organization is specific to Ohio, countless other organizations with similar missions are out there. Do some research on your local organizations and get involved. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
As Christopher McCandless realized, isolated in the Alaskan wilderness, “Happiness is only real when shared.” The same can be said for the joys of fishing—finding your people can make all the difference.
2. Prioritizing Time for the Things You Love
Life is short, so make time for what you love. Don’t spend another season watching others enjoy time on the water while you stay glued to a screen, thinking to yourself, “It must be nice.” Buy the boat. Take the float. Prioritize your passions, and you’ll find life far more fulfilling. Here are a few tips to help you carve out time for fishing:
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Schedule Your Priorities: Treat your fishing trips like any other important appointment. Block off time on your calendar and stick to it. This tactic will hold you accountable and give you something to look forward to, especially when the work week drags on.
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Follow the 80/20 Rule: Focus on the activities that bring you the most joy. The 80/20 rule is an observation theory stating that 80% of the outcomes come from 20% of the causes. You may be wondering how this relates to fishing. The breakdown is fairly simple: 80% of outcomes (the fishing we want to do) come from the 20% causes (priorities we focus on to get on the water). Prioritizing the most important tasks and cutting out distractions enables me to have more time for what truly matters.
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Set Boundaries: Say no to obligations that don’t align with your goals. Freeing up your schedule lets you pursue your passions without feeling stretched thin. Embracing this philosophy will translate to more time spent with people who share the same values and, in our case, more fishing trips.
And if you need a little help organizing your trips, the onWater Fish App is a fantastic tool for planning. Whether it’s a spontaneous trip or something you’ve been dreaming about for weeks, the app helps you prepare by offering key information like river mileage, water temperatures, and driving times.
3. Use the Measure Distance Tool
Exploring new waterbodies can be intimidating, especially if you are flying blind. The onWater Fish app’s Measure Distance Tool makes it easy to see accurate river mile distances to confidently plan your day. For new anglers or those wanting to explore new water, the onWater Fish App gives anglers the tools to quickly and efficiently dissect potential fishing spots. Whether you’re parking at one lot and wading to another or mapping out your entire float, this tool takes the guesswork out of planning your journey.
One Last Cast
Ohio’s bass fishing scene offers something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out. From the camaraderie found in local community groups to the thrill of spending a day on the water, fishing in Ohio is about more than just big slobbery bronze backs—it’s about the total experience. These tools have been developed from years of fishing for bass but extend much further than Ohio. By connecting with your community, prioritizing your time, and using the right tools, you can make every day on the water a memorable one. So grab your gear, plan your next adventure, and get ready to create stories worth sharing on your own home waters. After all, the best days are those spent doing what you love with the people you love.
Tools of the Trade: Overnight Float Trips with Marty and Mia Sheppard
