Aqua Ohio lakes set dates for some great fishing

Anglers hankering for an opportunity to fish Aqua Ohio's lakes have two excellent opportunities in the near future.
The second annual "Water For People" day is May 5 at Pine Lake, providing local fishers with a full day of angling and a super barbecued chicken lunch.
Brian Bisson, Aqua Ohio's vice president of engineering, said the event is a fundraiser for Water For People, an organization that works to improve drinking water and sanitation facilities in Third World villages.
"A billion and a half people in the world are without adequate water and treatment facilities," he said. "Water For People works to build systems that local villagers then can maintain."
Bisson is an Ohio committee member for the organization. He said Rotary International has selected Water For People as one of the organization it supports.
"The problem of inadequate water supplies has caught worldwide attention, and now local residents have the opportunity to contribute to a national cause, while having a little fun in the process.
Last year's event was a great success. Big fish of the day was an 8-pound catfish. Several bass in the 5-pound class were weighed, along with numerous crappies, bluegills and yellow perch.
This year's event begins at 6 a.m. May 5 and concludes at dusk.
Pine Lake is on Market Street (Ohio 7), south of North Lima. Tickets for the day include fishing and lunch. The cost is 25 for adults and 10 for children 12 and under. A 10 launch fee will be charged for those who bring boats, which must be at least 14 feet. Outboard power is limited to 10-hp or less and a no-wake rule will be enforced.
For additional information, contact Aqua's Allison Gatta at (330) 397-0071 or Bisson at (330) 397-0788.
Bass Classic approaches
Evans and Pine lakes will be the competition venues for this year's seventh annual Youngstown/Mahoning Valley Bass Classic on June 9.
The event is a pro-am bass tournament that serves as a fund-raiser for our local United Way and the numerous agencies and community services it supports.
Defending pro champion Steve Zarbaugh of Poland and amateur Ray Calcagni of Struthers are among the entrants for this year's event, which has been expanded to accommodate additional competitors.
Pro and amateur entries are still being accepted. For information, contact the United Way's JoAnn Stock at (330) 746-8494.
River walleye biting
Reports from the Ohio Division of Wildlife indicate the spring walleye run on the Sandusky and Maumee rivers is at full tilt.
Good numbers of fish are coming from both rivers, with the Maumee rated as the better of the two this week. Limit catches of 18- to 22-inch fish are coming on jigs with chartreuse and other bright-colored twisters. The walleye size limit is 15 inches, and anglers may keep no more than four fish until Monday, when the limit goes up to six.
The white bass also have begun to move into the rivers, according to the division's report.
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