But to ensure the fish you catch are at their flavorful best, take some time to plan for their proper care. Fish is a very perishable food. If you plan to bring fish home from a fishing trip, keep your catch alive as long as possible. A good stringer, fish basket or boat live well is fine for short periods, especially when the water is cool. But the best way to keep fish fresh for a long trip is to put them directly on ice.
Most fish caught in Ohio waters are very safe to eat.
But occasionally fish consumption advisories are issued for certain species of fish at specific water areas, by the Ohio Department of Health. Publication 84, Ohio Fishing Regulations, provides a list of waters under advisory. When you are ready to fillet the fish, first examine it for freshness. The gills should be red or bright pink and moist, not white or dull pink and slimy. A good fillet knife has a long, thin, flexible blade.