At last, Walleye formally proposed as Ohio's state fish

State of play: Brennan introduced the bill with Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), and said a resident in his district urged him to pursue the legislation.

What they're saying: "I asked him to give me some time walleye think it over," Brennan said in a statement.

• "All kidding aside, the walleye is responsible for about $1 billion in economic activity in our state, is the fish that nets the most charter boats in Ohio, and the Ohio Walleye Trail is the draw of about half of the one million anglers in our state."

Between the lines: Apparently not all lawmakers are walleye fans. The bill passed the Ohio House of Representatives 94-4.

• It needs Ohio Senate approval and the governor's signature to become law.

By the numbers: Per the Ohio Division of Wildlife, there are 95 million walleye in Lake Erie at least 2 years or older, ready to be fished.

Flashback: The biggest moment for the walleye in recent years was the infamous "weights in fish" cheating scandal of '22.

What's next: The next Walleye Trail event this year is July 12 in Fairport Harbor.