The unofficial state fish of Ohio is the Walleye – we have the best in the nation, and the best spots to catch them, as well. In fact, 22.5% of Ohioans surveyed voted for the Walleye to become the OFFICIAL state fish this past year – and maybe someday it will happen! The Walleye was even featured on this year’s 2023 Fish Ohio lapel pin, awarded to anglers with “noteworthy catches of Ohio’s fish”. Due to all of this, it’s not surprising that on New Year’s Eve, the big shiny thing that drops is not a ball, but a giant Walleye fish!
For the past 26 years, since 1997, Port Clinton, Ohio, the Walleye Capital of the World, is the place to be for the annual Walleye Drop. At the stroke of midnight, Wylie Jr., a huge, 20-foot-long, 600-pound. LED-lit Walleye, will drop from above to welcome in 2024 – what a spectacle! In addition, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the cold night sky following the main event!
Prior to the drop, Port Clinton will be busy with a kids’ party from 4-6pm, a “Bar Swim” that consists of buses taking partiers around multiple venues in Port Clinton, Catawba and Marblehead until 11:30, so everyone has time to gather before midnight with thousands of other eager spectators in downtown Port Clinton for the BIG DROP! Merch, including commemorative shirts, and 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase the day of the party.
Port Clinton is an easy 30 minute drive from Angel Welcome Bed & Breakfast – a nice place for you to drop after you enjoy the festivities. Wake up in a warm bed and then enjoy a homemade breakfast to start your new year!