JACK WOLLITZ Fishing education never ends

Fishing really is a thinking person's sport, perhaps more so than most folks realize.
While it isn't the most cerebral pursuit on the planet, fishing nonetheless is a lifelong learning experience. Those anglers who are considered good at putting fish in their boats understand it takes more than luck to score consistently out on the water.
Anglers face so many variables that they had better be smart about how they apply tactics and techniques. A number of learning opportunities are scheduled this winter for anglers who wish to start the 2003 fishing season with new knowledge.
Learn about walleyes
Walleye information will be delivered by several local experts at a series of seminars scheduled to begin this week. Organized by the Western Reserve Walleye Association, the seminars will be conducted at Ravenna Marine, on Route 14 in Ravenna. The public is invited.
The first session is set for 7 p.m. Thursday. Featured speakers will be Punky Ball and Kenny Smith, the 1999 and '02 season champions of the Western Reserve Walleye Association.
The series continues Feb. 13 at Ravenna Marine, with Greg Polverine and Dan Clark sharing their walleye knowledge.
The WRWA's Walleye Extravaganza banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 15 at G's Golden Gate in Warren. Professional Walleye Trail competitor Keith Eshbaugh of Washington, Pa., will be the featured speaker. Ohio Division of Wildlife District III fisheries biologist Phil Hillman also will speak about the state's walleye programs.
A ticket required for the WRWA's Walleye Extravaganza. Cost is $20 for singles and $30 for couples. For information, phone Jim Breedlove in Girard, (330) 530-3909, or Chad Currey in Lordstown, (330) 824-8550.
Advanced bassin' degree
Bass anglers can enroll in the March 15-16 CITGO BASSMASTER University at Cleveland Airport Marriott and hear expert advice from pro anglers Jay Yelas, Woo Daves, Dion Hibdon, Frank Scalish, Rich Tauber and Mike Del Visco.
For many years a popular event on bass anglers' off-season calendars, the B.A.S.S. schools are packed with how-to information from the nation's best bass pros. Yelas, Daves and Hibdon, for instance, are CITGO BASSMASTERS Classic winners. Scalish is a Clevelander who is extremely knowledgeable about northeast Ohio waters and a 2002 Classic qualifier.
Cost for the two-day school is $99. Spouses of a full-paying attendee and children under age 16 can attend for $50.
Other species seminars
The Cincinnati Travel, Sports & amp; Boat Show Presented by Dodge will stage a number of seminars for anglers interested in other species of fish. The show runs Jan. 10 through 19 at the Cincinnati Convention Center.
A crappie fishing seminar is set for Jan. 11-12 at the show's Hawg Trough fishing simulator. Striped bass buffs can attend the striper seminar at the simulator Jan. 11, 14 and 16.
Ohio River catfish tips will be shared by Dale Broughton Jan. 12 and 17. Trophy northern pike information will be presented by Steve Pennaz Jan. 17, 18 and 19.
Walleye pro Gary Roach will conduct a seminar Jan. 17, 18 and 19.
A variety of other fishing seminars also will be featured, including warm water fly fishing by Dave Whitlock Jan. 15 and 16 and a "Fishin' is Fun" presentation by angling funny man Fish Fisburne Jan. 14 and 15.
The Cincinnati show will have more than 300 exhibits and many other seminars for outdoors enthusiasts. It's definitely worth a weekend trip for those who want to shake the winter doldrums.
jwwollitz@aol.com