ANGLING TIPS Jack Wollitz

Two things to consider today: Area bass anglers could be in for a super treat in the summer of 2005. And never, ever take a frozen lake for granted.
First, the bass news. According to buzz in bass circles and an article in the Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh is under consideration as host for the 2005 Bassmasters Classic, along with Hartford, Conn.
Should the Three Rivers win as the venue for bassdom's biggest tournament, this region's anglers would have a front row seat.
The world bass title would be contested on the waters of the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. The weigh-ins would be at Mellon Arena and the Classic outdoor show would be at David L. Lawrence Convention Center. ESPN would broadcast highlights.
If the rivers next summer follow recent trends, Classic contenders will catch many smallmouths in the 1- to 2-pound class. Crankbaits and plastic tubes - two mainstays in local river rats' tackle boxes - will play a big role should the Classic go to Pittsburgh.
And those of us who love the Ohio River will have a rare opportunity to watch how the pros play our game.
Recent news, meanwhile, from Lake Erie underscores how unpredictable ice can be. Fishermen in the Bass Islands area had to be rescued after Erie's frozen surface started breaking up.
Though the ice was reported to be 10 inches thick in many places, strong winds created enough force to cause upheavals. Fortunately, no lives were lost, though a number of snowmobiles and four-wheelers now rest on the bottom of the Catawba Island Channel. The quick use of cell phones and GPS devices played a large role in the rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard as well.
The near catastrophe serves as a reminder that the ice is an unpredictable - and potentially hostile - place to fish. Always exercise special care when venturing out onto the ice, whether it's a farm pond, Mosquito Creek Reservoir or Lake Erie.
jwwollitz@aol.com