ANGLING TIPS Jack Wollitz

Cabin fever has struck and lots of local anglers are looking for ways to break their suffering from the winter blahs. Here are a few suggestions.
Consider a little trip over to Minerva, where Berlin Bass Casters, one of several local bass clubs, is holding its 2004 Fishing Expo Feb. 20-22. The expo will be at Minerva Community Center on West First Street.
Vendors will set up displays of fishing and boating supplies. Plenty of new and used equipment and tackle will be for sale, as well as refreshments.
Children also can get in on the fun by participating in the Bassmaster Casting Kids competition, one of a series of events that can qualify them for an opportunity to win college scholarships and other prizes. For information, call Tom Wickersham at (330) 868-5537.
Or grab your credit card and go buy the stuff you'll need once the lakes thaw.
The fishing sections of popular stores like Dick's and Gander Mountain are brimming with the latest new products -- jigs, plastics, crankbaits, you name it and the new stuff is ready for you. Plus you can browse the shelves and racks for new rods and reels.
And, of course, there's always ice fishing to crack a bad case of cabin fever. The reports from local lakes aren't especially favorable, but a few hours of jigging for walleyes out in the fresh air beats an afternoon of flipping through the channels in search of something watchable on television.
Take heart, anglers. Spring's official start is only six-weeks away, so we've beat most of the winter already. Try an activity to divert your focus from cabin fever and spring will arrive that much sooner.
jwwollitz@aol.com