ANGLER'S TIPS Jack Wollitz

When Dan Mansky packed his tackle, latched down his boat and pointed his truck south toward Florida's famed Lake Okeechobee earlier this month, he made history for his hometown.
Mansky last week became the first Youngstowner to compete at the pinnacle level of tournament bass fishing. He had qualified last year for the FLW Tour, one of two big leagues in professional angling, and rounded up the resources from sponsors and his own bank account to make the plunge.
He and 199 other FLW Tour anglers opened the 2004 season Wednesday at Okeechobee, the sprawling grass-filled lake in south Florida where bass sport bellies like beach balls.
Mansky proved his talents by snatching up limits of five bass during the first two competition days, for a total of 10 fish weighing 18 pounds 7 ounces. Unfortunately, that left him well short of the leaders and he missed the cut that would have enabled him to continue the competition for the $100,000 first prize.
Those atop the leader board, including Larry Nixon in second place after the second round, were catching their fish on soft plastics and spinnerbaits, ironically two of Mansky's favorite tactics.
He nevertheless proved he can compete with the big boys, finishing ahead of former Citgo Bassmasters Classic champion Guido Hibdon and 2003 FLW Angler of the Year Dan Morehead.
Dave Lefebre of Erie, Pa., entered the third round in sixth place with a two-day haul of 37 pounds 6 ounces. Kent's Vic Vatalaro also missed the cut with 24-06.
The final round concluded Saturday afternoon.
Mansky's next stop will be the FLW Tour event in two weeks at the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana.
jwwollitz@aol.com