Mike Jackson’s outdoors notes

The news came Wednesday, and to tell the truth I wasn’t overly surprised.

America’s Outdoor Show, a two-year running event that brought Chicago area outdoors people off their couches and into the Stephens Convention Center, will not be around for 2012.

Here’s what show owner Jim Sugarman had to say:

“My heartfelt thanks to all board of advisors, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, attendees and contractors of America’s Outdoor Show. I regret to inform you that I will not be producing a 2012 show. While I had an unforgettable time revitalizing the largest and longest running sport show in Chicagoland... it’s not show friends, it’s show business. While my financial return over the last two years has been substandard, the positive memories have exceeded expectations by far!”

Class details:

The snow storm and the frigid conditions must have created a brain freeze in my body because I forgot to tell interested anglers when and where the 2011 Spence Petros Fishing Classes would take place.

There are two specific classes, starting Tuesday March 8 for bass and panfish, while the pike, walleye and muskie class starts March 9. Both sessions will be taught at the Palatine American Legion Post 690, 122 W. Palatine Road, in Palatine. The evening schools go from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.

Rare moment”

Arizona Game and Fish Department officials report that a rare ocelot was observed this week in the Huachuca Mountains in southern Arizona. An individual called Game and Fish to report that while he was working in his yard in the Huachuca Mountains, his dogs began barking at a cat-like animal that quickly climbed a tree. The individual drew closer and suspected that the small spotted cat might be an ocelot, an endangered species of cat.

Fishing report

The Northern Illinois Conservation Club holds its massive ice derby this weekend. Call (847) 395-NICC for all the details.

Fox Chain: Despite the deep snow cover, a few have been searching the Chain for walleyes and pike. Lake Marie seems to be a good bet in about 18-feet of water. Nippersink Lake is giving up some nice white bass. Petite crappies moved to deeper water.

Lake Michigan: You’ll have to pound through the ice at both Montrose and Navy Pier to try to catch some perch.

Ÿ Mike Jackson can be reached by e-mail at angler88@att.net. His radio program is heard 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC, AM-1240.