Get tied up with one of Petros’ classes

Rolling Meadows resident Terry H. was confused about the various kinds of knots that anglers employ when using lures or trying to splice different kinds of line together.

I suggested he take the easy way out and sign up for the annual Spence Petros fishing classes starting next month. This is where this Hall of Fame angler and educator will open the eyes of experienced and novice anglers alike with his 50-plus years of fishing experience. Classes run from March 6 through April 3, once a week, 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Palatine. Call (815) 455-7770 for details.

Carry on: Illinois is the only state left in the country that has continued to balk at passing a law allowing concealed carry permits for firearms. Word from Ohio indicates record numbers of residents there are filling out the necessary paperwork.Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine reports that nearly 12,000 concealed handgun permits were issued in the state during the final three months of 2011, making it busiest fourth quarter in the program#146;s eight-year history. At the end of 2011 approximately 265,083 Ohio residents were licensed to carry concealed handguns, a number that will likely approach 300,000 by the end of 2012.Fishing reportFox Chain: Treacherous ice in most areas but there are still some marginal areas off the main lakes close to residential slips and docks.Fox River: Very iffy, especially off the far the northern reaches of the river.Lake Michigan: Some brown trout being caught near Waukegan and Northpoint.*Ÿ Contact Mike Jackson at angler88@comcast.net, and catch his radio show 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM and live-streamed at www.mikejacksonoutdoors.com.