by By Mike Jackson, Daily Herald Outdoors Writer , Chicago Daily Herald

NASCAR is now seeing trimmed budgets from driver sponsorships. And those of us who keep watch on fishing industry actions see the same thing happening with participants in the professional angling tournaments.

The one bright spot is with the FLW tournaments spearheaded by Irwin Jacobs. The FLW walleye and bass tournaments continue to flourish despite the downward spiral of the economy.

And speaking of the walleye version of the FLW Pro Series, angler Tommy Skarlis wound up as top dog ? champion of the FLW Walleye finale ? and after years of hard work and dedication, he finally made the big time.

Show time: It?s the first one of the new season of outdoor shows. The 2009 Chicagoland Muskie Show at Harper College is Jan. 9-11. More information is available at www.chicagomuskieshow.com.

Fishing report

Fox Chain: Despite the bitter cold, walleye action on Lake Marie is gaining steam. Fish seem to be hovering around the 8-foot depth. Crappie activity appears to be decent just before sunrise on the same lake. Petite Lake crappie action is good, as is the bluegill fishing on Pistakee Lake.

Shabbona Lake: You can expect improved panfish action on the lake this weekend, with the focus on crappie and walleye in fairly shallow water.

Wisconsin: Newly anointed guide Jerry Olsen reports that Hayward-area lakes are giving up "very nice" panfish. Some larger pike have been caught through the ice on Grindstone Lake.

* Mike Jackson?s radio program can be heard at 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.

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