Frequently Asked Questions

Fish Donkey App Questions

Do we have to pay for FishDonkey?
The FishDonkey App is free and available in your phone’s app store. You will need to purchase an Extravaganza contest ticket though to fish the tournament. 

What if we are not technology savvy and do not know how to use the app?
Throughout the week we will be doing video tutorials; we will also have support teams on the lake accesses to assist you. 

How do I enter a fish in the FishDonkey App?
https://youtu.be/zuxh7FNUkbA 

My fish still hasn’t been verified, why?
Please be patient, our committee has to manually verify your fish submission. It may not be verified immediately. Here is a video to check to see if you fish entry went through properly: https://youtu.be/GoI2utKmpdk 

How to properly measure a fish?
https://youtu.be/Eg2H6-jZ04c 

How do I enter a large fish?
https://youtu.be/fw7L5cMw_nY 

Do I need to update the FishDonkey App?
Yes, you will want the most up-to-date version of the application. Please update via your provided phone service.

If I don’t have cellular/WiFi reception and my picture isn’t loading, what should I do?
If your picture does not upload right away because of bad wifi reception. Anglers should tap their Digital Livewell (fish icon) when they get back to an area with good reception and leave that screen open until all fish are “Received”. Never delete anything from your Digital Livewell. 

What should I do if I don’t have a good WiFi reception?
Open the app before you head out. Tap on the name of your tournament. Leave the app open. It’s okay to let it time out. Just don’t log out. Enter fish as normal. Open your Digital Livewell (fish icon) when you return to a connection, this will push the fish through to the leaderboard. 

What happens if I cannot see any fish on the leaderboard?
If you cannot see any fish on the leaderboard, tap on the little dropdown area near the top. Select “Points Leaderboard”. Then you will see the results. 

How do I refresh the app?
https://youtu.be/Ukzpe3LetTI 

How do I make sure my fish entry went through?
https://youtu.be/GoI2utKmpdk

Contest Rules and Questions

Can I fish two holes?
Yes, for this year’s format, you can fish two holes. We follow all MN DNR rules.

Where can I fish?
You can find a map here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUmfGn4c2ijMjYRW9

Is the raffle still going on?
Of Course! A Facebook Live Event will be happening at 3 p.m. on February 3rd! Raffles can still be purchased at Fleet Farm and surrounding outlets. 

Are tickets still available the day of the contest?
Yes, tickets (Contest, Catch of the Day, and raffle) may be purchased at Fleet Farm in Baxter or participating outlets (until 10:00 a.m.).
Outlet locations can be found here: icefishing.org/tickets

My tickets never came in the mail, or I am awaiting will-call. What should I do?
Please visit our information booth, located at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR: 5523 Birchdale Rd, Brainerd). Once you provide your order number, we will void the ticket numbers sent and issue you new tickets. 

Can my son or daughter fish the contest?
Yes, there is no age requirement. If you have one phone and two separate FishDonkey accounts, you’ll have to log out of your account and log into theirs to enter their fish. However, two phones (or a tablet) are recommended. 

What time can I start fishing?
The tournament will begin in the FishDonkey app at 8:00 A.M. You will not be able to enter a fish until then. 

What time does the contest end?
The submission of fish via the FishDonkey app ends at 2:00 P.M. but photos need to be uploaded by 2:15 P.M. 

How many fish can I enter?
You may register as many fish as you like. However, only the highest points fish will be entered into the contest. Refer to rule section 2 of our official rules for more information, found at icefishing.org/about/official-rules-virtual.

What are the prizes?
The prizes are listed on our website: icefishing.org/prizes/prize-list/ 

How do I claim my prize?
If you win the truck it must be claimed by appointment at Mills Ford or Mills GM in Baxter, MN. All other contest and raffle winners must claim their prizes at Fleet Farm in Baxter, MN. Prizes can be claimed no sooner than 30 minutes after the contest results are audited and declared official; prize pickup is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday or 8 a.m.-noon Sunday.

All contest prizes not claimed by noon Sunday, February 4 will be donated to charity. Contest and random drawing winners will be posted at the main stage and online at icefishing.org at approximately 4 p.m.

How are points calculated for my catch?
The length-to-point value see our website at icefishing.org/about/length-to-points-scale.

Do you have handicap support available?
If you need assistance, please reach out to chair@icefishing.org.

What happens if I catch a slot fish?
Since this is a catch, photo, and release tournament, slot fish are eligible entries. 

Can I have a refund or exchange my ticket for 2025?
We appreciate your participation and understand that any frustration regarding refunds is valid. However, it’s important to note that our no-refund, no-voucher, and no-exchange policy are clearly communicated in the disclaimer on your printed ticket. Also stated in our official rules – Section 2: Event Participation, Eligibility, and Measurement.– 2.2 Entry fee for the contest is $50.00. No refunds and exchanges will be given for any reason. Discounts may apply for early bird purchases and other promotions.

Equipment Needed

Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, fishing during the contest is regulated by all Minnesota state fishing laws. 

Can I fish in a wheelhouse or a portable fish house?
Yes, with this year’s format being hybrid you are allowed to fish in a wheelhouse or portable fish house. Please be cautious about ice conditions. 

Do I need a bumpboard?
Yes, you need a commercially produced bump board. If you do not have a commercially produced bump board, you will need a steel measuring tape. If using the steel measuring tape, you should show a measuring tape that begins at the tip of the fish’s nose bumped against a hard stop (like a wall or a cooler) and the tail pushed down to the tape measure. The measurement photo needs to include the entire fish on the board. If the fishtail is touching the graduation line on the board then that is the exact measurement. If the tail crosses a graduation line, round up ¼”. 

Can I use a fish/depth locator and underwater camera or GPS?
Yes, we follow the DNR rules. 

I don’t have an auger, what should I do?
Please visit 2024 Extravaganza Hybrid Community Support on Facebook. Our locals are willing to assist. Another great support system is Ice Fishing Brainerd Lakes Area. 

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