Can I park on the ice?
No, main parking is located at BIR INT"L RACEWAY our overflow lot is located just north of the contest area. Shuttle bus service available both ways from both lots.
Can I bring a cooler onto the ice?
Yes, coolers will be allowed, all coolers will be subject to mandatory search or will not be allowed in the contest area.
Is there a place I can warm up?
We have heated concession tents.
I caught two fish. Should I register both?
You may register as many fish as you like. However, only the largest fish you register will count.
Do you have bait for sale?
No
When do the shuttle buses run?
The shuttles will transport people on and off the ice nonstop from 8:00am until 5:00pm.
Where are "Will Call" tickets?
The "Will Call" is the white "info booth" located at the center ice in the middle of the concession tents.
Are tickets still available the day of the contest?
Yes, tickets are available at designated outlets (look for pink banners) and on the ice at the tents as you enter the fishing area.
What are you going to do with the money?
The primary beneficiary of the contest is confidence learning center, a portion goes to other local area charities.
Who is running the contest?
The Brainerd Jaycees
What is the raffle prize drawing and where can one purchase tickets?
Tickets are $10 each and are available at the ticket tent or prior to the contest at designated outlets. This drawing is separate from the fishing contest prizes and you need not be present to win.
Can I take my prize home with me?
Yes, your prize is now your responsibility. You must make arrangements to pick up the truck, atv's & snowmobile packages with the dealers.
Do we have handicap parking?
Yes, click on this link to see the map.
Can you tranfer tickets to another individual?
Yes, just make sure that if you catch a fish that you fill in your name on the weigh-in slip and not the name on the ticket.
Can you use a fish/depth locator and underwater camera or GPS?
Yes, we follow the MN DNR ice fishing rules with the exception that you can only fish one hole per ticket.
Are spectators welcome?
Yes, you don't need a ticket to get in but it would be nice if you would purchase a raffle ticket to help out the local community.
What time can I start fishing?
12:00 Noon, when the cannon goes off.
Can I check the depth?
Yes, but only with a depth finder or a line without a hook. All lines must be out of the water by 11:45am until the official start.
When does the contest end?
3:00pm the cannon will sound ending the contest. You will have until 3:03pm to get in line with a fish to have it registered. Remember, fish must be brought to the judge's stand immediately when caught and alive. Dead or frozen fish will be ineligible.
Will propane be available?
Due to federal transportation regulations propane is not allowed on the shuttle bus. The Brainerd Jaycees will be selling one pound propane tanks at center ice.
CONTEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tips
What to bring and what not to bring to the contest
- Warm clothes - especially good boots.
- Cash for vendors, credit card if you want to purchase tickets with it versus cash, drivers license, and fishing license.
- Ice chisel - We drill holes on Friday so some ice might build up by Saturday morning.
- Bait - we do not provide or sell bait on the ice.
- Fish/Depth locator
- Contest ticket, bring string or wire to hang the ticket on the outside of your clothing like a ski ticket.
- Fishing poles and gear, etc...
- Bucket or large plastic bag to put the fish in if you catch one, we are hoping to keep the fish alive and release them. We will be providing some plastic bag but just in case you can't find one it would be nice if you had something.
- Radio, tune in B93.3, and if you find a sticker make sure you put it on your radio for a chance to win a prize if the prize patrol find you. Check out the bottom of our home page for details.
- We don't sell any Alcohol on the ice.
- We ask that you do not bring anything in glass containers.
- We do not have any ATM machines on ice.
PLEASE USE WASTE RECEPTACLES FOR YOUR GARBAGE. DRIVE SMART! THIS IS A SAFE & SOBER LAW ENFORCEMENT WEEKEND!
When can I enter the contest area?
Shuttle buses begin service at 8:00am.
Can I pre-fish?
No, you will be disqualified.
Can I fish using a windbreak?
No, windbreaks are not allowed.
Can I pull canvas over my head for protection?
No, all contestants must remain completely visible while fishing.
I can't find my ticket, can I still fish?
No, all contestants must have a legal ticket in plain view on their person. Please see the tournament director for help in locating your ticket. "Will Call" tickets can be picked up at the white "Info Booth" located at the center of the contest area.
Can I fish two holes?
Yes, if two tickets are bought. Both tickets must be displayed in plain view.
Can I bring my own beer or pop into the contest area?
Yes, glass bottles however are not allowed, plastic bottles are. We encourage you, however to patronize our concessions, many of which are run by charitable groups raising money.
Can we bring our own food?
Yes, however many of our concessions offer hot food.
Can my friend watch my line while I go to the bathroom or to register my fish?
No, please take your line out of the water. Leaving your line unattended is against Minnesota law.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes, fishing during the contest is regulated by all Minnesota fishing laws. MN DNR Officers are present.
Can I bring an ice auger?
No, holes are pre-dilled. You may need a chisel to re-open your pre-drilled hole Saturday morning.
Can we park on the ice?
The public access to Hole in the Day Bay is closed on Saturday. Please park in the designated shuttle lots.
