Brainerd, MN—The Brainerd Jaycees and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department checked ice conditions on Gull Lake’s Hole in the Day Bay on Friday, Jan. 29, and found 14-20” of ice throughout the contest site. The event permit was officially issued. “Safety is our number one priority so we’re thankful that by postponing the event two weeks there is more than enough ice to host the contest,” said contest chair Angie Nelson. Contest organizers look forward to seeing participants at the 26th Annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza next Saturday, February 6. The Brainerd Jaycees would like to thank participants, contestants, sponsors and area businesses for their ongoing support. Tickets can be purchased at Brainerd-area outlets and on the ice the day of the contest. For more information go to the event website at icefishing.org.
Brainerd Jaycees contest officials and the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office have decided to postpone the charitable ice fishing contest held on Gull Lake until February 6 in the interest of safety. “The warm weather has had an adverse effect on the lake ice; the result being inconsistent ice thickness through-out our lakes. The safety for our volunteers, personnel and those attending the event is the Sheriff’s Office main concern. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Brainerd Jaycees for all the dedication and support that has been offered and look forward to a fun and safe event in the very near future,” Lieutenant Scott Goddard stated.
“With the latest cold snap, we were optimistic the ice would be ready for us, but Mother Nature had another plan,” Chairperson Angie Nelson said, “however, it’s critical that we make sure the contest site is safe. This announcement will hopefully allow our participants enough time to adjust their plans to join us in three weeks.”
A postponement date of February 6 is listed on all contest tickets. Contestants stand to win over $200,000 in prizes this year if they catch one of the 150 fish! In addition, a random prize drawing for additional prizes including an Ice Castle Mille Lacs Hybrid fish house and an Arctic Cat Prowler, other gift cards, and ice fishing accessories totaling nearly $40,000 in prizes is held.
The Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos Comedy Show hosted by the Jaycees at Grandview Lodge will continue to be held on Friday, January 22. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Brainerd Warrior Fishing Team in support of our next generation of anglers. Tickets may be purchased online at www.icefishing.org or stop in at Anderson Cleaners in Brainerd.
First held in 1991, this event has never been canceled and been postponed only two other times, in 2002 and 2012. The contest was moved to a different lake once in 2006. Proceeds from the world’s largest charitable ice fishing tournament has donated over $3-million to Brainerd-area charities, most notably Confidence Learning Center. The volunteer-run event is organized by the Brainerd Jaycees who have over 140 members contributing more than 75,000 hours and nearly $200,000 to the community annually.
Eager anglers are encouraged to monitor the Extravaganza Facebook page and web site at www.icefishing.org to purchase tickets or get information including up to date reports on ice conditions.
Brainerd, MN – Anglers from around the United States are getting ready to hit the ice of Gull Lake in hopes of catching a prize winning fish at the world’s largest charitable ice fishing tournament. The 26th Annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd.
With ice thickness varying widely around the state there has been some concern about conditions. The Jaycees are closely monitoring the area of Gull Lake where the contest is held. Projected low temperatures which dominate the forecast in central Minnesota are expected to range from the teens to below zero in the time leading up to the contest. The Jaycees are optimistic that Hole in the Day Bay of Gull Lake will have enough ice.
“Our plans are a go for the 23rd,” says Chairperson Angie Nelson, “We’ve been in close communication with the Sheriff’s Department and will continue to do so in order to make a timely decision should there be a change in plans. We know how important this event is for our anglers, supporters and the entire community. If a change in plans is required an announcement will be made on Friday, January 15.”
The Extravaganza boasts nearly $200,000 in prizes for lucky or skilled anglers and prizes are awarded to the largest 150 fish registered during the three-hour contest. First place wins a new Ford or GMC 4×4 Pickup, 100th place earns an Ice Castle Red Lake Edition Fish-house valued at over $15,000, and 150th place takes home an Arctic Cat ATV. Additional prizes such as ice augers, fish locators, ATV’s, underwater camera’s, and various gift cards are placed randomly among the top 150 places. In addition, a random prize drawing for additional prizes including an Ice Castle Mille Lacs Hybrid fish house and an Arctic Cat Prowler, other gift cards, and ice fishing accessories totaling nearly $40,000 in prizes is held.
All proceeds from the Jaycees Extravaganza directly benefit non-profit organizations serving a variety of community needs. Confidence Learning Center, an outdoor education and recreation facility for persons with developmental disabilities is the primary recipient of the funds each year. Donations to 50 organizations from last year’s event totaled over $186,000.
Kicking off the Extravaganza weekend will be the Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos Comedy Show hosted by the Jaycees at Grandview Lodge. Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Brainerd Warrior Fishing Team in support of our next generation of anglers. Advanced tickets are selling quickly – be sure to go to www.icefishing.org to purchase tickets today!
Eager anglers are encouraged to monitor the Extravaganza Facebook page and web site at www.icefishing.org to purchase tickets or get information including up to date reports on ice conditions.