flyguy Loc: Caledonia, MN. (S.E. MN.)

News
1. MN: 6 trucks went in the drink at Lake Pepin.

No one was hurt. Sounds like parking spots on land are hard to come by, so people pulled onto the ice to park...it cracked under the pressure:

2. MN: Brainerd Ice Extravaganza gets the green light.

> The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza in conjunction with local officials have been closely monitoring ice conditions and are excited to announce they are satisfactory for the Jan 28, 2023 contest.

> Chairperson Tad Johnson states, "Our first and foremost priority is to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers and community members. We are excited that mother nature has been on our side."

> While ice conditions are acceptable on the contest site, the ice across Gull Lake, and many area lakes, is inconsistent. Please exercise caution when driving on the lake, and always check depths to ensure your safety. Officials request that everyone in wheel houses leave...at least 20' between houses on ice.

Little background on the Extravaganza:

> First held in 1991, this event is hailed as the world's largest charitable ice fishing tournament – event organizers have donated over $4.3 mil to charities, most notably Confidence Learning Center, in its 32‐year history. The volunteer‐run event is organized by the Brainerd Jaycees who have over 50 members contributing more than 75,000 hours and over $200K to the community annually. This family-friendly event is a great way to spend the day while having a chance at winning one of $200K in the process!

Lots more info on the derby's site:

...

[Message clipped] View entire message

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Oops!

The ice fishing jamboree would be fun!

flyguy Loc: Caledonia, MN. (S.E. MN.)

I have never been to it, I have never been into ice fishing.

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

At least you have some ice there. Just a skim here and nowhere near safe enough to get on

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

We got skunked last weekend, but didn’t really try too hard!

smitty Loc: maine

u goin?

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Nice post Flyguy! Sounds like a fun and worthy event. Glad they are able to conduct it as planned!

flyguy Loc: Caledonia, MN. (S.E. MN.)

Nope, I don't ice fish, but I think a lot of them go up there to drink beer, and I can do that at home. I don't have to do the windshield time or have to spend all of that money.

Jeremy Loc: America

Maybe its the idea of your truck and maybe you disappearing that deters you. Beer freezes unless keep it warm.

flyguy Loc: Caledonia, MN. (S.E. MN.)

My belly will do that, Jer.

smitty Loc: maine

smart guy that fly

Thomer Loc: Alexandria, Mn

I’ve been there and have in-laws that go yearly! As I’ve posted previously about being a fair weather ice fisherman,
Tomorrow in Brainerd, Mn, it will be ZERO degrees! You get shuttled to the landing, then walk, towing your gear by hand out on the ice! There has been up to 10,000 people out there! No shelters, no heater, but there’s Porta potties 100 yards away! There’s food tents, raffle prizes, warming tents, and the contest lasts only like 3 hours!
BUT! If you’re lucky to catch the largest fish, you win a pickup truck! There are tons of great prizes and the JC’s raise a ton of money for charity! All you warm weather stagers, make your plans to come next year!!

Jeremy Loc: America

Is the Pickup truck from the bottom of the lake?

Thomer Loc: Alexandria, Mn

Update: For all the stagers that were intrigued by Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza, I thought I would update the forecast!! It is a balmy 9 degrees below zero with a wind chill of negative 21! Just a glorious day to wet a line! But hey! It’s the experience! I think I’ll sit inside and watch TV!

smitty Loc: maine

u funny j