Are tickets still available on the day of the contest?
Yes, tickets are available at designated outlets (look for pink banners) and on the ice at center ice.

Where are “Will Call” tickets?
The “Will Call” is the white “info booth” located at center ice.

Can you transfer 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.

Can my son or daughter fish in the contest?
Yes, there is no age requirement.

I can’t find my ticket, can I still fish?
No, all contestants must have a ticket and it must be visible at all times. “Will Call” tickets can be picked up at the white “Info Booth” located at the center of the contest area.

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 park on the ice?
No, parking is located at BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY. Our overflow lot is located just north of the contest area. Shuttle bus service is available both ways from both lots.

Do we have handicap parking?
Yes, handicap parking is at Brainerd International Raceway.

When do the shuttle buses run?
The shuttles will transport people on and off the ice nonstop from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Can I bring a cooler onto the ice?
Yes, coolers will be allowed. All coolers are subject to mandatory search or will not be allowed in the contest area.

Do you have bait for sale?
No.

Will propane be available?
Due to federal regulation, propane is NOT allowed on the Extravaganza shuttle buses regardless of where they are departing from.  If you try and bring propane onto the shuttle bus you will be asked to leave it behind or get off the shuttle bus.  No propane will be sold on the ice.

Can I bring my own beer or pop into the contest area?
Yes, plastic bottles and cans are allowed. Glass bottles are not allowed.

Can we bring our own food?
Yes, however, we encourage you to check out the great food provided by our concession vendors at center ice.

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.

Is there a place I can warm up?
We have heated concession tents.

Are spectators welcome?
Yes, you don’t need a ticket to get into the contest area.  If you do not fish the contest you can still support the event and its charitable causes by purchasing a raffle ticket at the ticket tent.

What time can I start fishing?
12:00 p.m.  A cannon will be fired at 12:00 p.m., shortly after the National Anthem.

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.

Who is running the contest?
The Brainerd Jaycees, an organization that provides development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.

What are you going to do with the money?
The primary beneficiary of the contest is Confidence Learning Center. The remaining beneficiaries include approximately 45 local area charities.

When can I enter the contest area?
8:00 a.m.

Can I pre-fish?
Pre-fishing is allowed until 12:00 a.m. (Midnight) the night before the event. No lines are allowed in the water for any reason within the contest area from Friday at Midnight to Saturday (contest day) at 11:30 a.m. other than to check the depth.

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.

Can I check the depth?
Yes. Absolutely no lines are allowed in the water from 11:30 a.m. (Saturday) to the start of the contest. Baited lines in the water are prohibited until the start of the contest. Contestants are allowed to check their depth prior to 11:30 a.m. (Saturday). Anyone with lines in the water prior to the contest for any other purpose than checking depth will be immediately disqualified.

When does the contest end?
3:00 p.m. The cannon will sound ending the contest. All contestants must be in the weigh-in line at or before 3:05 p.m. Remember, fish must be brought to the weigh-in tent immediately when caught and alive. Dead or frozen fish will be ineligible.

Can I fish using a windbreak or shelter?
No, windbreaks or shelters are not allowed.

Can I pull canvas over my head for protection?
No, all contestants must remain completely visible while fishing.

Can I fish two holes?
Yes, if two tickets are purchased. Both tickets must be visible at all times.

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 state law.

How big does the fish have to be to win a prize?
Any size fish may place in the top 150.

Can I take my prize home with me?
Yes, your prize is now your responsibility. We have an easy warm way to claim prizes. If you win the truck it will be claimed by appointment at Mills Ford in Baxter, MN. All other contest and raffle winners must claim their prizes at Fleet Farm in Baxter, MN by 12 p.m. on Sunday the day after the contest.

Is there handicapped parking?
Yes, handicapped parking is located at Brainerd International Raceway. There is signage denoting where to park and where handicapped shuttle pick-up is. They are shuttled to the Gull Lake Access. From there, volunteers will assist them onto another shuttle which will take them to center ice. The same process occurs for leaving the ice.

Are tip-ups allowed?
Yes

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, driver’s 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 bags but we have only a limited supply.
• 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 finds you. Check out their webpage for more information.
• We ask that you do not bring anything in glass containers.