Frequently Asked Questions

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

What does the Extravaganza do with the money?
The primary beneficiary of the contest is Confidence Learning Center. The remaining beneficiaries include over 50 local area charities. For the list of beneficiaries, please visit icefishing.org.

Are tickets still available the day of the contest?
Yes, tickets are available at designated outlets (listed on our website at icefishing.org/tickets) and at center ice. Tickets can be purchased from 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. day of the contest. Event tickets must be purchased by noon, the time the contest begins. 

I purchased my ticket online, but I have not received it. What should I do?
Online tickets sales will be mailed to your address up until two weeks prior to the event. Tickets purchased afterwards can be picked up at the white Info Booth located at center ice the day of the contest. 

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.

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.

Can I park on the ice?
No, parking is located at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR). The overflow lot is located just north of the contest area (in Nisswa). Shuttle bus service is available both ways from both lots.  

When do the shuttle buses run?
The shuttles (located at BIR) will transport people on and off the ice from 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

If I take the shuttle bus, can my sled and gear go with me?
Yes. Please take note, 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.

Is there handicap parking? Is there a handicap shuttle?
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 ice-fishing runners, sleds, and flip-overs allowed?
Yes, with restrictions. Runners, sleds, and flip-overs are allowed for transportation of your fishing gear to your pre-drilled hole only. Runners, sleds, and flip-overs can be used for no other purpose. 

Can I bring a cooler onto the ice?
Yes, coolers will be allowed. All coolers are subject to mandatory searches; otherwise, they will not be allowed in the contest area. No glass bottles are allowed on ice; any found will be confiscated. 

Can I bring an ice auger?
No, holes are pre-drilled. You may need a chisel to re-open your hole Saturday morning; you may not bring motorized, gas, electric, or manual augers into the contest site.

Can I use a fish/depth locator, live imaging, 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.

What size bait can I bring?
All bait fish must be four inches or smaller. Any bait fish more than four inches long will not be allowed within the contest site. (Reference rule 2.4) 

Are tip-ups allowed?
Yes.

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.

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.

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 I check the depth?
Yes. Contestants are allowed to check their depth prior to 11:30 A.M. (Saturday). 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. Anyone with lines in the water prior to the contest for any other purpose than checking depth will be immediately disqualified.

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.

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 my friend watch my line while I go to the bathroom or go to register my fish?
No, please take your line out of the water. Leaving your line unattended is against Minnesota law

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.

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. 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.

Can my son or daughter fish the contest?
Yes, however, anyone less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or adult with written parental permission.

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

Are spectators welcome?
Yes, spectators are welcome. You do not 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 Vendors will be on ice?
There are a variety of food, product, and gift vendors on the ice the day of the contest. If you get hungry, need to warm up with a cup of coffee, or are in the market for a coon-skin hat, this is the place to be. You will also find the latest in fishing gear. 

Will propane be available for purchase?
No, propane will not be sold on the ice.

Is there an ATM on the ice?
Yes, it is located at center ice within one of our vendors.

Where can one purchase raffle tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at available outlets, including most Fleet Farm stores. Raffles prizes (and outlets) are listed at icefishing.org/tickets. You need not be present to win.