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Tournament Reminders!

Extravaganza Hybrid Edition Day of Snapshot

The Contest

Tournament Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LUmfGn4c2ijMjYRW9

FishDonkey App
All photos must be taken through the FishDonkey app during the live tournament. Be sure you have it downloaded on your mobile device.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the app before Saturday. Watch this video to view our step-by-step guide on how to “practice entering a fish” before the tournament starts: https://youtu.be/thKWP3dMC-g

Enter a Fish
All submissions must include at least three photographs:

1) A photo of your extravaganza ticket where the five-digit ticket number is legible

2) A photo of you holding the fish

3) A photo of the fish on a legal measuring board as described previously in rule 2.6. Close the fish’s mouth. The nose should touch the bump of the measuring board (the belly is facing you). The measurement photo needs to include the entire fish on the board. If the fish tail is touching or crosses the graduation line on the board then that measurement is rounded up to the next ¼” graduation.

Extra Large fish that exceed the length of a bump board or small fish that don’t reach the beginning of the graduation lines on the commercially-produced bump board should show a commercially produced, steel, rigid, measuring tape that begins at the tip of the fish’s nose bumped against a hard stop (like a wall or a cooler) and the tail pushed down to the tape measure. A video showing the length from tip to tail is required. Tape measure must be on the ground. Absolutely NO hands, fingers, or props are allowed under the fish to alter the fish for an official measurement.

Contest Rules
We’ve updated our rules. Before you hit the ice, take a moment to review the official rules on our website or view them in the FishDonkey app when you sign up for the tournament!

Official Rules – Virtual

Length to Points
This year we will be converting length to points. Shown in the image is an example of how it will work. All of these species are worth approximately 80 points. This allows for a chance for all species to be on the leaderboard. However, you won’t need to memorize these point values. When you catch a fish, you just need to enter the length to the nearest one-fourth-inch.

Length to Points Scale

Raffle
We have two raffle prize drawings this year – Raffle A and Raffle B. Tickets can be purchased at Fleet Farm, outlet locations, and select lake accesses. Join us at Fleet Farm at 3 PM to watch a live feed of the raffle drawing and collect your prize.

Raffle Prize List

Catch of the Day
The Catch of the Day species for 2024 is the sunfish. Catch of the Day tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Fleet Farm, specific outlet locations, and Info/Will Call Booth.

Catch of the Day Prize Giveaway

TIEBREAKER: In the event two fish of the same point value are caught, the earlier-submitted fish will place above the later-submitted fish on the leaderboard. The FishDonkey app uses a time stamp upon pressing the “submit fish” button, that timestamp will be used for tiebreaker purposes.

Parking/Shuttling
Free parking is available at Brainerd International Raceway (5523 Birchdale Rd). Buses will stop at various accesses within the tournament site. Shuttling is available from 6 AM – 4 PM.

Info/Will Call Booth

  • Friday, 4 – 7 PM: Located at the Gichi Ziibi Center for the Arts (602 S 5th St, Brainerd)
  • Saturday, 6 AM – 2 PM: Located at Brainerd International Raceway (5523 Birchdale Rd)

You can purchase tickets at the info booth!

Have a Question or Need Support?
We’re here to help! There are a variety of ways to find the answer you need.

 

2024 Official Fishing Map Announced

The lakes within the blue lines are approved for the 2024 Brainerd Jaycees Hybrid Ice Fishing Extravaganza. The Extravaganza has access to view your location when you submit a fish using the FishDonkey app during the tournament.

Thank you to our committee members and local officials who worked tirelessly to get this map together.

Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza Announce Hybrid Approach for 2024 Tournament

Brainerd, MN — In light of our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all participants, the Brainerd Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza is excited to share our plans for the upcoming 2024 tournament scheduled for February 3rd. In the spirit of adaptability and safety, we have devised a plan that prioritizes the well-being of the public, our community, and the dedicated anglers who make this event truly special. After careful consideration, the Extravaganza is pivoting to a hybrid model for the upcoming tournament.

Our commitment to the ice fishing tradition remains strong, concentrating on its three core ideals. 1) Bringing in economic support to area businesses 2) Donating all proceeds to area charities and nonprofits 3) Encouraging people of all ages to enjoy the best midwest hobby! Our hybrid model remains focused on our key mission while also addressing safety concerns. 

Recognizing the importance of adapting to the current circumstances, the Extravaganza will transition to a hybrid model using Fish Donkey as the platform, keeping the February 3rd date but with extended contest hours. Participants will register for the tournament, uploading a picture of their ticket, which is needed to qualify for the event. This hybrid model extends the tournament across multiple Brainerd Area lakes where participants can still compete and experience the thrill of the Extravaganza from the safety and comfort of their chosen locations. The committee is also working on providing in-person support on main accesses across the area to directly help contestants who may not be familiar with the platform. Multiple changes have been adapted from the Fish Donkey tournament held in 2021. 

While online ticket sales will end today, contestants are encouraged to buy tickets from their local Fleet Farm stores or participating outlets. The will call and Information booth will also be available to help our participants throughout the transition. 

While we understand that this may not be the ideal scenario for some participants,we deem it crucial to prioritize safety and flexibility in light of unprecedented ice conditions. We insist that all contestants exercise utmost caution on any ice. Our steadfast commitment to delivering an unforgettable and thrilling event remains a priority. Rest assured, our confidence in this hybrid approach enables us to  navigate and overcome any challenges that may arise.

Please stay updated on all information by visiting icefishing.org, following our official social media channels, and joining our mailing list. 

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm and participation in the Brainerd Jaycee Ice Fishing Extravaganza.

Brainerd Jaycees Announce Early Bird Sale Begins at Fleet Farm

Brainerd, MN — The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, so be sure to save the new date! The contest will still be at noon on Hole-in-the-Day Bay on Gull Lake.

The Extravaganza draws over 10,000 anglers annually who will compete this year for more than $250,000 in prizes. All proceeds from the event are donated to charities.

Starting Tuesday, November 1st, 2023, annual sponsor, Fleet Farm begins their month-long early bird sale with contest tickets discounted to $35. This is the biggest sale on the Extravaganza tickets, so contestants will want to buy early to save. Catch of the Day and raffle tickets are also sold in Minnesota Fleet Farm stores. Catch of the Day tickets are $10 this year as the prize package is worth over $17,000. On December 1st contestants can purchase their $50 tickets at participating outlets and on icefishing.org.

The Brainerd Jaycees Extravaganza is also proud to announce the return of its kick-off party! This year, they will welcome Charlie Berens, a comedian, Emmy-winning journalist, and New York Times best-selling author, to the stage on February 2nd, 2024 for the Extravaganza Kick-Off Party.

Charlie Berens may be most well known for creating the Manitowoc Minute and his social following of 7.5 million viewers. His hilarious Midwest content has captured plenty of attention!

The Extravaganza kick-off party will be held at the Gitchi-Ziibi Center for the Arts Auditorium in Brainerd, fitting 1,2000 audience members. The midwestern professor’s Good Old Fashioned Comedy Tour will begin at 7:30 P.M, and doors open at 6:30 P.M. General admission tickets will be available for purchase on December 1st, 2023 for $45. For information on tickets and the event, go to icefishing.org/kickoffparty.

check presentation

Ice Fishing for a Good Cause: $136,000 Donated to Charity from Brainerd Jaycees Extravaganza

Brainerd, MN—The 33rd Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza Committee gathered for a celebration with the team at Confidence Learning Center for a check presentation earlier this week. The Brainerd Jaycees donated a total of $72,388.59 to Confidence Learning Center, the main beneficiary of the Extravaganza. Other donations totaling $63,832.50 were contributed to other local area non-profit groups who all come together for a spectacular day on the ice and support their causes through hard work, dedication, and a love of ice fishing.

The Brainerd Jaycees are grateful to all participants, contestants, sponsors, and area businesses for their ongoing support.

Tickets for the 2024 contest are now available for the 34th annual event scheduled for February 3rd, 2024. Visit icefishing.org for all contest details and to purchase tickets.

The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest held annually since 1991 on Gull Lake in Minnesota, where thousands of anglers compete for over $300,000 in cash and prizes while supporting local charities. The event has donated over $4 million to charities in its 33-year history, with the Confidence Learning Center as the primary beneficiary.

The Brainerd Jaycees get the green light from local officials

Brainerd, MN—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 January 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 wheelhouses leave ample room between each other, suggesting at least twenty feet between houses on the ice.

First held in 1991, this event is hailed as the world’s largest charitable ice fishing tournament; event organizers have donated over $4.3 million 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 $200,000 in the process!

Contest tickets, along with raffle tickets and Catch of the Day tickets, can be purchased at Fleet Farm and local Brainerd area outlets as well as the Extravaganza website: icefishing.org. Please visit the website or Facebook page at facebook.com/TheExtravaganza for the most up-to-date information and opportunities to volunteer. 

Extravaganza Ticket Sales Mailing Deadline

Don’t miss your chance to get Extravaganza tickets mailed to your house! The deadline to buy online and have tickets mailed to you is Friday, January 13 at midnight. After January 13, all tickets sold online will be available for pickup at the will-call booth at center ice. The line at will-call can be long. We encourage anglers to buy online before the deadline so they can be mailed.

(Click here to buy your ticket now.)

Other ways to purchase tickets:

  • Center Ice: Tickets can also be purchased in the ticket tent at center ice starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the contest.
  • Outlet Locations: Tickets are available at a variety of outlet locations around the Brainerd Lakes area. (View outlet locations.)
  • Fleet Farm Locations: Tickets are available at all Minnesota Fleet Farm stores.

Don’t forget to also get your $10 raffle tickets for your chance to win an Ice Castle fish house, Polaris side-by-side, and many more prizes! Raffle tickets are available at Minnesota Fleet Farm stores, official outlets, and on the ice at the tournament. Raffle tickets are not sold online.

We appreciate your support, and wish you good luck at the tournament!

Brainerd Jaycees Announce Early Bird Sale at Fleet Farm

Brainerd, MN — The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is back with their in-person ice fishing contest held on Saturday, January 28th, 2023, at noon on Hole-in-the-Day Bay on Gull Lake. The Extravaganza draws over 10,000 anglers annually who compete for more than $200,000 in prizes. All proceeds from the event are donated to charities. Starting Tuesday, November 1st, 2022, annual sponsor, Fleet Farm begins their month-long early bird sale with contest tickets discounted to $35.00. This is the biggest sale on the Extravaganza tickets, so contestants will want to buy early to save. Catch of the Day and raffle tickets are also sold in Minnesota Fleet Farm stores this year as well. On December 1st contestants can find their $50.00 tickets at participating outlets. 

First held in 1991, this event is hailed as the world’s largest charitable ice fishing tournament; event organizers have donated over $4 million to Brainerd‐area charities, most notably Confidence Learning Center, in its 32‐year history. The volunteer‐run event is organized by the Brainerd Jaycees who have over 90 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, and it has a huge impact on the Brainerd Lakes Area. 

For the most up-to-date information on the Gull Lake Tournament as well as more opportunities to win big or volunteer visit icefishing.org

Permit Issued for Brainerd Ice Fishing Tournament on January 29

Brainerd, MN—The 32nd Annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza has been issued its event permit. On Jan. 20, the Brainerd Jaycees and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Department checked ice conditions on Gull Lake’s Hole in the Day Bay and found 16 inches of ice throughout the two-square mile contest site. “Event planning has been going really well this year and we’re excited to host a fantastic contest next weekend,” said contest chair Andrew Jay.

The Ice Fishing Extravaganza is world-renown and has drawn more than 10,000 people annually for over 25 years. People and media from across the globe attend this event which is the world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest. “The charitable aspect plus the $200-thousand-dollar prize package is what keeps people coming,” said Sheena Ziegler, marketing coordinator for the Brainerd Jaycees. 

The proceeds of the Ice Fishing Extravaganza are donated to more than 50 area charities with Confidence Learning Center as the primary beneficiary. The Brainerd Jaycees have donated more than $4.2 million since the event was founded.

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. Visit icefishing.org for all contest details.

First held in 1991, this event has been postponed three times and moved to a different lake once. Hailed as the world’s largest charitable ice fishing tournament, event organizers have donated over $4 million to Brainerd-area charities, most notably Confidence Learning Center, in its 30-year history. The volunteer-run event is organized by the Brainerd Jaycees who have over 90 members contributing more than 75,000 hours and $200,000 to the community annually.

31st Annual Virtual Ice Fishing Extravaganza FishDonkey Tip and Photo Rules

  • All photos must be taken through the FishDonkey app and measurements must be on a valid measuring board.
  • Fish should be recorded immediately and measurements noted by length.
  • All submissions must include at least two photographs: 1) A pic of you holding the fish 2) A pic of the fish on the measuring board.

Close the fish’s mouth. The nose should touch the bump of the measuring board (the belly is facing you). The measurement photo needs to include the entire fish on the board. If the fishtail is touching the graduation line on the board then that is the exact measurement. If the tail crosses a graduation line, round up ¼”.

  • All participants must have their fish submitted before the end of the tournament.
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