5. Bunch of ice derbies still happenin’.
Lots of changes, but not everything has been cancelled this szn. Here’s a few recent updates:
MN: The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Extravaganza is tomorrow.
It’s the largest charity ice-fishing tourney in the world. Typically has 10,000+ people fishing [!] and held on Gull Lake. But this year they had to go virtual…so can fish any public waters in MN and fish are entered thru the FishDonkey app. They’ll be randomly drawing 150 winners (over $150K in prize) from the top-500 longest fish entered. #PikeFest?
CO: Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest this weekend.
Will see its biggest attendance ever at the 33rd-annual event this weekend. Online pre-registration closed earlier this week after all 1,200 slots were filled. An additional 300 slots are open for in-person registration (as of Wed) at Budget Tackle and Granby Bait n Tackle.
MN: Virtual kid’s ice tourney starting now.
> A local nonprofit…Project MN Youth Outdoors was founded about 10 yrs ago with the goal of teaching youth the value of hunting, fishing and being good conservators of the environment.
> …isn’t going to let the pandemic stop it from having its annual kids ice fishing competition. Every year, they host a kids ice fishing tournament at Chester Woods Park. But this time, it’s a virtual competition. It kicks off [today] and goes for the next 3 weeks.
> The tournament is specific to any body of water in Olmsted County. There will be prizes like shopping sprees for the young angler who hooks the biggest fish.
MN: Cuyuna Lakes’ ice derby going virtual Feb 6.
MN: Cable Rod and Gun Club derb, Lake Namakagon, Feb 6.
MN: 39th annual Sleepy Eye derby, Feb 7.
AB: The BIG JIG, Sylvan Lake, Feb 13-15.
> “…a family friendly event. It’s catered to people who are beginners and never tried fishing before. We’re offering free learn to fish workshops.”
ME: China Lake ice derby, Feb 14.
ND: Jamestown Rural Fire Dept, Feb 20
MI: Pearl Lake VFW derby, Feb 20.
Kid friendly
ME: Moosehead Lake Togue Derby split up over 2 weekends.
Both this weekend and Feb 19-21.
6. New T-H Marine natl sales and marketing mgr.
Chris Drahman:
> Before his recent work…Chris had over 14 years working for T-H Marine’s OEM and distributor sales reps at William F. Miller & Associates.
If you haven’t heard of T-H, they make some awesome products and are growing like crazy.
7. MN looking for Mille Lacs advisory committee members.
For the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee (MLFAC):
> MLFAC is the stakeholder group that advises the DNR on fisheries management for Mille Lacs Lake. The group was established in 2015 to enhance 2-way dialogue between the DNR and stakeholders about Mille Lacs Lake fisheries management.
> Seats are available for a business representative and multiple at-large members. The advisory committee has representation from resorts, guides and other businesses…property owners, county government, DNR work groups that focus on walleye, bass, and northern pike and muskellunge…and other members of the public.
8. CT: Petition to stop herbicide spraying on state waters.
Spraying for milfoil, but:
> The herbicides often used destroy all vegetation in its path eliminating habitat for fish, shellfish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc. Several times anglers throughout the state have witnessed fish kills on the Housatonic Water Shed, mainly Lake Lillinonah.
> Any person or company in the world can legally apply for a permit to Connecticut DEEP for any reason and get a rubber stamp approval. If no approval is given, there is also a loophole within the current laws that if no response is given to the applicant within 24 hours, it is deemed automatically approved. These herbicide applications are approved under the guise of treating the invasive species milfoil. An aquatic plant which has been in mostly all water bodies in CT for decades.
9. MN: “School of Fish” coming to Luverne Feb 6.
> The class will be led by pro angler and fishing TV show host Mike Frisch. Students will learn about lakes, finding fish…and some great ways to catch them. They also learn to tie a fishing knot and rig/use a slip-bobber setup. Bring an adult fishing buddy with you at no extra charge. The last part of class includes ice fishing at The Lake.
> There is a fee to attend. Each child will receive an equipment pack valued at > $50, including a rod and reel, tackle box with tackle, workbook, $10 gift card and a snack pack.
Luverne is as SW as you can get in Minnie.
10. VT: Sat is free ice fishing day.
Anyone, resident or not, can go fishing in VT without a license Jan 30.
11. MO: Legit LOL’d at this Lake of the Ozarks fishing report.
“Walleye: Slow on jigs.”
Hahaha always.
