> 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:
3. North American Ice Fishing Circuit (NAIFC) ends?!
Sounds like a mixture of declining attendance and cheating allegations. Hopefully someone picks it back up and builds it back into what it once was.
4. WI is proposing a 3-fish daily bag limit for walleye.
It’s already a special regulation on numerous waters in the state…but it would take it statewide where the daily limit is currently 5 fish with a 15″ minimum = a regulation that’s been in place since 1949. I mean a few things have changed since then…. 👍
5. ND: 39th-annual DLVFD Ice Fishing Tournament is THIS WEEKEND.
Over $325K in prizes. Proceeds from the tourney are used to buy equipment for the Devils Lake Volunteer Fire Dept = awesome.
Btw I saw a cool post from them on FB a couple days ago that said:
> “The weight of the snow and potential for water on the ice is a concern for us this year. We were out 10 days ago and plowed the lanes, drilled holes, and flooded the tournament area to relieve the pressure. After further inspection this weekend, things seem to be going as planned. Game on!
Slick thinking.
6. MI: DNR snowplowing program keeps accesses open…
…at 25 popular U.P. ice fishing locations. Wish we had that everywhere!
7. SD: Ice Fish Fest canceled due to unsafe ice conditions.
Next year’s event will be January 27, 2024.
8. AR: Walleye consumption advisory issued for Bull Shoals and Norfork.
Opening line in this White River Now write-up says:
> “Lovers of walleye fish should be aware of a new advisory from the AR Department of Health (ADH).”
I usually instantly stop reading anything that calls it a “walleye fish” LOL…. Glad they clarified on the fish part so no one confused it for a walleye mammal or walleye bird. 🥴
But anywho…this advisory is “a notice about the mercury levels present in some walleye and the possible health effects on those who regularly eat the fish from these lakes. Occasional fish consumers, such as vacationers and sport anglers, are at little risk for adverse health effects.”
Here’s AR Dept of Health’s recommendation:
> High-Risk Groups (pregnant women, breastfeeding women, women planning to be pregnant, and children under the age of 7 yrs): Should not eat walleye 18″ or longer from these lakes.
> General Public (men, women, and children 7 yrs and older): Recommend eating no more than 2 meals per month of walleye 18″ or longer from these lakes.
> Eating fish with mercury will not make people sick right away, but as you eat more and more, it can build up in the body and over time, potentially cause adverse health effects.
FYI the Twin Lakes Walleye Club (TLWC) President, Dave Higgins, wants to assure the public that there’s no need to overreact…
> “Identification of chemical pollutants in freshwater fish through sampling has been a common occurrence in recent years. Therefore, we feel there is no need for overreaction and we will continue to catch, release and consume fish in accordance with current law and guidance.”
Btw all 50 states have consumption advisories for at least 1 fish species due to mercury….
9. MN: Nisswa area is getting a BIG, new bait shop.
Sportland Bait and Tackle has actually been in the area since 1976, but they just wrapped up the construction of a gorgeous, new building on HWY 371 (next to the Nisswa Holiday Gas Station and the waterslide). Can’t wait to check it out in person:
