Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza set for January 24th

BRAINERD (AP) - It's a "go" for the 25th annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.

The Crow Wing County sheriff's office met with representatives from the Brainerd Jaycees on Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay on Wednesday to verify ice conditions.

Organizers say clear, consistent ice was found throughout the contest site, and an event permit was issued for the Jan. 24 contest.

The event, seven miles north of Brainerd, annually draws about 10,000 anglers who compete for nearly $200,000 in prizes including a new pickup, all-terrain vehicles and fish houses.

Anglers can choose from about 20,000 pre-drilled holes.

All proceeds are donated to area nonprofits. The primary beneficiary is the Confidence Learning Center, an outdoor center for persons with developmental disabilities.