Tips and Advice

Updated 12/01/2017

My kid wants to fish but the ticket says “no minors”?

Answer:    The ticket stub part of the ticket must have an adult’s name on it but anyone can use the ticket to enter, fish, and register in the fishing contest.  The state of Minnesota doesn’t govern over the contest, only the raffle part.  Minnesota state law forbids anyone under 18 to be involved in a raffle.

Does my kid need a ticket?  Even if he/she is not fishing?

Answer:  Yes.  Everyone who wishes to enter the contest area must have ticket.

Can I get a ticket on the Ice?

Answer:  YES, if available. There will be a booth available at the gates until 1:30pm on Saturday, Feb.6.

Tickets can be purchased at the Legion until 12:30 on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Do I need a fishing license?

Answer:  Yes. Fishing during the contest is regulated by all Minnesota fishing laws. MD DNR Officers may be present.

Can I bring my depth finder or underwater camera?

Answer:   Yes.

Can I bring my fish house or auger?

Answer:    No.  Fish Houses are against the rules.  For a wind break you may bring portables however you may not completely close it.  Augers won’t be needed.  The holes are predrilled.

Can I purchase an additional hole?

Answer: YES! This year you can purchase an additional hole on the day of the tournament. Looks for a volunteer with Flags on the Ice.

Handicapped?  Can I drive on the ice?

Answer:  Minnesota State issued permits will give handicapped people access to a parking area on the ice.  From there they can take a courtesy car to the contest area.

Parking?

Answer: Parking and shuttle service is available from the Legion.  Shuttle service will start running at 10:30 a.m. We will be posting more areas to park and take a shuttle from.

How early can I get on the ice?

Answer:  The gates will be open at 10:30 a.m.  No pre-fishing will be allowed.

How early can I get into the Legion on Saturday?

Answer:  Breakfast starts serving at 7 a.m.    Derby tickets sales will start around 7 a.m., the bar opens at 9 a.m.

Can I bring a propane heater?

Answer:    Yes.  If you are going to take the shuttle (bus) to the lake, you must tag the propane tank and it will be delivered to the access on the lake.  The buses are not allowed to have propane on them.  You can have them tagged here and a driver will deliver them to the access.

What if one of the fishing divisions isn’t filled? What happens to those prizes?

Answer:   Minnesota law prohibits the Legion from raffling those prizes.  So they are kept until the following year or returned to the donator.  The only time we can raffle derby prizes is if there is a Total Cancellation of the contest.

Where can I purchase bait?

Answer:   Park Rapids has three sporting goods stores that sell bait in town. You can also purchase bait on the ice.

Can I bring a cooler?

Answer:  Very small ones.  Everything that is brought will be searched at the entrance. You can bring sleds, buckets, chairs, and those kind of things for use during the contest.

Will there be food on the ice?

Answer:   Yes. Vendors will be available, bring cash.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Answer:  Yes

Am I allowed to bring alcohol into the event?

Answer:  Yes

How can I get involved?

Answer