**The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza: A Winter Spectacle with Over $200,000 in Prizes!**
Venture to the frozen expanses of Gull Lake in Brainerd, and you’ll find one of the world’s most celebrated winter events: The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Touted as the pinnacle of ice fishing competitions, this event has been making waves for over 34 years, uniting anglers in a chilly challenge like no other.
Scheduled for the first Saturday every February, the Extravaganza promises participants not just the thrill of the catch, but also a chance to walk away with a slice of the massive prize pool, which exceeds $200,000! Among the most coveted rewards is the “Catch of the Day Prize,” a package valued at nearly $9,000. But that’s not all; from the first 100 kids participating in the youth ice olympics receive ice fishing buckets brimming with goodies and multiple random drawings, the opportunities to win are abundant.
Originating from humble beginnings, the Extravaganza has grown exponentially over the decades. Its history is rich, marked by the passion of the Brainerd Jaycees, a local chapter dedicated to community service and leadership development. Their vision was simple: create an event that not only celebrated the sport of ice fishing but also brought the community together. Today, the contest stands as a testament to their vision, drawing thousands from across the nation, all eager to drop a line into Gull Lake’s icy depths.
Held in Brainerd, Minnesota, the location itself is a lure for participants. Gull Lake offers a pristine environment, its vast icy surface echoing with the sounds of laughter, camaraderie, and the occasional shout of triumph. And while the competition is fierce, the atmosphere is festive, with families and friends coming together to cheer, share, and create memories.
But the Extravaganza is not just about fishing or prizes; it’s about legacy. It’s about the tales told and retold, of the one that got away, or the unexpected catch that won the day. It’s about the bonds formed on the ice, the friendships forged, and the stories that will be passed down for generations.
If you’re an angler, an enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a winter adventure, mark your calendars. Join the legacy, experience the thrill, and become a part of the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. With over $200,000 in prizes and a history that resonates with passion and community spirit, this is one winter event you won’t want to miss!
Date:
February 3, 2024
Location:
Gull Lake, 10 miles north of Brainerd & Baxter
Visit Brainerd provides a free shuttle to and from the event for our hotel guests.
