FAQ
Q: Are tickets available the day of the event? A: Yes-cash or check only! Q: Does any species qualify to be caught/weighed? A: NO! The lake sturgeon is not an eligible species and the Northern Pike has a size restriction per MN law. Q: Can you transfer tickets to another individual? A: Yes The ticket holder will win the prize for the fish they catch and register to that ticket number. Q: Can my son or daughter fish in the contest? A: Yes, there is no age limit but they will need to have a ticket. Q: I can’t find my ticket, can I still fish? A: No, all contestants must have a ticket and it must be visible at all times. Q: When do the shuttle buses run? A: The shuttles will transport people on and off the ice from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m Q: Will you have bait for sale? A: No Q: Can I bring my own food or beverages into the contest area? A: No. Food and beverages will be available on the Ice. Q: Do I need a fishing license? A: Yes, fishing during the contest is regulated by all Minnesota fishing laws. Minnesota DNR Officers may be present. Q: Can I bring a powered Ice Auger? A: No! – Holes will be pre-drilled. You may need a chisel or a hand auger to re-open your hole Saturday morning. Q: What time can I start fishing? A: 12:00 p.m. Q: I caught two fish, should I register both? A: Yes, but only the largest fish you register will count. Q: What is Ice Castle going to do with the money? A: The Ice Castle Classic will donate all of the proceeds to charitable organizations in this area. Ice Castle/American Surplus is a sponsor and not the entity facilitating the tournament. Q: When can I enter the contest area? A: 8:00 a.m. Q: Can I use a fish/depth locator, an underwater camera or a GPS? A: Yes, we will follow the Minnesota DNR ice fishing rules with the exception that you can only fish one hole per ticket and you must fish outside. No shelter houses allowed in the contest area. Q: Can I check the depth? A: Yes. Absolutely no lines in the water from 11:30 a.m. to the start of the contest. Baited lines in the water are prohibited until the start of the contest. Contestants are allowed to check their depth prior to 11:30 a.m. Anyone with lines in the water prior to the contest for any other purpose than checking depth will be immediately disqualified. Q: When does the contest end? A: 3:00 p.m. All contestants must be in the weigh-in line at or before 3:05 p.m. Remember, fish must be brought to the weigh-in area immediately when caught and alive. Dead or frozen fish will be ineligible. Q: Can I fish two holes? A: Yes, if you purchase two tickets. Both tickets must be visible at all times. Q: Can my friend watch my line while I go to the bathroom or to register my fish? A: No, please take your line out of the water. leaving your line unattended is against Minnesota law. Q: How big does a fish have to be to win a prize? A: Any size fish may place in the top 50. Q: Can I use a K-Drill or electric auger to re-open the pre-drilled holes? A: NO! The only item that can be used to open holes is a chisel or hand auger! Bring an Ice Chisel or a manual Hand Auger. The holes are pre-drilled on Friday evening, so depending on the weather, you may need to break open your hole a little bit. Don’t use your boots. Bring a Minnesota fishing license. We abide by all state rules and you must have a valid fishing license to compete in the contest. Be sure to wear warm clothes and dress in layers. It is hard to know what the elements may bring. you may start the day in sunny weather and walk off the ice in the wind. Bring a bucket or a large bag. The fish needs to be alive when you bring it up to the weigh station. Bring cash. There are food and product vendors on the ice and many of them only accept cash, and there is NOT and ATM or check cashing service on the ice. Beer and food will be available on the Ice. Buy bait ahead of time because there is not bait for sale on the ice. Bring your driver’s license – you may need it for the higher dollar prizes. Bring your fishing poles, gear and accessories. Consider buying an ice fishing rod available at most sporting goods stores.