Maple Lake Ice Fishing Derby Help

[Whateverzbitin]

I plan to take part in the derby but find myself frustrated by the lack of information posted to the HSOforum about the actual contest. Can anybody tell me what to expect? I know you can use a house. Do many people do that? Can you fish with two lines and use tip-ups? What do they do with the fish? Hopefully they do not go to waste of they are not tossed back. Also I know it is 5 bucks per fish entered, but is there a price for entry? Seems risky. If fish are not bitting they don't get much money, but it makes it easier to justify trying.

[bassinboy3]

Its a zoo get there early! most people use houses. You can fish 2 lines. and the fish are not released. I heard somewhere this is an event that helps weed out the billions of hammerhandle pike in that lake much like clearwaters pike tournament.

[Whateverzbitin]

I can understand that about the small pike. It would be cool if they had folks on site to clean them for a big fry, or at least donate the meat to a food shelf or something. Do you know if you can go anyplace on the lake you want?

[BartmanMN]

Anywhere on Big Maple within distance to hear the PA system is what the HSOforum says.

[&JAG]

It will be busy out there but it is a fun atmosphere. A lot of folks use houses as stated above. After the Derby is done they ask those who caught to take their fish.

[sticknstring]

It's a fun time! Lots of people. $5 entry, although you don't have to buy a ticket. Only if you want to enter a fish or partake in the raffle. Two houses being given away this year. One for 38th largest northern, and one from raffle tickets. Fish are not released and posted on a big board. You can fish on the ice or in a house, up to two lines. Polar plunge, auger contest, band on the ice afterwards - see you all out there! Check out maplelakeonline dot com for more info.

[Whateverzbitin]

Great info guys. Can anybody tell me where on the lake the PA system will be? Also if I got there at say 10am could I just set up and start to fish and wait for the derby to start, or is there a more formal process. Sorry for all the questions, but I just don't want to go in blind.

[&JAG]

About 100yds. out from the South Boat landing.

[tsande00]

I usually setup the night before. Probably do the same thing this year. Chilly night to sleep in the portable but I think we'll be fine. I think you'll be fine getting there at 10AM but don't be surprised if there are several hundred people out there by then.