Park Rapids American Legion Fishing Contest

[howellcanufish]

I am planning on fishing in the community fishing contest in Park Rapids at Fish Hook Lake, and would appreciate any advise on the tourny. Does anyone have any hotspots?? Any info would be of interest. Thanks

[Bob/Mn]

The best thing to do is come a day early and do some scouting. The contest is held north of the public access on fishhook lake. It is never in the exact same place each year. Bring your sounder,do some scouting and get to the contest early to get your spot.

[howellcanufish]

Should a guy just set a tip up out or go with a jiggin method? Should a guy fish for pike or stick with the panfish?

[mamohr686]

There are 4 fish categories including pike/walleye, bass, perch and panfish. The holes are predrilled and your outside the entire time. The key to having fun is to say warm. The boy scouts will be selling food and pop so do your best to support them. Of course jigging will always catch fish but the trick involves keeping your line and gear from freezing up. If your not set up for cold weather outdoor fishing then you may want to use a tip-up. I would fish with a vexilar and without a bobber in some shallow weeds. The shallow end is usually the northeast end of the boundaries. I usually use a haili or other smaller bait that will catch about anything. I've weighed in fish every year but have yet to come back with anything. It takes about 30 minutes just to weigh a fish so don't spend any time weighing in a micro perch. Remember that your going for 3rd place! that's the truck winner.

[howellcanufish]

Thanks for the advice. How early should a guy get to the lake and find a spot?

[howellcanufish]

Has anyone else fished the park rapids tourny, and if so, where do you suggest fishing at?