Ice Tourneys

[Ya Hey Der]

How many folks have participated in ice tournaments and how many plan on participating this year? Also wondering if there are any folks out there that have ever tried the trap attack. What was your experience and would you do it again?

[hanson]

Ya Hey Der-

Contests? No.

Tournaments? A few...

The I.C.E. Series is a fun & friendly multi-species tournament format. I've fished quite a few of them now (Lake of the Woods, Rush Lake, Medicine Lake, Lake Winnibigoshish, Burntside Lake) The one thing I love about the I.C.E. Series is that most of the staff are willing to help you find fish or help you out if the lake is new to you. The entry fee is modest which gives you the chance for some good prizes. Need not be a good fisherman to walk away with a prize. Look for more info coming out soon on this winters I.C.E. Series events. I think we're planning a few lakes that will really appeal to some people.

The Trap Attacks are a little more serious of a tournament format. Big prizes, larger entry fees, and competition against very good fisherman. While I have not fished the Trap Attacks, I know there are some people on this forum who have. Maybe they'll see this and chime in.

Looking for something in between maybe, check out the Ulimate Panfish League that Matt Johnson is organizing for this winter. There are 4 events planned on relatively metro panfish lakes.

I'm a serious ice angler but haven't reached the point yet where I have to fish big money ice tournaments. I think the fun might be lost for me at that point and thats what ice fishing is all about to me.

[Captain B.R.K]

Ya der, \

I use to fish with a buddy in the Ice Team Trap Attacks a few years ago. I fished in 3 traps 2-3 years ago. Let me tell you that they have blown that series up BIG TIME. Before it cost $50 bucks a team (2 guys) to fish in a trap attack. People fished for the prized "WOOD" that long time trap attackers longed for. Plus the top 3 teams won like vexilars, fishtraps, and augers. Trap attacks would be in MN, SD, IA, WI and IL.

NOW they are called Super Trap attacks and attract 100's of people to their events, which are held in MI, WI, ND, MN, and NY. Instead of $50 a team, the cost is $220. But the prize if more than a piece of "wood", each event has a purse of $25,000; that is if they get 150 participants for each event.

This is more of a professional type series with fisherman having more of a game face and seriousness to win.

Out of the 2-3 years we were there, we didn't connect with 1 person; where's with I.C.E series, I've connected with many new people and faces!!!

Stick with the I.C.E Series. More information will be coming out soon.

[augernaut]

I've fished the Trap Attack in Wisconsin for the last two years - and I'm not going to fish it again. The entry fees are getting quite steep, and it's RAPIDLY becoming a "sponsor" rich sort of deal. Many fishermen are getting sponsors, it's becoming more of a business, and it's not exactly enjoyable for me anymore. I did learn alot from both tournaments, but it's just not for me. Although, you will get to meet/see some of the best ice fishermen anywhere - some of those guys could catch a crappie in your thermos! My favorite memory from the TA's though would have to be sitting down with Dave Genz and just chatting for about 45 minutes one night. Very nice man, the Godfather of Icefishing.

[Captain B.R.K]

And you are saying we aren't some of the "BEST" fisherman here in the I.C.E Series

Genz who?!?!

I hear you loud and clear augernaut about "that not being for you anymore." That's why my partner and I quit a few years ago!