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BIG LAKE CONTEST


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This is my first year fishing this and I was wondering how most people fish the tourney. Do they just put out a tip-up and hope for something to come along or use the vex and just hope to place? I can't imagine that there would be too many pike swimming around with all of the foot traffic in one area, but I think I saw last year that a pretty good sized one won the big prize. I haven't decided my strategy yet, but I will bring both options out with me and maybe try both and switch it up every now and then. Just curious as to how most people are going to go about it. Good luck to all!!!!

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I wasn't out there last year but I was two years ago and I think someone won with a 3-4lb pike that year also. I think most people fish both ways, buy two holes tip-up in one and jig the other at least thats what I'm planning on.

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Everything under the sun is tried.

Some people fish hard, some hardly fish at all.

Pretty fun time. Lots of prizes for sure.

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I might do just that. Anyone have thoughts on wether to buy shiners or suckers? What part of the lake is this usually held at? I heard that it was right out from the public access, I'm not worried about parking will be at our friend's house and walking out from there. I was just curious how far I am going to have to walk. Should be fun....

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Its right outside the launch/beach area.

There is no parking on the lake at all.

To park in the access parking lot you need a VIP pass.

All other ticket holders need to park at the high school and get shuttled over in the buses.

Just in case anyone didnt know.

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Two years ago, a 8 pound northern won the contest. There has been an average of 6-10 pike caught during the contest. Biglakeba$$ is correct with the parking, but there is limited general parking at the access. Overflow parking will be at the High School. Dilleyo, come see me at the contest. I'm in charge of setup and fish weigh-in and I'll give you some pointers. Just ask for Lee! OH I forgot, 4-5 inch suckers.

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I believe they limit the contest to 1500 fisher-persons, but any # of raffle tickets. I hope to be one of the lucky few, weather or not.

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Do they sell the raffle tix on the ice? Anybody know what the raffle prizes are? I checked strikemaster.com and only found the prize list for the fishing contest. I guess it doesn't really matter what the prizes are, I was just wondering.

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Tix are available on the ice.

Raffle prizes include:

$500 cash

Vegas trip

Grand Casino stay(jacuzzi room)

ATV

And gaggles of smaller stuff like gift certificates and such.

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Yep!

Postponing now would be a logistical mess.

Good for those that are hardcore. Less people, more prizes for us. laugh.gif

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This will be my 1st time at the contest. Are there portable ice houses allowed? I fished the Big eagle lake contest a few weeks back and they allow the use of ice houses.

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Hey, TJC, I'm a little late with this post so I hope you didn't drag your portable all the way out there.

The "snowstorm of the century" (we must be all clear until the 27th century by now) didn't stop about 1000 people from showing up on the ice. Some nice fish were weighed in, too. Although my .14 lbs perch didn't quite make the leader board, I at least broke my contest 0-fer. Top ten fish were all northerns with, I believe, 5 3/4 lbs winning. Top 25 rounded out with a bass over 2 1/4 lbs.

Overall, it was a good family event and well run, too. I'll attend again next year if I'm not at the ML Liberty Beach Perch Extravaganza.

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Too bad the contest wasnt today.

Fun time regardless. A guy that I was with, was lucky enough to have his 16 year old son win the $1000 travel voucher AND the Grand Casino package.

I caught 5 dink perch, but thats the first fish i have ever caught in a contest, so that was a nice bonus of sorts.

Great job icehopper and team setting this up.

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