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Posted

Has anyone been in this tourny?

so the contest starts at April 26, at 12:01am
Do people fish at 12:01 am?

I was looking at the average winning crappie weight and a good fish on the scale is around a 1.5-2lb crappie..
(are these from upper red?)

Typically this time of the year crappies are near the spawing beds? Are the males the first to arrive at the spots? Where are the females in the mean time?

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Top Posters In This Topic

  • jeffyo45

    7

  • wastewaterguru

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  • Glenn_S

    5

  • Tonka Boy

    5

Posted

Yes, people do fish at 12:01, I was out there at 6:00 in the morning and talked to two guys that were coming in and thay caught a bunch of small ones

Posted

The best I have done at the contest was a 1 lb 9oz crappie and the winner that year was around 2 1/2 pounds... all the placing fish were right near the 2 lb mark or over... it varies year to year.. It is fun to get out.

Many people do start in the middle of the night, I used to get down there around 3 am to launch the boat and wait for sunrise. At 3 am the lots were about 1/2 full.

Posted

I usually fish the Crappie Contest every year. It is a great event that sponsors a great cause. I am one of those people who feel compelled to go out at 12:01am and freeze their butt off till the sun comes up and then start catchign fish! Of course then you have to goto Fletchers and drink too much and then try to figure out how to get your truck, your boat and yourself home grin.gif

It is a lot of fun and I would encourage you to attend. Last year the winning crappie was 1# 5oz.

Good Fishing smile.gif
Chev

Posted

Tonka Boy,

This is calling your name. smile.gif

Posted

I would love to fish that contest again! Used to fish it every year when my Dad's boat was running. My brother actually won the Jr Division. He caught a 15oz crappie when he was 12 and won a trolling motor but that had to be 10 years ago and I think that was the last time I have fished that contest.

------------------
I like Tail

[This message has been edited by Caesarfishinguytoo (edited 04-02-2003).]

Posted

I don't have a boat but I have lots of gear and I wouldn't mind hooking up with someone to fish in this tournament.

[email protected]

Posted

G-man,

What do you do for earthtech????

My boat's full for the tourny but maybe another time.

------------------
I fish.....Therefore I grovel.

Here....Fisheeeeeeee!!

Posted

Is there a restriction on how many people can be in a boat? I would assume everyone pays an entry fee, but I just wanted to make sure. Does anyone know the cost? Thanks.

Posted

I've been building wastewater plants for the last 5 years. Looks like a couple of water plants are coming up in about a year. I work on the designs when I am in the office and then I am either the contract administrator for smaller projects for the field engineer for larger projects.

Posted

Icemandu it's $5 entry fee Pre-Registration. ($6 on-site)

Posted

G-man,

Was just curious. You must be working hard.....posting at 8:30 AM grin.gif

Is Earthtech hiring???

------------------
I fish.....Therefore I grovel.

Here....Fisheeeeeeee!!

Posted

Hey G-man,
I was thinking about giving the tourney a try this year, with a $5 entry fee how can you lose? Ive got a boat and currently don't have anyone else that is going. Maybe we could hook up. Post me back if your interested.

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God Bless America

Posted

Gman and wawstewater guru. Do you guys work with repair, rehab, or protection of these structures? I work at a company the makes products for the above. Gman If I'm not travelling for work that week I may have room. My boat is only a 12' lund wide model with a 15 horse if that doesn't bother you. Have a coworker that lives on the channell between spring park bay and black lake so I may put the boat in the night before. Going to have to play it by ear What's up Tim and Tonka boy??
Ebass, still have the light? Mabey we can meet up at the tourney and I van get it.

Posted

I'm back from a long weekend. I'll get around to answering a few questions one at a time.

WWG: I'm not sure I would know when my boss is planning to hire someone for our department. If I was in the office fulltime, maybe I'd know more. The boss can be a very busy and efficient guy and that leads to quietness. I'd have a hardtime guessing at this moment if he would be leaning towards hiring a senior person to be a 'doer-seller' or a junior person to actually do the work. I heard earlier this winter that we would be needing to hire a person or two to help in the field this summer because of the amount of construction projects coming up. None of them are new wastewater plant jobs though. Some wastewater rehab work though. For example, I'm coordinating a few improvements to the Ellsworth air force base WWTP right now. New screen, an emergency bypass channel, digester recirculation imps, and other piping changes.

Moby, I'll try and get back to you a bit later this morning. Gotta get back to work right now.

Posted

What day is the tournement? Where is the thing held out of. Landmarks would be nice I'm not familiar with lake Minnetonka.

Posted

I havent looked at the calendar but the contest is usually on a sunday if I remember right.

You can launch and fish anywhere, pick up your tickets early. The weigh in is at Lord Fletchers .. someone else on here might be able to blurt out directions, I just know the way there.

Posted

Saturday, April 26. You must purchase your entry by Friday the 25th to get it for $5. Register at any Gander Mountain. You can register at Lord Fletchers the day of, for $6, up until noon Saturday.

Fletcher's is on the channel between Crystal Bay and West Arm.

Realistically, if your not at the ramp by 5:00am, you won't get a place to park. Even then, you are taking a chance. And don't park where your not supposed to, the Boys in Blue are out in force, and LOVE handing out tickets during this event.

Glenn

Posted

Ebass,

You can bet your assets I'll be there! I wouldn't miss it. I've been fishing the contest for the last 3 years and have came very close to winning it with the exception of last year. Last year the weather didn't cooperate. If you're looking for a ride for the day, get in touch. I'll save a seat for you.

------------------
Tonka Boy

Posted

Ok, so then the question is, what time do we meet at Fletcher's for drinks?

Glenn

Posted

I'll be there around 1:00...with or without a slab to weigh-in. Hopefully I'll see you there. Good luck!

------------------
Tonka Boy

Posted

To anyone planning on fishing this contest. At the risk of sounding like begging I was wondering if anyone would have room in their boat for me to tag along. I just moved to the area last year and would really like to give this a try. I have my own rods and tackle but only have a trolling motor for my 12' alumacraft and don't think that will be good enough to chase crappies with. If anyone wants to get a hold of me my email is [email protected]. Thanks to anyone who responds.

Posted

Jeffy

A 12 foot boat would totally work for the crappie contest. Just put in at Spring Park Bay and go over and fish in Black and Seton Lakes. You will catch fish. It's all no wake there and much of West Arm is as well on the way to Fletchers if you were to catch anything you wanted to weigh in. Check out the other post on this topic. It looks like someone is querring for who has room in there boat or needs a place to fish, etc.

Posted

I was hoping someone would clarify something for me. Can you launch a boat at any of the Minnetonka boat launches or do you have to launch at the Spring Park Bay launch. I would assume you can launch at any of them since there isn't that much parking at the Spring Park Bay access but if someone could let me know I would appreciate it.

Posted

You are correct...you can launch at any launch on the lake. Make sure you're there really early as they fill up fast.

Posted

Hey fellas,
How you guys been doing? Haven't had any time to post lately, been doing the between-season shuffle with the sled,ice gear, and improving the boat. Anyways I'm interested in fishing in the crappie tourney, but I need a partner. Well I don't NEED a partner, but it would make it more fun. I got friends who would like to go but baiting their hooks and taking the fish off gets old, especially in a tourney.
So to anyone looking to participate, especially someone with some experience in the tourney, shoot me a post. I'll bring the boat.
Tonka Boy I see you are looking for a partner too. Let me know if you've found someone yet, maybe we can join forces.

------------------
God Bless America

Posted

So let me get this correct.
I don't get my boat searched prior to the contest? Well ??
Friday I limit out on Crappies.. Next day enter the contest with a full limit.

Posted

Let's see.

Entry fee: $5.00

A T that benefits the Leukemia Society...

And you are considering cheating?

Pitiful...

Posted

Plus it is not a tournament, but a big fish derby. It usually takes at least 2 lber to win it. Even if you wanted to cheat, finding a crappie that big isn't that easy.

Posted

Greygoose,

Are you still looking for someone to join you in your boat for the crappie tourney. I already registered. I only have a 12' alumacraft with a trolling motor so I was hoping someone with a better boat wouldn't mind me tagging along. Let me know if I could join you. Either post here or send me an email [email protected]. Thanks!

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This topic is now closed to further replies.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • leech~~
      Goodness. I feel like I'm on some kind of site for the mentally ill sometimes.  🤨 I know he said this but look at the last board printout!  He meant smurfy on April 29th!   8 hours ago, JerkinLips said: Because I temporarily changed the rules, and smurfy was the 2nd person to wager a guess, I changed his prediction to April 25th.   I changed it to just a date numb nuts!  April 25th! DH'O  🤭
    • smurfy
      😖🙃 pretty certain everyone else here isnt guessing Edwards lake...........goofball!!!!!!!🤣
    • Wanderer
      Up until April 24th? 😉
    • leech~~
      April 25th! DH'O
    • smurfy
      🤣 WELL.......LEECH...... since its free where's your name????????🙄
    • leech~~
      Dang, this is like a free meal on Lakestreet in Mpls.  I didn't know this many folks were still on the site until someone said "Free raffle drawing"  🤣 🤣 
    • SkunkedAgain
      Nah, I'm not changing my guess. It's more fun to make early predictions and see how far off I am.   I'll turn on the hair dryer and see if it helps.
    • JerkinLips
      Because I temporarily changed the rules, and smurfy was the 2nd person to wager a guess, I changed his prediction to April 25th.  Also, since SkunkedAgain was the originator of this competition and was the 1st person to guess, I will give him until Friday to change his prediction if he wants to (although he may regret if the ice goes out on April 18th).  After him, no more "changes" will be allowed on my board.   Lots of "good" open dates available for those that have not predicted yet.  Updated board below:  
    • SkunkedAgain
      https://www.timberjay.com/stories/moccasin-point-upgrade-has-longtime-users-concerned,22802   Moccasin Point upgrade has longtime users concerned DNR hopes to get major remake of key access underway later this year Posted Thursday, March 20, 2025 10:36 am   Marshall Helmberger LAKE VERMILION— With funding finally in place, the Department of Natural Resources is planning to move forward with an estimated $2-plus million renovation of the Moccasin Point landing, and users of the site say they’re concerned about the changes. The landing has been heavily used for decades by anglers, Boundary Waters visitors, residents of nearby islands and other remote-access properties on Lake Vermilion and, perhaps most critically, by emergency responders for everything from fire to medical response. Moccasin Point has also been a protected harbor for private barges loading and unloading as they service the many water-access properties in the area. Sarah Schmidt, who spends summers with her husband Jake at their cabin on nearby Pine Island, said there’s a lot at stake for people who depend on the landing. “A lot of people have designed their dream home around having access to that landing,” she said. “People need propane, they need lumber, and if they need to install a septic system, they need lots of gravel,” she said. For the many hundreds of island or other water-access property owners on the lake, all of that material comes by barge. Moccasin Point is particularly well suited for such use, since it is arguably the most protected harbor on Lake Vermilion, with islands and mainland protecting it from wind from just about any direction. It’s also centrally located on the sprawling lake and close to concentrations of island homes and cabins. Scott Kelling, northeast regional manager for DNR Parks and Trails, said the plans for the reconstruction of the landing are still being finalized, but insisted they will take into account the unique mix of recreational and commercial use of the landing, including use by all three of the barging companies that service customers on the lake. According to Kelling, the remake of the landing will include removal of the old pier and the reconstruction of a new one in nearly the same location. “The new pier will serve the same function,” said Kelling, and will include an additional ramp that will be dedicated for barge loading and off-loading. Kelling said an engineer’s inspection of the existing pier determined it was near the end of its useful life, although Schmidt said she thinks that opinion reflects the DNR’s desire to remove the structure rather than its actual condition. Kelling acknowledges that it’s not the only reason for replacing the structure. “With our redesign it’s just not in the right location,” he said. Adequate parking is another major concern of longtime users of Moccasin Point. Tim Logan, whose family has owned island property near the landing since the 1950s, said plans the DNR had shared a few years ago seemed to show less parking than is typically used at the site. Schmidt notes that during high-traffic weekends, the parking area is frequently full and overflow parking can extend for hundreds of feet along Moccasin Point Rd. She said she counted 163 vehicles parked at the landing at one point last Memorial Day weekend and said there are routinely 90-100 vehicles during the summer season. Many of the regular users of the landing, particularly those on island properties, use the site for long-term parking of their vehicles for days, weeks, or months at a time. That’s unusual at public landings, which are typically limited to day use. Kelling said the DNR is making an exception to that rule for Moccasin Point, given the many varied uses of the unique property. “Overnight parking will be allowed,” he said. Kelling said the current plan will allow parking for a bit over 100 vehicles, which is more than some original plans for the site. “We’re doing everything we can to maximize the parking there, at some considerable expense,” he said. Longstanding issues Kelling said the DNR’s plan for reconstruction is motivated by a desire to “manage the site more responsibly on a number of fronts.” The DNR acquired the site in 2008 and had planned to undertake reconstruction of the landing back in 2013 but lacked the funds at the time to accomplish the work. The funding was approved in 2023 and the DNR has been working on design of the project ever since. According to Kelling, the site has operated essentially as a “free-for-all” for years, with uses and resource impacts that aren’t typically permitted at DNR-managed access points. “There are currently a number of transgressions out there,” said Kelling, including long-term storage of personal property and building materials. He said the site, which slopes toward the lake, also contributes large amounts of sediment into Vermilion during heavy rainfall. “We need to better manage the stormwater,” said Kelling. “Currently, a lot of sediment and other things end up in the lake when it rains.” Schmidt questions whether the change will be an improvement, since the DNR’s reconstruction of the site will convert the existing grassy hillside that currently serves as the site’s parking lot into a paved parking area. Kelling said the parking area will be leveled before being paved and that stormwater will be directed into one of two planned stormwater ponds in order to contain sediment. Schmidt claims the ponds will become a mosquito breeding ground. Kelling said he expects the final design will be completed soon and he is expecting to hold an open house in early summer so interested users can see what’s planned for the site. He expects actual construction to begin sometime in October if all goes as planned. That initial work will include blasting of some underlying bedrock in order to level the site. But most of the work will take place in 2026, he said, and during that period, it may be difficult to maintain public use of the site, although he said use of the site by barges should still be possible, with potentially some minor delays. But he said other users of the site may want to explore other access options for that summer. Kelling said he hopes to have more information on that at the open house later this year. “A goal of the open house is to really share the timeline and alternatives for users,” he said. “They might need to park somewhere else in 2026.”
    • smurfy
      i wanna change mine to the 29th of april...........i've been seeing ice reports to much up that way. 🙄
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