Jump to content

  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

MN River Fishing Tourney(summer)

CourtlandKid
 Share

Recommended Posts

CourtlandKid Enthusiast

CourtlandKid

Posted
Posted

Does anybody know when the mn river tournament will be, either this spring or summer? info would be much appreciated!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sparcebag Veteran

sparcebag

Posted
Posted
Does anybody know when the mn river tournament will be, either this spring or summer? info would be much appreciated!
Tourney for what specie confused
Link to comment
Share on other sites
hamrej23 Proficient

hamrej23

Posted
Posted

Yeah, Nothing on the Tourney Forum either, maybe it will come up later.

Good Idea though for a tourney.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott Stein Rising Star

Scott Stein

Posted
Posted

its a catfish tourney but its only on a certain part of the river, from new ulm to judson maybe? not sure but its only on a certain stretch i know that

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 month later...
Alex Zuhlsdorf Apprentice

Alex Zuhlsdorf

Posted
Posted

the one the bobber shop puts on goes from New Ulm to St. Peter im almost positive, haven't entered it in a few years so not too sure on the dates.. i want to say its in July or August?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
TMF89 Proficient

TMF89

Posted
Posted

Hey guys I have a question on location. Honestly I've heard of New Ulm, St. Peter, and Belle Plaine, but I'm not positive on where any of them are? I'd love to do a tourney on the river, just wondering if it's worth the drive! lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites
DTro Grand Master

DTro

Posted
Posted

The 3 big ones are in Mankato, Belle Plaine, and Franklin.

From everything I’ve heard, the guys that fish these have a great time doing it.

Part of the problem though is that they are not highly regulated, which is fine when there is little or nothing to gain, but when there is a large chunk of money involved things tend to take a downward spiral. Even if the winners are the most honest guys in the world and follow the rules to a T, there will always be speculation about tying up a fish, keeping a fish in a tank, using illegal bait, or using set lines or multiple lines.

Bottom line is that the biggest fish wins the contest, but there always seems to be a controversy, and to me that isn’t much fun.

A very well run Flathead tourney would be hard to pull off and I know the guys that run these try their best.

I know we have a couple of past winners that post here. Elwood won the Frankin tourney last year. Maybe he has a little more insight for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Alex Zuhlsdorf Apprentice

Alex Zuhlsdorf

Posted
Posted

Yeah they are a blast!! i haven't fished the one in mankato for about 2 years now.. the date it falls on is very close to my birthday so im usually up north for that.. But yeah, im sure their could be some crooked folks out on the river tying up a trophy flathead or something along those lines. it would be near impossible to find out if someone was, let alone who they are!

For the most part though, its a pretty fun time and well worth it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
hanson Grand Master

hanson

Posted
Posted

I would sure hope that nobody would have to cheat.

If there is money involved, people will cheat.

Remember the guy in Wisconsin who won the pickup by sneaking a northern pike hiding in his jacket into an ice fishing contest. He got caught.

Problem with these "contests" on the river, how do you catch the cheaters? The rules are so loose, boundaries nearly unrestricted, and there is just no control whatsoever over the event. From a competitive point of view, its a joke, there is no competition as the playing field isn't fair. Whoever bends the rules the most wins. Not my kind of contest.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott K Grand Master

Scott K

Posted
Posted

i was told by one of the hosts of the contest that the playing field "is fair" that I have the same opertunity to cheat as they do crazy

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MinnesnowtaWild Proficient

MinnesnowtaWild

Posted
Posted

Originally Posted By: MinnesnowtaWild
I would sure hope that nobody would have to cheat.

If there is money involved, people will cheat.

Remember the guy in Wisconsin who won the pickup by sneaking a northern pike hiding in his jacket into an ice fishing contest. He got caught.

Problem with these "contests" on the river, how do you catch the cheaters? The rules are so loose, boundaries nearly unrestricted, and there is just no control whatsoever over the event. From a competitive point of view, its a joke, there is no competition as the playing field isn't fair. Whoever bends the rules the most wins. Not my kind of contest.

I am not sure if I believe that he was cheating. From what I heard it was all speculation and wasn't it only a 2 lb fish? Who would sneak a 2 lb Northern into a contest thinking it would be a winner?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
JimBuck Mentor

JimBuck

Posted
Posted

I am not sure if I believe that he was cheating. From what I heard it was all speculation and wasn't it only a 2 lb fish? Who would sneak a 2 lb Northern into a contest thinking it would be a winner?

A 2lb. Northern is usually what wins ice fishing contests. wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites
aanderud Mentor

aanderud

Posted
Posted

Originally Posted By: MinnesnowtaWild
I am not sure if I believe that he was cheating. From what I heard it was all speculation and wasn't it only a 2 lb fish? Who would sneak a 2 lb Northern into a contest thinking it would be a winner?

A 2lb. Northern is usually what wins ice fishing contests. wink

Exactly. Plus, a 2 lb northern is much easier to sneak in, fits right in a coat sleeve. A big one would be prett hard to hide.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
hanson Grand Master

hanson

Posted
Posted

i was told by one of the hosts of the contest that the playing field "is fair" that I have the same opertunity to cheat as they do crazy

Problem is everyone's idea of "opportunity to cheat" is different, so it isn't "fair". While I may think 1 extra rod is "fair", someone else may think keeping 2 40lb+ flatheads in a tank at home is fair.

I'm sorry, until they can truely "level the playing field", these contests are a joke and a disgrace to the fishery.

We've been through this before and I will not support them. Talk to the DNR about how many citations get issued on "contest" nights, its not funny.

Gut check time guys... Ethics, its not what you do when someone is looking, its what you do when no one is looking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MinnesnowtaWild Proficient

MinnesnowtaWild

Posted
Posted

Originally Posted By: MinnesnowtaWild
I am not sure if I believe that he was cheating. From what I heard it was all speculation and wasn't it only a 2 lb fish? Who would sneak a 2 lb Northern into a contest thinking it would be a winner?

A 2lb. Northern is usually what wins ice fishing contests. wink

Sorry I was unaware of that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Whisker Warrior Enthusiast

Whisker Warrior

Posted
Posted

I wonder if "cheating" would be prevalent if the contest was set up as a fund raiser or charity event toward the local fishery or other issues at hand that needs funding???? This might make people think twice about cheating if there is no personal prize.?.?.? Just a thought...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Larry FlatCaster Rising Star

Larry FlatCaster

Posted
Posted

I wonder if "cheating" would be prevalent if the contest was set up as a fund raiser or charity event toward the local fishery or other issues at hand that needs funding???? This might make people think twice about cheating if there is no personal prize.?.?.? Just a thought...

It would probably eliminate the cheating entirely.

Hanson is partially correct in his assessment of these contests. Until they are taken to the next level in the way they are managed, you will see the same things over and over. Our biggest gripe isn't about cheating so much as its about how the fish are managed during the contest from the time they are boated till the time they are released. (if they survive)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
hanson Grand Master

hanson

Posted
Posted

I wonder if "cheating" would be prevalent if the contest was set up as a fund raiser or charity event toward the local fishery or other issues at hand that needs funding????

I like the way you are thinking!

Like Larry mentioned, there are a number of different issues that arrise when discussing these contests.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PierBridge Grand Master

PierBridge

Posted
Posted

IMO I don't think there's as much cheating as people think there is in these Tournaments.

I think the Big issue is the handling of the fish which we know is not good or where it needs to be. EDIT "what larry said"

Anyway what the heck are you guys doing indoors today... They're snapping on the River bigtime. Heading out for round 2 here shortly!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
aanderud Mentor

aanderud

Posted
Posted

Anyway what the heck are you guys doing indoors today... They're snapping on the River bigtime. Heading out for round 2 here shortly!

Figures. I'm in Cancun trying to think that being on the beach and drinking coronas is "paradise"....all the while, ignoring the feeling in my stomach that with the high temps this weekend the river is turning on like a tween watching a jonas brothers concert.... (south park reference for those who missed it last week)

Well, vacation around my house has been few and far between lately, so I'll take advantage of that now and hit the river later. Good luck to everyone who ventures out this weekend, looks like it should be a good one!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Larry FlatCaster Rising Star

Larry FlatCaster

Posted
Posted

I would be curious to see some statistics on numbers of violations, and the nature of the incidents in relation to these contests. If there are as many incidents as mentioned above.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rushing Experienced

rushing

Posted
Posted

Something so destructive to a resource I enjoy so much is an event that isn't going to be getting my support.

The amount of garbage left behind is amazing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
dragon master Collaborator

dragon master

Posted
Posted

Iam with rushing on this one. Been to a few waighins, and it would make you sick to see how a lot of the big flats are brought in, in the trunk of a car, laying in the back of a pickup or stuffed in a dry gunney sack. There skin and eyes covered in sand and mud bearly alive. There waighed and then dump into a holding tank that has an air pump that belongs in a 20 gal aquarium, the water is straight from the tap and the temp is around 40-50, when the river is 70+. And for what??? a few bucks and a little trophy. It jusk makes me sick to see all of the big fish belly up in the holding tanks. It's not just cats, its the walleye along with the bass. for my two cents, fishing contests should be outlawed.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
stam34 Enthusiast

stam34

Posted
Posted

I agree totally with dragon and rushing 5 or 6 years ago got in the belle plaine tourney and i have never seen so many flatheads belly up . im done with tourneys also fishing for fun and just being outdoors is enough payback for me .

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Scott K Grand Master

Scott K

Posted
Posted

Of the tourneys I have been to, they should be shut down. This has been brought up in here the last few years, but maybe this year if we all contact the DNR, and let them know exactly how we feel, maybe we can get these contests closed down, or at the very least, get a new format going for them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • smurfy
      2024Mn fishing opener......

      By smurfy · Posted

      is 3 weeks away............who's going and where???? i skip the first week and i'll head up to the cabin the 2nd week.  ussually fish smaller lakes. 
    • jparrucci
      water levels

      By jparrucci · Posted

      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      water levels

      By mbeyer · Posted

      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      Ice-Out 2024

      By SkunkedAgain · Posted

      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      Ice-Out 2024

      By mbeyer · Posted

      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      Ice-Out 2024

      By Brianf. · Posted

      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      Ice-Out 2024

      By CigarGuy · Posted

      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      Sturgeon Fishing is Hot

      By LakeofthewoodsMN · Posted

      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

  I accept