In 1990 the Brainerd Jaycees had a desire to develop a signature project—a project that would rally members, raise money for local charities, and provide avenues for individual growth, personal development, and leadership. It is certain the founders never expected this event would become the world’s largest ice fi shing contest and put Brainerd, MN, on the map with a winter event that generates over $1-million in revenue for area businesses and over $200,000 for area charities annually.

The Ice Fishing Extravaganza is held in January (typically the third or fourth Saturday of the month) on Gull Lake’s Hole in the Day Bay. It is an ice fishing contest where anglers compete for well over $150,000 in cash and prizes. There are 150 spots on the prize board and the values are distributed throughout the list, not in value-order. Contestants are judged on the weight of their fish only—not the particular species of fish caught or length. All weigh-ins are time-stamped so in the event of a tie the first fish weighed takes precedence.