If spending an afternoon on a frozen lake for a chance at catching fish doesn't float your boat, there may be a way to sweeten the pot.
Each year charitable groups across the state host ice fishing contests hoping to lure out anglers in search of a big win. Odds of winning may be low in some cases, but such is the nature of fishing.
The following are a rundown of area contests listed by the DNR by their posted date.
Menahga Family Fishing Tournament
Location: Spirit Lake in Wadena County
This event runs from noon to 2 p.m., Jan. 21 and offers over $20,000 in prizes including an ice fishing house, ice auger and prizes given every 10 minutes. An estimated 350 people will take part. Participation is $5. Call or visit the Shell gas station in Menahga for the latest information.
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Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Location: Gull Lake in Cass County, on Hole-in-the-Day Bay
This event, in its 27th year, is considered the world's largest ice fishing contest and takes place from noon to 3 p.m., Jan. 28. For $50 you have a chance at earning hundreds of prizes including a brand new GMC or Ford truck, ATVs, augers and more from a list that totals over $200,000. With about 20,000 holes drilled, some 10,000-plus anglers are expected to grab a hole and fish for any species that will bite. Visit icefishing.org for more rules and details.
13th annual Serpent Lake Ice Fishing Contest
Location: Serpent Lake in Crow Wing County
Head out from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4 for a chance at winning from many prizes for just $10. Prizes include an ice auger, fish house, underwater camera, sonar, get-aways and more. The Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce puts on the annual contest at Crosby Memorial Park. The gathering is also an annual event for Scorpion snowmobile fans.
Scorpion Homecoming dusts off those old machines to remember a time when the Cuyuna Lakes was among the largest snowmobile producers in the world. Visit cuyunalakes.com for updated info.
Battle Lake Area Sportsmen's Club Fishing Derby
Location: West Battle Lake in Otter Tail County
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About 1,000 entrants are expected from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 11 on West Battle Lake. You are entered in to win from the $10,000 in prizes for a $5 entry fee. You don't even have to catch a fish to win a prize in a general drawing on the ice.
Fishing for Ducks Ice Fishing Contest
Location: Mille Lacs Lake
The annual Fishing For Ducks Ice Fishing Tournament is hosted by the Garrison Wildlife Chapter of Ducks Unlimited from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 on Garrison Bay near the Blue Goose. The contest is open to Ducks Unlimited members and non-members.
No contestants are allowed inside fishing area prior to 9 a.m. Enter the ice at the Blue Goose or Garrison Sports.
Sobieski and Swanville Lion's Fishing Derby
Location: Long Lake in Todd County
Fish for multiple species from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 25 for just $5. It's estimated 800 anglers will try for prizes worth about $2,000.
