Anyone else doing the jaycee virtual tournament?

I’m thinking of trying it’s out this year, but I’ve never used the fish donkey app. Has anyone used this or is going to enter this year?

Southwest Minnesota State University typically hold a tournament on Lake Sarah. It sounds like they’re doing a similar structure as jaycees this year for any that are interested (hasn’t been announced yet, but that’s what I’ve heard).

I’m going to do both. I may actually have a shot at a prize. I’ve never caught a prize winning fish in all the years of fishing the Extravaganza, the SMSU, Ice Castle Classic, and numerous others.

I’m due.

Yup the wife and will be doing it.

The one thing that has me worry is that it is virtual and statewide. How are they going to monitor all the cheaters?

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I thought I read somewhere that 1 2 and 3 when I e just getting a plaque. All fis registered would be put in random draw.

Rodwork wrote:

The one thing that has me worry is that it is virtual and statewide. How are they going to monitor all the cheaters?

Someone else mentioned in another thread that the prizes will not be for big fish this time. Rather, they will be randomly selected.

Otherwise ya I definitely could see someone skirting the rules with a truck, ATV, or other nice prize on the line.

gimruis wrote:

Someone else mentioned in another thread that the prizes will not be for big fish this time. Rather, they will be randomly selected.

Than I am in.

I just looked on the jaycees site and the updated rules are there. They will be using the fish donkey app. Big fish will be awarded in each category with a plaque and ticket for next years tournament. All 150 prizes will be random draw.

5″ perchie could get you a new truck. Just ask yourself, do I feel lucky?
I’m doing it, absolutely! I know I can catch fish on my local lakes, then I’ll let the fish gods decide my fate.
I think there will be a record turnout with this format. Tough to cheat a random draw.
I suggest practicing the fishdonkey app before so you know how it works or your entry may not be counted. Aaron Wiebe has a video on YouTube on how to do it.

So do you have to enter a fish to have a chance at the random draw or does everybody have a chance at the random draw?

Coletrain27 wrote:

So do you have to enter a fish to have a chance at the random draw or does everybody have a chance at the random draw?

I believe you have to catch and register one of 6 fish species that qualify during the specified time frame to be eligible for the prizes.

eyeguy507 wrote:

5″ perchie could get you a new truck. Just ask yourself, do I feel lucky?
I’m doing it, absolutely! I know I can catch fish on my local lakes, then I’ll let the fish gods decide my fate.

This is exactly how the MN Bound crappie contest works for the top prizes, one of which is a new boat valued at $15k. It’s a totally randomly drawn weight but every person that pays their 5 bucks and registers a live crappie is eligible.

So, anyone that’s used the fish donkey app, how easy is it to cheat? Is there a way to prove that the fish in the pic wasnt caught last night? Or an hour before the contest?

Well that’s a good deal then I think that you have to enter a fish to be eligible for the random prizes.

Thinking I might buy a ticket. If I don’t win anything then at least it goes to a fundraiser. I’ve pi$$ed away $50 a lot worse ways before. And plus I’ll be able to sit in a warm shack compared to actually going to the normal contest

Coletrain27 wrote:

Thinking I might buy a ticket. If I don’t win anything then at least it goes to a fundraiser. I’ve pi$$ed away $50 a lot worse ways before. And plus I’ll be able to sit in a warm shack compared to actually going to the normal contest

The warm shack does make it sound more interesting to do virtual, Do you guys that use fish donkey app like it? I notice it wants all your phone info turn on to work.

The FishDonkey app is legit and works great. I’ve hosted nearly 30 contests using it. The app’s creator is a MN guy from the Iron Range.

The app wants your info because it needs it to record pictures and video and audio. No different than most apps you download. No nefarious intentions here. Also it date/time/gps stamps your entry and has anti cheating tech to distinguish between a real fish and a picture of a picture or a picture of a mount.

Coletrain27 wrote:

Thinking I might buy a ticket. If I don’t win anything then at least it goes to a fundraiser. I’ve pi$$ed away $50 a lot worse ways before. And plus I’ll be able to sit in a warm shack compared to actually going to the normal contest

Coletrain nailed it! $50 for a good cause why not get a ticket? Difference this year is the wife wants to participate now that you can be warm so we’ll be getting two tickets.

Our group of 8 will still be staying at Grandview Lodge. I called them and they will be doing the breakfast and the hospitality tent. Hospitality tent will be on the beach this year.

We’re looking forward to be able to fish Saturday and do more experimenting fishing hole in the day bay. Hopefully they don’t keep this virtual? We enjoy the trip there and the contest on the lake. A great experience. We also put alot of $ into the comunity the couple days we are there.

Thanks 3Rivers, that was the exact information I was looking for someone with good first hand knowledge.

People cheat those in-person tournaments like crazy.

This year will probably the most straight-up the Extravaganza has ever been.

SW Eyes wrote:

People cheat those in-person tournaments like crazy.

This year will probably the most straight-up the Extravaganza has ever been.

Give me an example of who you personally know that has been caught cheating at the Brainerd Extravaganza?

We’ve fished it for about 9 years running now, our group of 8 guys. We’ve placed numerous times. One year I believe 6 of us placed, another year 5 of us placed. We have never witnessed a person involved in cheating. There are no tents, shacks, enclosed places to cheat. All our gear, coolers, buckets, sleds and what not has always been checked thoroughly upon entry into the fishing area.

Have you ever fished it?

riverruns wrote:

Give me an example of who you personally know that has been caught cheating at the Brainerd Extravaganza?

I did not witness this event in person, but I read about a potential issue several years ago and the article ended up in the star tribune. Evidently three people from the same extended family all won. In the end they were found to be legal but to myself I thought “how is it even possible to cheat in an event like this?”

https://www.startribune.com/brainerd-jaycees-investigate-possible-cheating-at-ice-fishing-tournament/472548253/

While it’s always possible to cheat. You build a better mousetrap you get a smarter mouse. That said, I’m not aware of a single confirmed case either. Innuendo or fear maybe but not a confirmed example. 15 years running and never seen anything shady.

Although I should have given Riverruns crew a harder time when we met last year. They must be cheating, they get more fish in one year than my crew in a decade Although my guys may be leading in other ways.

Ok cool I was wondering how the prizes would go. Gonna enter me and my 4 year old for his first tournament.

Thanks 3rivers, the guy who made that app is a genius. That’s one of the coolest fishing apps I’ve seen. I’ll be fishing lake traverse for the tournament hoping for good results.

That’s what I’m saying is there ultimate fish lottery and with all the prizes is the luck of the draw.

I haven’t been for a few years, but about 6 years ago I placed in the top 50 or so and got an Aqua Vu with a tiny .8lb Walleye I caught suspended at 50 in 70 ft of water. It was cold! But we had a lot of fun. 10,000 folks having a good time, having a few ice cocktails and maybe a shot at a nice prize. Make a weekend of it if you can.

Here is a storm chaser video of my first year. Glad I had my Striker Suit and Bunny Boots. I was warm the whole day. Kids were crying because their idiot parents thought their Carhart gear would suffice in -40. I’m walking with my buddy (both gray suits) around the :37 Mark by the flags. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGMAhDbQaLM&t