Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza: Winter, Wind Chill, & Walleyes [Photos]

The 24th annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza today was not for the feint of heart. With a high temp in the single digits and a wind chill near -20˚, only the heartiest of Minnesotans (10,000+ of them) would brave the frozen surface of Gull Lake. Cindy & I mingled with the anglers. Here are pics and early results.

According to the unofficial results posted on the event website, hometowner Art Karskoy of Nisswa had the top catch, reeling in a 4.73 Walleye. Daniel Schwanke and Mike Sonnek, both from Hutchinson, were right behind him with Walleyes of 4.17 and 4.09 pound respectively.

Each year, the event becomes the second largest city in Crow Wing County, as anglers compete for more than $150,000 in prizes. Volunteers drilled 20,000 holes for the anglers to choose from.

Here are some pics from today's extravaganza: