Photos: Thousands compete in Brainerd's annual ice fishing extravaganza

Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay
Over 10,000 anglers from the midwest and Minnesota took part in the 24th annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake's Hole in the Day Bay Saturday Jan. 25, 2014. The fishermen competed for over $200,000 in prizes and all proceeds benefited area charities.
Bruce Bisping/Star Tribune via AP

The Brainerd Jaycees held their 24th annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake over the weekend. Organizers say over 10,000 anglers were expected to compete Saturday for one of 150 prizes valued at more than $200,000.

The cold weather has been beneficial for the ice conditions on Hole-in-the-Day Bay. Brainerd Jaycees and law enforcement officials found 17 to 19 inches of clear, consistent ice when they measured it last week.

All proceeds are donated to charities. The primary beneficiary is Confidence Learning Center, an outdoor recreational facility and camp for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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