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7th Annual Border Battle!
*WAM MEMBERS ONLY*
Women Anglers of MN vs WI Women Fish - April 30th, 2022
We have a room block at the Hampton Inn in Onalaska, WI under "WAM".
There's no fee to sign up, but there will be a $20 fee on site.
Our annual Border Battle is a friendly competition with our sisters from WI Women Fish. It's an opportunity for both groups to make new friends and learn new fishing techniques. We gather on a fishing barge on the Mississippi River that separates MN and WI. Either license will work on border water as long as you aren't touching land. We always have a fun time as our two clubs battle it out! Each MN participant will receive a WAM bandana to display proudly.
LOCATION: We will be returning to The Best Dam Fishing Float this year. Since the event has grown so large, they agreed to close the barge to the general public for us. Unfortunately, we will not allow family members to participate like we have in the past. For directions using google maps, type in “Upper I-90 Mississippi River Public Water Access, La Crescent, MN 55947” For Apple Maps, type in “Lock & Dam No. 7, La Crescent, MN 55947” For more info on the barge, please visit their Facebook page. his event IS handicap accessible.
You will take the boat from the Minnesota side of the river over to the fishing float. There is a flag you raise at the boat ramp and they will come get you. For more info on the barge and where it's located, please visit their page on Facebook. Each participant fishing for Minnesota will receive a bandana to display proudly.
Time: The tournament runs from 9-3:00, but the barge opens as early as 7:00 am. This year we will work on sectioning off the dock space so each team has equal access to all sections of the dock. I would suggest getting there early so you are set up and ready to go. It does take a while to transport everyone over by pontoon.
TEAM COMPETITION RULES:
•You can pre-fish up until 8:50 am and then all lines need to be out of the water.
•Each angler is only allowed to use one rod for the contest.
•Fish will be measured up to the nearest quarter inch for game fish and eighth inch for panfish. There is not a minimum length required.
•You must catch fish from at least two categories to qualify as a “Top Angler”
*The four qualifying categories are:
Once an angler qualifies as a “Top Angler” with two or more species listed above, their score counts towards the team total. Their score is the measurement of (up to) their top five fish. This measurement must include at least two species. You do not need five total fish to count.
Example 1: Sue catches the following: 27” walleye, 15’ inch walleye, 25” pike, 14” bass, 2 7” sunfish and a 10” perch. Her score would be: 91” (27 + 15 + 25 + 14 + 10)
Example 2: Pat catches: 3 10” perch and 1 13” sauger. Her score would be 43”
Example 3: Debbie catches 4 8” sunfish and 4 10” perch. She would not qualify because she doesn’t have fish from two categories
*You need to have a member from the opposing team verify the measurement of your fish and initial your score card. Score cards will be provided. At 3:00 exactly, the team captains will collect the forms and tally up the sheets.
* The Border Battle trophy will be awarded to the team with the highest total combined inches.
OPTIONAL INDIVIDUAL FISHING CONTESTS: Please bring $4.00 if you want to enter into a big fish contest. It's a 100% payout and cash prizes are awarded for the biggest fish for each category listed above. In the event that no fish are recorded for these species, we will randomly select one participant to win that prize money. There will also be a drawing for two $50 gift cards donated from each club.
WHAT TO BRING: You will need to bring a chair, rod(s), tackle (jigs, hooks, weights) and bait (willow cats, worms, crappie minnows). Nets are provided. The barge does sell weights and river rigs for fishing for $5.00 if you are not sure what to use. Even though you can only use one rod at a time, you can bring multiple rods to switch from panfish to the larger fish rigs.
FOOD & DRINK: The barge does sell food (pizza, hot dogs, etc.) but feel free to bring your own food/ snacks and drinks. Bring your own chair, rods, tackle, and bait. Nets are provided. T
HOTEL: This is the Hampton Inn, 308 Hampton Court, Onalaska, Wisconsin. Reservations can be made at 608-779-5000 or through our booking link at WAM Booking Link April 29th 2022. There are 15 rooms are set aside under the group rate "WAM" at $119 + 13.5% tax for either Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. The cancellation policy is 72 hours prior to arrival. The final day to reserve a room is March 29th. Last year, most people stayed Friday. Be careful since there are two Hampton's in close by.
FRIDAY NIGHT MEET-UP - We're working on a location to meet up the night before for those who come early.
Come help us defend our title!
Limited to 40 people. If you cannot make it, please let us know so we can free up your spot.
COVID-19 Policy: If you are feeling sick, please do not participate in this event. By registering for this event, you are acknowledging that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are not currently experiencing COVID symptoms. By attending this event, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Women Anglers of Minnesota or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, contractors, volunteers, and/or sponsors liable for any illness or injury.
