Start: January 29th – 6 AM
End: February 7th – 3 PM
Tickets: Purchase through FishDonkey App
Where: Any Itasca County lake
Hooked on Itasca is a virtual ice fishing tournament for kids and adults. Using a mobile device and app, anglers will fish for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at more than $2,000! Whether you’re a die-hard fisherman or only occasionally drop a line, you don’t want to miss this exciting event.
Starting January, 29th at 6 a.m., contestants fish on any Itasca County lake(s) and record their catch using the app by uploading photos and measurements to their digital LiveWell. Leaderboards will update automatically throughout the contest. The contest ends on Sunday, February 7th at 3 p.m.
How to Enter: Download the FishDonkey app (Android | iPhone) and join “Hooked on Itasca.”
Adult Division (17+)
Grand Slam*
First: $1,000
Second: $500
Third: $250
*total length of 1 Walleye, 1 Northern Pike, and 1 Crappie
Largest Walleye
Fenwick Techna Ice Rod and Okuma Avenger Reel Combo
*total length of 1 Walleye
Kids Division (16 and under)
Grand Slam*
First: $300
Second: $150
Third: $75
*total length of 1 Walleye, 1 Northern Pike, and 1 Crappie
Largest Walleye
Fenwick Techna Ice Rod and Okuma Avenger Reel Combo
*total length of 1 Walleye
One prize award per angler
Categories and leaderboards will be updated throughout the 10-day contest. Check the app often to see leaderboard progress.
Awards are presented on the basis of length as determined through the mobile app and verified by tournament judges. Official Rules and Regulations are available on FishDonkey app.
Entry Fees
Adult Division: $25
Kids Division (16 and under): $15
*Entries subject to FishDonkey service fee
How To Enter
Next Steps
- Practice using your app. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can select “Practice Entering a Fish” to make sure you know how the app works. For tips, watch “How to Enter a Fish.” You may also want to review the rules before you begin fishing, to make sure you have an eligible measuring board, etc. Download Tournament Rules
- Open the app before you head out on the lake. Open the FishDonkey app and select the Hooked on Itasca tournament, then make sure the “Enter a Fish” button is available on your screen. This will allow you to save your catches in areas with bad reception.
- Go fishing! Fish on any Itasca County lake at any time between Friday, January 29th, and Sunday, February 7th.
- Log your catch! Record the size of your best fish on the FishDonkey app. Don’t forget to include two pictures – one of you with your fish, and one of each fish on a valid measuring board.
- Keep fishing! As long as all fish are caught before the end of the tournament, you can keep updating your catches on the app. Final entries are due by 3 p.m. on February 7th.
Platinum
Essentia Health is an integrated health system serving patients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Essentia Health uses a patient-centered focus to make a healthy difference in people’s lives throughout the communities it serves.
L&M Fleet Supply has proudly served Northland customers since 1959, driven by its core mission of providing quality products at discount prices with excellent customer service.
Gold
Woodland Bank
Woodland Bank is a family-owned bank with a long history in Northern Minnesota, throughout which it has remained committed to serving the needs of its communities and the vibrant economy in Itasca County.
Sponsor Hooked on Itasca
An ice fishing tournament encompassing Itasca County’s 1,000+ lakes, Hooked on Itasca invites community members to compete in a classic winter activity – ice fishing! Hooked on Itasca takes place virtually, over the FishDonkey app, which gives participants ten days to compete for the best catch on the lake of their choice. The event brings in amateur and seasoned anglers alike from all over Itasca County.
Title Sponsor
$2,500
Recognized in event name
Promoted in all media & print materials, including tv and radio
Facebook Live and/or radio interview
Special recognition and opportunity to present during live broadcasts
Prominent inclusion of logo on event materials & Fish Donkey app
Recognition on website with your logo and a link to your website
Platinum
$1,000
Recognition as a Platinum Sponsor
Promoted in all publicity materials
Inclusion of logo on event materials
Name mention at the event
Recognition on website with your logo and a link to your website
Gold
$500
Recognition as a Gold Sponsor
Promoted in all publicity materials
Name mention at the event
Recognition on website
If you’re interested in sponsoring Hooked on Itasca or another event, email kimberly@uwlakes.org or call United Way at 218-999-7570.
Helping Here
United Way is committed to creating lasting change and helping all children and adults succeed, regardless of their circumstances. Hooked on Itasca supports our work to support and strengthen our community's nonprofit safety net.