“We’ve got more than 800 people fishing and more are coming onto the lake,” NUASF President Jason Kuester said early Sunday afternoon.

Many kids received ice fishing rods and reels and put them to use.

The Klinkner family of St. James said spending time with family was what drove them to the contest.

“It’s my first time ice fishing here,” Larry Klinkner said. “The weather is beautiful. It’s good to bring the family out.”

Staff photo by Fritz Busch A number of children participated at the ice fishing contest at Clear Lake Sunday.

Mahrya Arndt said it was good to get out of the house and away from the television.

Her grandmother, Dixie Moorman of Gaylord was ice fishing too.

“It’s a perfec

t day to be out on the ice,” Moorman said. “It’s good to get the kids out.

Cody Mueller of Lafayette said he’s fished on many 1Aarea lakes including Sleepy Eye Lake, Lake Washington near Madison Lake and north of Hutchinson. Mueller said his favorite place to fish is Burnside Lake, northwest of Ely.

“That lake is near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,” Mueller said.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Joshua Klinkner of St. James tries his luck at the New Ulm Area Sport Fishermen 36th Annual Ice Fishing Contest at Clear Lake Sunday.

Sunday, Mueller said he came out to Clear Lake, largely for the raffle drawings. Grand prizes included a new 12-foot Ice Castle Fish House, underwater camera, ice depth finder, Dixon Lake Resort fishing trip for four, portable fish house and powered ice auger.

“I’ve fished Sleepy Eye Lake the most recently,” he added.

“Moses” Malone of Mankato said Sunday was his first time ice fishing at Clear Lake.

“It’s about having fun and making new friends,” said Malone.

Ice fishing enthusiasts were encouraged to bring our their permanent shelters. Most contestants sat outside, basking in the sunshine as the temperature rose above 30 degrees.

Every kid got a prize. One young boy and one young girl received lifetime fishing licenses.

Food and refreshments were available on the lake.