Mobridge is hosting its annual Ice Fishing Tournament for its 23rd year despite the mild weather so far this winter.
Each year, a committee decides if ice conditions on the Moreau and Grand Rivers are sustainable before the tournament.
Jesse Konold is the tournament Chair.
“With the forecast and what has transpired over the last week-and-a-half, we have chosen we will be fishing. There will be prizes attached to it. We’ve got some great information regarding the ice conditions,” said Konold.
This year anglers have a chance to win more than a quarter of a million dollars in cash prizes.
Konold reminds all anglers to keep safety in mind.
“Running and gunning like we normally get to do with the four-wheelers, and hole-hopping and whatnot is probably a no-go. Because one spot you're gonna have eight inches, the next spot you might only have three. So we’ve got to be safe out there,” said Konold.
The tournament’s first year had a cap of 50 anglers. This year, Konold says the tournament has grown to be the largest ice fishing tournament in the Midwest with over 500 teams competing.
The tournament kicks off with The Ice Expo on Jan. 11 and 12. The tournament takes place on on Saturday, Jan. 13.
