As we prepare to take back the trophy in the Border Battle on April 27th, tune in on Tuesday, April 23rd from 6:30-7:30pm as we talk about river rigs that work well, along with strategy and updates for the event.
This will take part on Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6870227233...
Meeting ID: 687 022 7233
Passcode: 636282
*WAM MEMBERS ONLY*
Women Anglers of MN vs WI Women Fish - April 27th, 2024
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 buff to display proudly. Be sure to join our Facebook Border Battle event page for timely updates.
LOCATION: We will be returning to The Best Dam Fishing Float this year. Since the event has grown so large, we are not allowing family members to participate.
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 information on the barge, please visit their Facebook page. This event IS handicap accessible.
You will take the boat from the Minnesota side of the river over to the fishing float. For more info on the barge and where it's located, please visit their page on Facebook. Be sure to turn on your notifications for this page.
HOTEL: Unfortunately we do not have a room block. Some people are staying at the AmericInn by Wyndham La Crosse Riverfront Conference Center - 1835 Rose Street, La Crosse, WI 54669, United States. This is the same location as the Friday Night event at Moxies. There is also an Econolodge right across the street. Both La Crosse and Onalaska are good areas to stay.
SCHEDULE: The tournament runs from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, but the barge opens as early as 6:30 AM. We suggest getting there early so you are set up and ready to go. It does take a while to transport everyone over by pontoon, and the die-hards start lining up as early as 5:00 AM.
Many people pre-fish on Friday, which is optional but fun - especially if you are in the WAM Slam. On Friday night, we have a rules meeting at Moxies (1835 Rose St, La Crosse, WI 54603) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Then we have a rigging session at 8:00 PM at the AmericInn La Crosse (same location as Moxies this year).
Prep & River Rigging Zoom Call: 6:30-7:30pm - we'll talk about river rigs that work well, along with strategy and updates for the event. This is optional.
This will take part on Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6870227233...
Meeting ID: 687 022 7233
Passcode: 636282
WHAT TO BRING: Rods - medium light worked best for walleye and pan fish. Even through you can only use one rod at a time, it helps to bring multiple rods to switch from panfish to the larger fish rigs, or there can be tangles and snags. If you plan on fishing sturgeon outside the tournament, bring a heavier rod.
Tackle - The primary tackle was a variety of floating jigs, colored hooks and weights (1, 1.5 and 2oz - but they can be purchased on the barge once we know the appropriate weight) swivels (the three way did well last year) along with crank baits, rip n raps. The barge sells weights and river rigs for fishing for $5.00 if you are not sure what to use.
We will try to coordinate live bait for willow cats, worms, crappie minnows. The worm + crappie minnow combo worked well last year for perch.
Nets are provided.
Chairs - There are some table with umbrellas, but you may also want to bring a chair.
FOOD & DRINK: The barge does sell food (pizza, hot dogs, etc.) but feel free to bring your own food/ snacks and drinks.
TEAM COMPETITION RULES:
•You can pre-fish up until 8:15 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 down to the nearest quarter inch. 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: Pat catches: 3 10” perch and 1 13” sauger. Her score would be 43”
Example 2: 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.
EVENT COORDINATOR:
Michelle Morey president@womenanglersmn.com
Come help us get that trophy back!
Limited to 40 people. If you cannot make it, please email the event coordinator so we can free up your spot.
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OFFICIAL WAM WAIVER FOR 2024 BORDER BATTLE
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the following:
RISK AND LIABILITY
I understand that participating in a fishing tournament is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter unless I am medically able. I assume any and all risks associated with this fishing trip, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown. Knowing these facts and in consideration of the acceptance of my application and application fee by Women Anglers of Minnesota (WAM), I hereby, for myself, my executors, administrators or anyone else who might claim on my behalf, agree not to sue and waive, release and discharge WAM, other competitors, hosts, sponsors, volunteers, and tournament officials, including their agents, employees, or assigns from all claims or liability of death, personal injury, or property damage of any kind arising out of or in the course of my participation in this event. I am at least 18 years of age. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the tournament rules.
MEDIA RELEASE
I grant WAM the right to use photographs, video, and information concerning my participation in this tournament for any internal WAM or third-party media.
ALCOHOL & DRUG POLICY
WAM participants should not consume alcohol during the tournament. Illegal drugs of any kind are also not allowed. Any violation of this policy may result in a participant being asked to leave without a refund.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
WAM encourages all members to show respect for others, both inside and outside of the organization. Conduct by anyone during any part of the event that is illegal, violent, dangerous, irresponsibly puts others at risk, or is conduct that reflects poorly on Women Anglers of Minnesota may result in the member being asked to leave and no refunds will be provided.
CANCELLATIONS
In the event that you need to cancel, a refund will be provided through April 19th. After that, there are no refunds. However, because this is a team competition, it is still helpful to know if you are not coming so we can make sure we have a full team to compete! Please contact the event coordinator to handle your cancellation.
COVID-19 RISK
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 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, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury. You also agree that you will not attend if you have COVID-19.
