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It began in 1980 as a gathering and on-the-lake roundtable for the advancement of cutting-edge ice fishing knowledge and tactics. Since that time, these annual get-togethers have developed into what we know today as the Trap Attack series of ice fishing tournaments. This year, six events took place during January and February on waters from Minnesota to New York.

The Trap Attack tournament series wrapped up its 2007 season last Sunday on Chisago and South Lindstom lakes. Tournament hours were from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., with each team allowed to cull and weigh eight bluegills/sunfish and eight crappies. Frankie's Bait and Marine served as the event's headquarters and hosted the tournament rules meeting held the evening before the competition. Brad Dusenka, of Frankie's Bait, remarked, "These guys elevate ice fishing to a whole other level."

These tournaments are unique in a number of ways, but what really sets these competitions apart are generous purses and the opportunity for local amateur anglers to compete on their home water against some of the biggest names in the ice fishing industry.

The following are the February 24 MN Trap Attack top 20 winners:

1. Ryan Fischer/Tom Fischer (WI) 7.22 lbs

2. Pat Sobota/Scottie Sonsalla (WI) 6.34 lbs

3. Joe Pikulski/Myron Gilbert (MI) 6.3 lbs

4. John Danula/Justin Elliot (WI) 6.29 lbs

5. Bob Siedlicki/Corey Hopkins (WI) 6.27 lbs

6. Mike Boedeker/Dave Young (MI) 6.24

7. Glenn Martin/Jim Martin (MI) 6.24

8. Jon Bloom/Chris Bressler (MN) 6.22

9.Bill Lanham/Alan Epich (IL) 6.18

10. Don Cox/Dave Fehlafer (NE) 6.17

11. Greg Sullwold/Chris Lehman (MN) 6.16

12. Jacek Gawlinski/Zbigniew Wojcik (IL) 6.07

13. Steve Webb/Chuck Mason (MI) 6.03

14. Chris Augustin/Andy Moquist (ND) 6.00

15. Alan Suchla/Kevin Edison (WI) 5.98

16. Terry Dvoracek/Todd Waag- meester (SD) 5.95

17. Greg Jones/Tim Henze (MN) 5.91

18. Jody Johnson/Kelly Kopplin (MN) 5.7

19. Kevin Jones/Tim Carter (NY) 5.67

20. Mike McNett/Tony Boshold (IL) 5.67

With a total of 53 teams, the odds for local anglers to earn a payout for this one-day tournament were really quite good. If a Trap Attack competition is held on water you're familiar with and fish often, well, your chance of getting into the winner's circle is even that much better.

I've fished a number of open water tournaments for a variety of species and I can tell you this -- the greatest thing about a fishing competition is the element of luck -- the great equalizer -- which can put just about any team on top of a leader board at any given time. I've personally seen my fate go both ways on a board. My partner and I have been near the top after the first day of fishing, only to see our names near the middle or back of the pack the second day. I also recall fishing the Leech Lake Musky/Northern Derby as a 16-year-old with that same partner. He and I beat the weigh-in on the last day of fishing by mere minutes and took 1st and 3rd place.

So you never know. The next time a Trap Attack tournament is held in the area, find a partner, pay the registration fee, pre-fish the assigned lakes and give it a whirl. You're sure to meet a bunch of nice folks and you'll definitely learn more than a thing or two from the pros. And best of all, your odds of winning money are far better than playing the lottery.

Dan Brown's weekly outdoor column is brought to you by Frankie's Bait and Marine, in Chisago City, and St. Croix Outdoors, in St. Croix Falls, Wis.

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