by Mark Schram of myfishingpartner.com

Battle on ‘Bago is less than a week away, and the Fox Valley is buzzing with anticipation.  The “Battle” is one of the largest fishing competitions in the Midwest, with anglers purchasing tickets to register fish caught on the Winnebago System. You can purchase as many $30 tickets as you desire for the February 21st – 22nd tournament, but tickets are not available after the competition begins in 2014.  Here are ten things you should know, heading into the tournament:

  1. The tournament starts on Friday February 21st at 6 a.m. and runs non-stop until Saturday February 22, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.
  2. Tickets are valid for walleye, pan fish, white bass and burbot.
  3. You can preregister your ticket, to help spend less time in processing.  Here is the website link to do this:  http://www.battleonbago.org/tournament/preregister
  4. Prizes will pay out to 700th place, typically at every fifth place.  400th place (grand prize) wins a boat and motor!  That is unless you consider a 2013 Ford F150 a better prize if you finish 150th.
  5. If you want to win a prize, based on 2013 results, you’ll want to register a fish that exceeds one  pound in weight.
  6. Walleyes were king in 2013, with the top 50 prize places related to walleyes weighing about 2 pounds or more.
  7. All participants must be in line at Menomonie Park (Oshkosh) by 2 pm Saturday for weigh in.  Suggestion: Avoid the long lines and register your fish early.  This also helps you in the case of a tie (first fish registered at a particular weight gets a higher finish).
  8. Friday’s weigh in does not start until 4 pm (4-8 pm).  Don’t expect to weigh your fish earlier on Friday.
  9. There are new boundaries in 2014.  Please see the Battle on ‘Bago website for details.
  10. Since 2008, Battle on ‘Bago has donated nearly a half of million dollars to area organizations, almost exclusively for the promotion of the great outdoors.

Battle on ‘Bago is a great community event.   With the huge participation numbers (4,000-6,000 anglers), please plan to face long lines at the weigh in.  In addition, some sportspeople take this event especially seriously, so please be especially courtesy on the lake, so everyone can have an enjoyable time.  Good Luck!