Eelpout Festival 2012 Was A Success

With another year of my favorite festivity ever in the books, I can proudly say it was awesome! We had a awesome cabin, drank just the right amount of beer, the weather was perfect, good food, good friends, good times. I took a ton of pictures. If you have read my previous posts about Eelpout Festival or are just curios, you can check out all my pictures here

2012 Eelpout Festival Pictures

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2012 Eelpout Festival Pictures Part 2

A New Shot For Eelpout

Every year, we like to bring a shot specific for that year. Lately those shots have revolved around energy drinks and I am trying to get away from those. I feel like things such as Red Bull, while they have increased my drinkability by 40%, are stealing some of the fun drunk thunder. Its hard to explain. But, here are a couple of the shots I was thinking of making.

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BOTTLE CAP

· 1/2 oz. Raspberry Liqueur
· 1/2 oz. Root Beer Schnapps
· 11/2 oz. 7-UP®
· 1/2 oz. Margarita Mix

I use the double shot cup (see picture) and pour the booze into the center of the cup and the Margarita Mix and the 7 Up in the outer rim of the cup



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WASHINGTON APPLE

· 2 oz. Crown Royal
· 2 oz. Sour Apple Pucker
· 2 oz. Cranberry Juice

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And the one I am leaning towards (since we will be partying on top of a frozen lake)

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Aqua Man

Equal Parts
- Vodka
- Blue Curacao
- Hpnotiq
- Orange Juice

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2 weeks and counting! I can't wait!

Eelpout Festival Facts

I am twitching I am so excited. I got my official Eelpout button yesterday. For $10, I got a chance at winning a Ice Castle custom fishhouse and other prizes, and I am helping to fund future Eelpout Festivals. So, since I can't get it out of my head, I thought I would throw some Eelpout facts out there for ya!

- Started in 1979 as the brainchild of Walker resident Ken Bresley, the Annual International Eelpout Festival began as a way to try and lure visitors up to Leech Lake during the winter months.

- There was 700 people at the first Eelpout Festival

- The original cost of a button was $3 (now $10)

- Unique Events that happen - Events such as Ice Drilling, Eelpout On-Ice Auto Race, Polar Plunge, Sled Dog Rides.

- The International Eelpout Festival brings more than 10,000 people to Walker every year

- Leech Lake is MN's 3rd Largest Lake

- It has gotten so big, it is now sponsored by brands like Coors Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Ice Castle Fish Houses, Red Bull, Northern Lights Casino, Aqua Vu and more

I will try and dig up some more facts the closer we get to the big day. Theres still time to book a flight or find a cabij in the area. You don't want to miss out!

Eelpout Festival! My Favorite Time Of Year!!

Well, its almost that time of year! The International Eelpout Festival is almost upon us. For those of you who don't know what A) a Eelpout is, or B) what Eelpout Festival is, let me fill you in. The eelpout is a fresh water fish that closely resembles a Eel. They are very slimy, and anyone who has caught a big one will tell you that they will wrap around your arm if you give them the chance. Super gross fish. Eelpout Festival is a magical celebration that celebrates this super gross fish. It is held in Walker MN on Leech Lake. Leech is one of MN biggest lakes. Eelpout Festival has grown in popularity so much that even Jay Leno did a segment from Eelpout Festival last year. You can find more info about Eelpout Festival here and they also have the Late show clips on the homepage

http://www.eelpoutfestival.com/


This will be my eighth year attending and I don't ever want to miss it. It started out on a whim. While we were at a friends cabin fishing only about a hour away, we decided to grab our gear and head over and try and catch us some Pout. Once we got there and saw what was happening, we quickly realized that our fishing gear would do us no good. One problem, my lonely case of beer was not going to be enough for the day.


The first thing we witnessed was the Polar Plunge. A giant hole cut into the lake, where people throw on some crazy outfits and jump in the freezing water for a chance to raise some cash for charity. There was also, helicopter rides, a rugby game happening on the lake, a ice fishing bikini show, lots of vendors selling Winter gear, and the official Eelpout weigh center. Once we saw the mild stuff, it was time to see where everyone else was going.


We headed onto the lake and around the point and the first thing we saw on the ice was a 30 foot tall inflatable Gorrilla. I knew it was going to be a good day. Everything is set up similar to Vegas is the best way to describe it. There is a giant road on the ice, and on each side are themed encampments. These encampments are usually around 30' x 30' big and inside they have dance floors, fully stocked bars, couches, beer pong tables, flip cup tables, hot tubs, you name. All you do is walk up and down the row and go encampment to encampment to party.



There really is no way to accurately describe Eelpout festival besides some of the most fun you could ever have on a frozen lake! Everyone we have ever brought has loved it and come back with us. I think our group was around 30 people last year! Maybe we will make our own encampment next year! Check It Out!!

This Weird Winter

So, the temp today is 0, -8 with the windchill. Just 38 hours ago, it was 52 degrees. In a Minnesota Winter where anything can happen, a 60 degree turnaround in 2 days is just another one of those odd quirks we are finding this Winter. Along with the crazy temp, we are still snowless. At the almost middle of January, it makes me a little worried. A few years ago, our first snowfall was on my birthday (Jan 21st).

This bad Winter makes me worry for a bunch of things. Eelpout Festival which is only a month away. A giant party held on the ice. Last year no cars could drive on the lake because of ice conditions. This year may be no different. I am worried about all the fishing contests coming up. A lot of these non profit organizations really rely on these in order to support their causes. Further out, I am worried for the farmers. No snow could equal a severe drought this Spring. Lakes and Rivers will be down majorly, poor fishing, poor Summer recreation. Come on Winter, lets get going!