FOXBURG — The ninth annual Foxburg Ice Fishing Tournament is slated for Jan. 29 — for now.

“I’m a little nervous with this 70-degree weather going on right now,” said Chuck Gisselbrecht, one of the event’s organizers. “We do have a backup date (Feb. 11), but hopefully we’ll have ice later this month.”

The tournament runs from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and takes place on Kahle Lake, at the southern launch. Two-person teams fish for bluegill, crappie and perch. The big fish pay-out this year is for the biggest bass.

Entry fee is $35 if registration is turned in by Jan. 21, $40 for entries received after that date. Organizers will be on-site at 5 a.m. the day of the tournament to handle live registrations.

Payout — based on a 25-team field — is $400 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third. Winners are determined by the combined weight of fish caught.

“Kids are allowed on the ice, but only with a guardian,” Gisselbrecht said. “Everyone must be wearing ice picks for safety reasons. Those things can save your life.”

Gisselbrecht and his wife, Beth, are chief organizers of the tourney. Last year’s event had 37 teams with a payout of $725.

The tournament has consisted of as many as 44 teams. Austin Palmer, a Parker resident, has been a winner each of the last three years.

“We have people who come down from New York for this,” Gisselbrecht said. “Some come from Pittsburgh, Ohio ... It’s become pretty popular. We cook food right there. It’s a good time for all.”

Gisselbrecht also offers a seminar where “I take people on the ice, cut a hole and show them what we do.”

Those interested in competing may contact Gisselbrecht at mayorgisselbrecht@gmail.com or call 814-227-7697 to receive a registration form.