CULVER, Ind. — Indiana’s inaugural NAIFC (North American Ice Fishing Circuit) Series National Qualifying Tournament will be held on Lake Maxinkuckee, Jan. 27-29.

Teams finishing in the top 10 at the Culver qualifier automatically advance to the Dec. 14-16 NAIFC Championship, culminating in a 2012 North American Champion.

The Culver qualifying tournament is open to the first 150 two-person teams that enter. NAIFC tournaments are competitive in nature, operating much like a Bassmaster or FLW event.

Fishing boundaries are set: teams drill their own holes to locate fish. Portable fish shelters are allowed with walking, ATVs and snowmobiles the modes of transportation. Tournament’s fishing hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan 29 and the species will be bluegills and perch.

Local fishermen should take note that it has been “locals” not traveling teams winning 10 out of the last 11 NAIFC qualifying tournaments.

Accompanying the NAIFC to the Culver this year will be the “Ice Men” reality television program.

Camera crews will be on Lake Maxinkeckee prior to and during the tournament as they film the “Ice Men” reality teams preparing for and competing in the Culver qualifying tournament.

The first two days of the tournament focus on education for both kids and adults. A Friday night seminar (Jan. 27) is free to everyone and features a nationally known speaker. After the keynote speaker is finished everyone attending is invited to split into small groups with the “Ice Men” and other NAIFC pro staff to discuss fishing techniques in detail.

There is no faster way for any anglers, eperienced or not, to learn and share the successful details of ice fishing than these free seminars.

Saturday, Jan. 28 a free Ice Camp for Kids will be held first in a classroom setting then the kids and parents will go out on the ice to use the equipment while receiving on the spot training first hand. All kids in attendance will receive a free fishing rod from HT Enterprises. Please dress for the weather.

In addition to the weekend of NAIFC events the United States Ice Fishing Team will conduct a first stage USA Team qualifier Saturday, Jan. 28 at 1 p.m. Team USA qualifying is a separate event for the NAIFC qualifier and is open to any United States citizen 18 years or older. Team USA represents a truly unique opportunity for local fishermen willing to represent their country on the world stage.

For more information on the NAIFC, Kids Ice Camp, “Ice Men,” Team USA or to enter an NAIFC qualifier please go to www.naifc.com or email jack.baker@naifc.com.

To enter a NAIFC qualifier over the phone please call Kathy Roberts at (320) 252 0428. For information on Culver go to www.colverchamber.com or for Marshall County www.marshallcountytourism.org.