Event is over for 2024
2024 SOUTH HAVEN FRIDAY 5 CHALLENGE FISHING TOURNAMENT
SPONSORED BY STAR OF THE LAKE MASONIC LODGE No. 158
FRIDAY MAY 17th
ONE-DAY FUN TOURNAMENT WITH MINIMAL RULES.
Friday 5 Challenge Rules
Times: 6:45 a.m. shotgun start (remain within ¼ mile of pierheads until start), 7:00 a.m. fishing
period begins, boats must finish inside South Haven pier heads by 1:30 p.m.
Weigh-in: South Haven Black River Park. Must be in line no later than 3:00 p.m.
Awards: Approximately 1 hour after the last box is weighed and scored at the weigh-in location.
Registration for Steelheader 2 day event: 3-6 p.m. at the South Haven American Legion 129 Michigan Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
RULES:
Open to any/all boats at least 17’ long and equipped with a marine radio.
Open communication.
No observers required, however boats and coolers are subject to inspection.
The fishing period start, finish and any weather announcements will be announced by
tournament control on channel 78, if shortened due to weather, 2 hours will constitute
a complete tournament.
If canceled due to weather, the tournament will not reschedule and entry moneys will
be refunded.
Running gunnel to gunnel with any boat during the run time or fishing period is not
allowed.
All Michigan DNR rules apply (# of rods, bag limites, etc.) Salmon and Trout only.
6:45 a.m. shotgun start (allows for 6 and 630 bridge openings). Start within ¼ mile of
South Haven pier heads. Fishing period begins at 7 a.m. (lines in water) and return to
harbor and be inside pier heads by 1:30 p.m.
Weigh-In Procedure:
1. ANNOUNCE – Participating boat will announce its assigned tournament number (if
distributed) or Boat Name once inside pier heads on VHF channel 78.
2. DOCK – Secure your boat at your mooring.
3. PREPARE – Prepare your 5 fish maximum Tournament legal fish box.
4. TRANSPORT – Take fish box to be scored to weigh-in location (Black River Park) and
proceed to the end of the line. Remain with vehicle until it is your turn to be scored. This
will be a drive-thru weigh-in. Must be in line by 3PM.
5. SCORE – Crewmember must remain with the catch until it has been officially weighed and
scored.
a. All coolers must arrive at the weigh-in free of loose ice and water. Only block, bagged
cubes and frozen plastic containers are allowed. Failure to abide by this rule will result
in removal to the back of the pre-check line for correction.
b. Weigh your 5 best fish (any species, no sorting at the scales.) Total weight of these 5
fish will determine the winners. Biggest single fish will decide ties. If still tied, prize
money will be split. May weigh outside of biggest 5 when competing for one the
species biggest fish prizes. Single Biggest each species weighed first. Fish subject to
dissection at discretion of tournament Weighmaster.
c. Any attempt to alter the weight of the tournament fish will result in a DQ for the
tournament.
Awards and payout will follow within an hour +/- at the Black River fish cleaning station
after last fish box is weighed and scoring is completed. Winners will be called to return.
Request that winning crews pose for photo.
EACH CAPTAIN IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF HIS/HER CREW AND
VESSEL.
Every reasonable precaution should be taken to protect persons and property during the
contest. However, Tournament Directors, Officers and Sponsors are not responsible for
the safety of the person or property of the participants in regards to accident, theft,
damage by fire, vandalism, or any other cause. All participants further understand and
agree to hold harmless the aforementioned groups and individuals from damages
incurred as a result of participation in the tournament in whatever form or manner said
liabilities or damages might be incurred. Follow all State and Federal Laws.
Guaranteed winnings for the top three places are:
$1,000 1st Place
$500 2nd Place
$250 3rd Place
Other payouts will be based upon number of entries.
Biggest Fish 80% payout, Biggest Salmon 10%, Biggest Trout 10%
Please note that this is meant to be a fun tournament and we rely on your honesty. Any violations
of the rules and subsequent penalties will be determined by the South Haven Friday 5 Challenge
Tournament Officials. The committee reserves the right to change or modify any of these rules.
If any changes are made, they will be announced in a due and timely manner prior to the
tournament start.
Fish must be brought to the weigh-in by vehicle or by hand cart/carried if mooring/launching at
Black River Park. The weigh-in will be at the City of South Haven Black River Park fish cleaning
station. The Michigan Maritime Museum may request that fish be donated, otherwise, please
plan on keeping your catch.
Past Winners:
2013: Too Strong 89.08 lbs 2020: Covid-19 0.00 lbs
2014: Lapaloma 65.95 lbs 2021: Hook-Up 94.20 lbs
2015: Smokin Hot 61.30 lbs 2022: Hook-Up 61.40 lbs
2016: Flat Out 65.50 lbs 2023: Best Chance
2017: Breaktime 55.90 lbs 2024: *Your Boat Here*
2018: Tool-In Around 100.40 lbs
2019: Best Chance 2 103.80 lbs