Upcoming TVC Fishing Tournaments

Seen this in a local Traverse Ticker. Figured some may find it interesting. The $50K guaranteed payout for the largest salmon 80% of the state record is a big payout.

Quote:

The Ticker's Summer 2014 Tackle Box May 28, 2014 By Beth Milligan From the launch of a historic new fishing charter to Traverse City's quest to build a public fishing pier to several upcoming fishing events, The Ticker has your official 2014 summer fishing report. Traverse City Fishing Pier A proposed 550-foot fishing pier at the mouth of the Boardman River on Grand Traverse Bay is moving forward as local officials launch a search for a design firm for the project. The city recently posted a request-for-qualifications (RFQ) seeking design work, engineering studies and construction drawings for the planned pier, which was identified as a high priority in several public planning and visioning processes over the last decade, including the city's 2010 Bayfront Plan. Traverse City was awarded a $232,000 grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust last November to fund the design phase of the project. According to city documents, the pier “will provide unique, outstanding access for people of all ages, needs and abilities to fish for migratory and other species, and to learn about the Great Lakes, the importance of stewardship and the value, challenges and opportunities involving the fishery.” The city is accepting RFQ bids for the project through June 12. Bailey's Tribal Charters While dozens of fishing charters operate throughout northern Michigan, cousins and Grand Traverse Band (GTB) of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians members Derek and Billy Bailey hope to make history when they launch Bailey's Tribal Charters in June. “This will be the first-ever tribal charter fishing operation by a tribal citizen from any of the five signatory tribes,” Derek tells The Ticker, referring to the five tribes that signed the 1836 Treaty of Washington guaranteeing Native American rights to fish and hunt in Michigan. “Our first launch will be historic in that context, and also symbolic of the exercise of treaty rights to fish commercially.” The cousins initially plan to offer five-hour charters for 1-3 passengers out of Frankfort, with service later expanded to Benzie, Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties. Unlike most local charters, the operation will go primarily through GTB's Conservation Department for vessel inspection and license approval to operate on the Great Lakes. Non-native passengers on the company tours will need to have a state-issued fishing license, and fish catch reports will be turned into the state for quota records. Fishing Tournaments and Events Several fishing tournaments and events will offer local anglers a chance to land bragging rights – and cash and prizes – across the region this summer. On June 7, the 2014 West Bay Beach Trout Derby will pit two-man teams in a six-hour competition on West and East Grand Traverse Bays to catch the biggest trout. The rules of the competition have been honed so that the event “can be won by anyone,” according to organizers, making it fun for amateurs and pros alike. Entry fees are $125, with first place netting $1,000 (based on 30 entries). On June 15, Grand Traverse Area Sport Fishing Association (GTASFA) will host the 15th Annual Bihlman Memorial Fishing Tournament at Mineral Springs Park in Frankfort. The event awards prizes in several categories, including Largest Youth Fish, and donates 100 percent of its proceeds to Camp Quality Michigan. GTASFA also hosts a weekly fishing league from May to September, with a $10 entry fee and cash and prizes (including kids' prizes) for largest fish caught each week. Finally, after a five-year absence, the Salmon Classic will return to West Bay Beach, a Holiday Inn Resort, on August 29-31. The weekend offers over $75,000 in cash prizes and multiple events, including the Big Box Shootout, Ladies Classic, Big Fish Shootout, Sweet 16 and Main Event. Two “mega-fish prizes” are also offered, including $50,000 guaranteed for the largest Chinook salmon over 80 percent of the state record and $10,000 guaranteed for the largest Chinook salmon over the current Salmon Classic record. For registration and details, click here.