By Ron Rop
LocalSportsJournal.com
A new event for tournament fishermen is coming next month to the Lake Michigan shoreline.
The first Tri-Port Challenge is scheduled for July 13-15. The new format will allow anglers to leave and return to Muskegon, Whitehall or Grand Haven.
This will make it easier for fishermen throughout West Michigan to hit their favorite fishing sports without having to spend so much on fuel.
Here is how it will work.
Anglers will register at the captain’s meeting then designate which port (fishing ramp) they will fishing from – Muskegon, Grand Haven or Whitehall. Once you have registered, you cannot change your mind.
The committee does reserve the right to randomly observe and perform boat/cooler checks on the amateur boats. Pro teams will be required to provide an observer for both days.
The Ladies and Kids division will weigh in five fish on Friday. The amateurs will catch 10 fish and weigh five and the pros will weight their first 10 fish. Everyone can transport coolers of fish to Great Lakes Marina by vehicle or drop at the marina wall. Great Lakes Marina will serve as the tournament headquarters.
On Friday, anglers must be in line by 1:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it’s 3:30 p.m. Late arrivals will be disqualified for that day.
Entry fees have been reduced for this event. The Ladies and Kids event on July 13 is $100 while thie Pro Division is $450 and the Amateur Division is $175. There also is a big fish contest for $20 with a 100 percent payback.
Additionally, there are no late fees for those who like to wait until the last minute to register.
For more information, check out the tournament website at:www.muskegontriport.com/