2026 SOUTH HAVEN FRIDAY 5 CHALLENGE FISHING TOURNAMENT
SPONSORED BY STAR OF THE LAKE MASONIC LODGE No. 158
Not Affiliated with the Steelheader ProAm
Online Registration only
FRIDAY MAY 15th
ONE-DAY FUN TOURNAMENT WITH MINIMAL RULES.
Friday 5 Challenge Rules
Time: 7;00 a.m. to 12 noon. Unless advised by tournament control.
Cancellation will be announced by 6;30 a.m.
If the tournament cannot begin by 10:00 a.m. the tournament will be canceled and 100%of the paid entry fees will be returned.
The tournament is on Friday with no alternate date.
Lines in the water no sooner than 7:00AM.
DNR regulations are in effect.
All boats must be inside the pier heads by 12 noon.
Weigh-in is at the South Haven South Side Marina.
This is a Weigh 5 tournament with at least 1 salmon included.
The crew must select their biggest 5 fish and Biggest Fish prior to weigh-in.
Cash prizes will come from 70% of the total entry fees. 1st place equals 50% of the total cash prize. 2nd place 50% of the 1st place prize. 3rd place is 50% of the 2nd prize.
BIG FISH is a side prize based on a separate $40 /boat placed in a bucket for those who wish to do so. 100% of those funds willing to the winner.
Each captain is ultimately responsible for the safety of his/her crew and vessel. Cancelation, delay or shortening of the event is at the discretion of the tournament committee.
Questions: email info@starofthelake.com, or call 269-637-1918 and leave a message
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 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 limits, etc.) Salmon and Trout only.
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.
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.
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: WINN-N-ANGEL 60.10 lbs
2018: Tool-In Around 100.40 lbs 2025: Best Chance 2 65.5 lbs
2019: Best Chance 2 103.80 lbs