![Catfish Tournament](https://www.bayshorecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CatfishTournament.jpg)
33rd Annual Bay Shore Camp Catfish Tournament
May 10 - 11, 2024
We’ve lost track of how many thousands of pounds of catfish have been caught over the years, but there are MANY more to be caught! So, bring your minor child – son or daughter, grab your rod and reel, cast out and see what your team can bring in!
This event is great for all generations young and old!
This event is great for all generations young and old! Open to the whole family, it really is a “Family” catfish tournament!
With prizes, a quality devotional leader, fun activities like laser tag and archery range, great food, and of course plenty of fishing! *activities subject to change.
You don’t want to miss this event! We’ll see you and your family on the Bay!
Tournament Fees
Fishing Information:
PLEASE NOTE: By participating in this event, you agree to the following statement: “I understand there are personal injury risks inherent in fishing and herby assume all responsibility for myself and the minor children in my care who will participate in this event.”
Confirmation Letter for Teams
Please download for each team to read.
Catfish Details
Please read this for details on this event.
- Licensing
- Boating/Wading
- Weigh-in
- Tournament Rules
- Awards
*Make sure you have a current Michigan fishing license. Children 17 years and older must have their own license. Michigan law requires that each angler use only 3 poles with a maximum of 2 hooks per pole. All hooks attached to a “crawler harness” are counted as 1 hook.
Though boat fishing works best, wading or fishing off the bank is also good. You may want to bring hip boots, waders or a lawn chair.
Boaters: If you bring a boat, make sure it has a current registration and is legally equipped with proper flotation equipment for the number of occupants. Launch facilities are located on West Sebewaing Street, 1/2 mile west of the US Post Office in Sebewaing’s original downtown area. (Directions provided at registration.) Boat docking available at Sebewaing Marina for a fee.
*Boaters- Saginaw Bay weather can change very quickly. Be sure to bring a compass and a cell phone.
Please note the water may be shallow in places.
Fish cleaning facilities will be available. You’ll need a knife for filleting and pliers for skinning. If you want to take fish home, bring your own cooler. Ice will be available at camp. A live tank will also be available.
Fishing Teams must return to the weigh-in station by 11pm Friday and 3pm Saturday to be eligible for awards.
Competition entries for participants 13 years and older are limited to Catfish ONLY. Twelve-years and younger may enter any catch.
- Flathead Catfish smaller than 15 inches are not legal; please release them. Limit 5 per day.
- Channel Catfish smaller than 12” are not legal; please release them. Limit 10 per day.
Teams competing for awards must bring all qualifying Catfish to the weigh-in station.
Team captain is responsible to ensure fish are not wasted. Keep fish alive unless you plan to clean. If you do not intend to keep your fish, there will be a specific holding tank available for them. Our staff will be cleaning and packing those fish for future use. After weigh-in, the fish will be released if the team so desires. To participate in this Tournament, all participants must take part in the entire schedule, including devotions & spending the night in camp.
Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Capacity is 200.
- Largest Catfish
- Most Catfish
- Young Fisherman’s Award
- Drawings (every team wins!)
*Each child age 12 and under will get a prize, and every team will receive at least one gift. Alternative Activities are available (some activities require nominal materials fees). Parent and children, please stay together.
![flathead catfish](https://www.bayshorecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/flatheadcatfish2-1.jpg)
![channel catfish](https://www.bayshorecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/channelCatfish.jpg)
Accommodations
Your family will be sleeping in the duplex cabins on the grounds at Bay Shore Camp. Shower and bathroom facilities are available in each cabin.
Also, Tent & RV sites are available – Reserve today!
Saturday’s breakfast will be served in the camp Dining Hall. Everyone gets a Super Sack Lunch to go.
Devotions/awards presentation will be held in the Youth Center.
![RVs](https://www.bayshorecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/RVs-1024x655.jpg)
What to bring
- Personal care items such as a pillow and sleeping bag (bedding for twin), a towel, washcloth, and toothbrush
- Warm clothing and a change of clothes
- Fishing boots for those who want to wade
- Medium to heavy spin-cast rods and reels (with 10# or heavier test line)
- Hooks, #2, #4 or #6 “snell-style”
- Heavy lead sinkers
- Landing net
- Needle-nose pliers
- Cooler(s) or heavy-duty stringer
- A boat (optional)-public launch nearby
![](https://www.bayshorecamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Minimalist-camping-hacks-packing-list-1024x683.jpg)