WHEN: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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REGISTRATION
Tuesday, August 19th,  5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Frankfort Public Boat Launch

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CAPTAIN’S MEETING:
NONE. It is the team's responsibility to know all the rules

Entry Fee: $140 per team (includes captain and all crew)
4% processing fee applies to credit card entries
Checks payable to: Benzie Fishing Frenzie​

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TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Fishing Time: 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM
All boats must remain within ½ mile of the Frankfort/Elberta pierheads before 6:30 AM
Official “GO FISH” call at 6:30 AM on VHF Channel 68
Coolers must be in line for weigh in by 1:00 PM

Communication:
Not a radio-silence tournament
VHF Channel 68 will be used for all official communication

Port Rules:
Boats may leave from any marina/launch on Betsie Bay

Boat & Cooler Checks:
Boats and coolers may be inspected on tournament day

Captain & Crew Requirements:
Maximum 9 rods, which requires 3 licensed anglers
Unlimited crew size

Observers:
Not required, but may be assigned at the Tournament Director’s discretion​

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FISHING RULES
Max Lines: 9 lines total in the water at one time, A fish hooked is considered a line in the water
Line Rules: Max 2 baits per line; sliders must be under 72”​

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BOAT REQUIREMENTS
Minimum 18’ length (per state registration)
Must have a working marine radio
No physical contact with other boats or shore unless pre-approved
Boats not returning under their own power are disqualified

 

FISHING LAWS & LIMITS
All Michigan DNR laws apply
Fishing must occur from a moving boat
No gaffing or shore fishing
All anglers must carry a valid MI fishing license

Catch Limits:
5 Fish in any combination of any legal species.
Teams must have 3 licensed anglers on board in order to weigh 5 lake trout.
Size limits per DNR regulations

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SCORING SYSTEM
10 points per fish + 1 point per pound
Ties broken by largest fish, then split prize if still tied​

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WEIGH-IN PROCEDURE
Begins at approx. 12:00 PM on Wednesday at Mineral Springs Park Pavilion
Coolers (max 5 fish) must be in line by 1:00 PM
Extra fish: One extra fish results in loss of that fish plus one more
Loose ice/water in cooler = -5 points
Foreign substances (e.g. ice in mouth/body cavity) = disqualification
Team is responsible for transporting its own cooler​

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WEATHER POLICY
This is a “Fish At Your Own Risk” Tournament. There will be no weather calls. 

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PROTESTS
Must be submitted in writing with a $50 deposit within 5 minutes of the last fish leaving the scale
All Tournament Director decisions are final

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PRIZES
Top finishing boats will be awarded free entry in the 2025 Benzie Fishing Frenzie Lucky 7 “Big Boys” to be held on Thursday August 21st 2025. 1st place is guaranteed no matter how many boats enter. Every 5 boats after the first 5 will add another free entry to the prizes. Free entries have no cash value and are non-transferable.

COMMUNITY CONDUCT
We are guests in the city of Frankfort, please treat the community with respect. Any actions by an individual that could reflect negatively on the Benzie Fishing Frenzie in the eyes of the Frankfort community could result in team disqualification. 

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QUESTIONS?

Contact Tournament Director:
Steve Joslin – (231) 633-6775

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On behalf of the Tournament Director, committee, and our sponsors — thank you, stay safe, and have fun!

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