We are ALWAYS looking for volunteers!
Here is a list of some of the volunteer positions we are looking for in 2026:

Cooler/Boat Checker – Early Riser Crew

Are you an early riser? Cooler Checkers are some of the first people awake on tournament morning, arriving at Mineral Springs Park around 4:00 AM. You’ll be issued a flashlight, reflective vest, list of boats, and any special notes from the Tournament Director before heading to your assigned marina or launch site. (Please note: personal transportation is required.) Please note that cooler/boat checkers are NOT permitted to be fishing in that day of the tournament. 

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Once on site, you’ll take a simple walk along the docks until about 5:20 AM, looking for the boats on your list as crews prepare for the day. When you spot one of your assigned boats with lights on and a crew member aboard, make yourself known and politely ask permission to perform a boat check. Using your flashlight, inspect any coolers, livewells, bait wells, or other storage areas where fish could be hidden.

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If everything checks out, thank the crew for their time, wish them luck, and move on to the next boat. Cooler Checkers typically work in teams of two, so if you have a friend you’d like to partner with, please have them sign up as well.

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After 5:20 AM, return to Mineral Springs Park to hand in your flashlight, vest, and checklist. The goal is to check roughly 75% of the boats on your list before departure time.

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If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us!

Thank you for helping keep the Frenzie fair and fun for everyone!

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Observer – Ride Along with the Pros

Observers play an integral role in maintaining the integrity of the Uncle Sam Shootout. This position is vital to ensuring fair competition and honest results.

 

You’ll need to be ready for an early start, stay alert for the duration of the tournament day, and have a good understanding of the event’s rules.

 

Observers arrive at Mineral Springs Park at 4:30 am on fishing days, you will be assigned a boat and given it's location(marina & slip number) along with the name and contact info for the captain.

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From there head to your boat, observers need to be on the dock ready to go by 5:10 am. You will be issued a clipboard with an official observer sheet which will need to be completed and returned to the tournament director at the weigh-in.

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Observers are usually done with their duties around noon.

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If you’re up for the challenge, being an observer offers a front-row seat to watch some of the top anglers on Lake Michigan in action — a unique and exciting experience you won’t forget!

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Basic Rules & Expectations

 

• No Napping: Observers must remain awake and attentive at all times while on the boat.

• No Drinking: Observers must stay clear-headed — alcohol consumption during tournament hours is strictly prohibited.

• No Seasickness – If you’re prone to motion sickness, this position isn’t for you. Conditions can vary, and our tournament boats fish in all types of weather. There will be no opportunity to turn around, head in early, or drop anyone off on shore.

• No Smoking: Out of respect for the anglers and equipment, smoking is not permitted on any tournament boat.

• No Fishing – You’re there to observe and report, not participate. Feel free to ask questions and take notes for your own knowledge, but all rods, reels, nets, and baits must remain in the hands of the tournament crew.​

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These are just the basic guidelines — full rules and procedures will be covered in detail prior to tournament week.

If you have any questions about the role, please reach out

If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us!

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Weigh-In Assistant – Help Bring the Uncle Sam Shootout to Life!

Putting on a fishing tournament is a big job, and our team is always looking for extra hands to help with one of the most exciting parts of the day — the weigh-in!

Weigh-In Assistants will arrive at Mineral Springs Park at 10:30 AM on tournament day. From there, you’ll help with setup tasks such as:

 

• Moving picnic tables

• Filling wash buckets

• Setting up scales

• Hanging banners

• Running caution tape

• And assisting with general site preparation before anglers arrive​

 

Once the weigh-in begins, you’ll help keep things running smoothly by:

 

• Observing and controlling scale operations

• Data entry from the scale to each team's weigh sheet

• Data entry from weigh sheets to the computer

• Refilling paper towel holders

• Assisting with crowd control during weigh-in hours

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After the weigh-in concludes, volunteers help with cleanup and teardown

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Typical hours are 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

In order to assure you arrive on time weigh-in assistants should not be fishing in that day's tournament.

If you enjoy being part of the action and don’t mind getting a little wet or busy, this is a fun and fast-paced way to help make the Uncle Sam Shootout happen. 

If this sounds like a good fit for you, contact us!