Muskie Day Benefits Special Olympics
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) The weather is beautiful this week, perfect for biking, running, walking the dog, relaxing on the patio -- or hanging on the water.
If fishing tickles your fancy, cast your line and reel in fun at the 17th annual Muskie Derby fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Michigan athletes. It happens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 26 at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on Lake St. Clair. On-site registration begins at 7 a.m.
Cost is $650 for six people in your own boat; additional anglers are $125 each; $60 for kids 18 and under and free for anyone 12 or under. A dinner-only ticket is $50
But it's not all fun and games, it's a competitive tournament. All fish caught will be measured for a winner and then released back into Lake St. Clair. Lines must be out of the water at 3 p.m. and an awards dinner, raffle and silent auction will follow at 5 p.m.
There is no length requirement. Special Olympics Michigan athlete Steven Kujawski latched on to a 54-inch muskie last year for the 16th annual Muskie Derby and eventually went on to win the event. The largest fish ever caught weighed in at 48.5 pounds and was 56.5 inches long.
Each catch will be updated over the radio to broadcast to other boats. Trophies will be awarded to the top three boats to reel in the largest fish.
Anglers on more than 30 boats participate in this tournament put on by the Michigan Ontario Muskie Club. More than 240 people are expected to participate in the 17th annual event, making it the largest fundraising effort the club puts on all year.
Each year the Michigan Ontario Muskie Club raises approximately $10-$14,000 for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. The money raised comes from entry costs of each boat, as well as donations.
The Muskie Derby is hosted by the Michigan Ontario Muskie Club, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Detroit Yacht Club and the Detroit Athletic Club.
