2024 Shanty Days Fishing Contest August 5* – 11

For more than 30 years, the Shanty Days Fishing Contest at Algoma has lured anglers hoping to tangle with a prize-winning salmon or trout. While that’s still in the cards, a lot of the focus in recent years has been getting the younger anglers out after almost anything that’ll bite.

Thanks to generous individuals and businesses, the youth division of the annual tournament will provide more than $1,000 in prizes. Through the years, participants have been outfitted with life jackets, tackle boxes, rods and reels and baits of many types.

That won’t change, but what will be new is a longer period to register fish via photos texted to the tournament organizer. Short windows to weigh fish — both for youths and adults — will take place at the Algoma Marina, 60 Steele St. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 8:30-9:30 p.m., and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings from 9-10 a.m. *But kids can text (920.883.9792) pictures of fish caught, measured, and released beginning Monday, and all week long, until 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11.  Final weigh-in 9-10 a.m. at Algoma Marina Pavilion (Heritage Park). Awards at pavilion 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 11.

Tickets and rules are available at Algoma Citgo 616 4th St. and Graf’s Mobil 1025 Lake St., both in Algoma, WI  (beginning Aug 1). Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for those 17 and under. Adult prizes are based on participation, with dozens of random draw prizes of fishing lures and other tackle guaranteed at the awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. No Main Grounds wristband required to participate.

The adult division is for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan, but kids can bring in fish caught anywhere in the area. The Ahnapee River, area inland lakes or the bay of Green Bay are all popular, while others try their luck with family and friends on Lake Michigan, or in private ponds.

If they’re not planning to eat their catch, kids are encouraged to measure the length, take a photograph and release the fish back into the water.

Questions? Email gofishwisconsin@gmail.com, or text 920.883.9792.

Follow the Shanty Days Fishing Contest Facebook page for updates.