Reeling in support for Special Olympics

 Mt. Pleasant: A cannon will signal the start of the 15^th annual Special Olympics Michigan Muskie Derby on June 22, at 8:30 a.m. at Gross Pointe Yacht Club on Lake St. Clair.
 

Anglers on more than 30 boats will take part in the event, put on by the Michigan Ontario Muskie Club. 240 people are expected to participate in the 15^th annual event, making it the largest fundraising effort the club puts on all year. Special Olympics Michigan athletes will also be present that day!

Since this is a tournament, all fish caught will be measured and then returned to their natural habitat. A shotgun start will signal that fishing can begin at 8:30 a.m. Lines must be out of the water at 3:00 p.m. Awards banquet and dinner to follow.

There is no length requirement. The largest fish ever caught weighed in at 48.50 lbs and was 56.5 inches long. Each catch will be updated over the radio to broadcast to other boats. People can register up until the day before the event.

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.

Most of the participants are members of the Gross Pointe Yacht Club and Detroit Yacht Club. The top three boats to reel in the largest fish will be awarded trophies.www.somi.org

The Muskie Derby is hosted by the Michigan Ontario Muskie Club, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, Detroit Yacht Club, and the Detroit Athletic Club.

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Revised: 03/04/14 05:54:47 -0800.