MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – 16 teams hit the waves of Lake Superior around Marquette on Friday for the annual South Shore Fishing Association’s (SSFA) Woman and Kids fishing tournament.
“With women and children, it’s gaining popularity,” said SSFA vice president Jesse Bianchi. “Everyone wants to be involved in the outdoor activates and this time of year it’s beautiful to get out and usually the fishing is really good.”
The tournament was originally meant to go until 2 p.m. but was cut off at 12 p.m. due to unsafe weather conditions.
Despite the early end, there was still a weigh in and prizes, and everyone still had a good time.
“Obviously the weather didn’t cooperate with us as great as we wanted it to but we got four hours of fishing in,” said SSFA tournament chairman Ross Anthony. “That constitutes as a tournament for us, so we were able to get it in and give some money away, and get out on the lake.”
The prize categories included largest salmon, largest trout, and total weight of three largest fish.
Alexis Ohman, the winner of the salmon award, said she was able to win, even with time constraints.
“We’re feeling really excited, we got out on the lake a little late and had to leave early due to weather,” said Ohman. “But we made the best of the short time we had.”
Jordyn Anthony, the winner of the total weight award, said she was exited to pull out a victory after almost winning last year.
“It went pretty good,” said Jordyn. “The weather got a little rough towards the end but it was overall really good. We got second last year so we were going for first this year.”
Organizers Bianchi and Anthony said win or lose, they are glad the women and children get a chance to compete.
“We got wives, we got girlfriends, and we got children,” said Bianchi. “We want to make a day where they feel like they can have a chance to compete.”
“We have women and children that go out on actual tournament day, but sometimes the opportunity’s not there because boats get full or whatever the case might be,” said Anthony. “So we make sure they have a great time and get them out on the water.”
Tomorrow the fishing continues with the annual SSFA Fall Classic fishing tournament. The weigh in for that will be at 4 p.m. at Presque Isle.
