The Early Worm Gets the Fish
One of the most popular events here at the Cove is the Family Fishing Event. Parents are encouraged to participate with their kids and truly make it a family affair. The inaugural 2024 event saw over 125 anglers cast their lines to great success.
Kids and adults each competed in their own respective class, vying for prizes including rods, reels, tackle, and of course… BRAGGING RIGHTS! So come on out and try your luck. You’ll be hooked.
Your Host: Ray Eddy
(Site #346)
Official Rules
The following rules must be observed during the event:
| YOUTH CLASS: Up to 11 years old TEEN CLASS: 12-17 years old | ADULT CLASS: 18+ |
| 7 species of fish are eligible for scoring: • Bluegill • Crappie • Largemouth Bass • Northern Pike • Rainbow Trout • Sunfish • Yellow Perch | Only species of fish eligible for scoring is Largemouth Bass. |
| Scoring is based on LENGTH of fish ONLY. | Scoring is based on WEIGHT of fish ONLY. |
| Length of fish is rounded up to the nearest 1/4”. | Weight of fish is rounded up to the nearest ounce. |
| Total combined length of all qualifying fish will be your final score. | Size of eligible fish must be at least 14” to qualify, in accordance with 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations. |
| Size of eligible fish must be at least “adult hand-size” to qualify. | Photo of angler and each qualifying fish is required. |
| Photo of angler and each qualifying fish is required. | Alteration of any photo will result in DISQUALIFICATION. |
| Alteration of any photo will result in DISQUALIFICATION. | Dead fish will not be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS. |
| Dead fish will not be accepted, NO EXCEPTIONS. | Bass with the greatest weight wins. |
| Prizes for 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place for Youth class. | In the event of a tie, the following tie breakers will go into effect: • 1st Tie Breaker: 2nd bass • 2nd Tie Breaker: Coin flip |
| Prize for the largest Largemouth Bass (based on length) for Youth class. | Prizes awarded for 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place. |
| Prizes for 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place for Teen class. | |
| Prize for the largest Largemouth Bass (based on length) for Teen class. | |
| Prize for the largest Yellow Perch for COMBINED Youth and Teen classes. |
Official Scorecard
You must record the length of each of your qualifying fish (Youth/Teen classes) or weight (Adult class) using the official Scorecard.
Scorecards will be made available, but you may also click HERE to download a PDF version to print. The official rules are on page 2 of the PDF.
Fish Species
Several fish species can be caught in the lake here at the Cove. Fishing at the Cove is governed by Michigan Fishing Regulations. Click HERE to visit the DNR’s Regulation Summaries and Handbooks web page for more information. The fish that qualify for scoring are as follows:
Bluegill
Northern Pike
Yellow Perch
Crappie
Rainbow Trout
Largemouth Bass
Sunfish
Click HERE to visit the Calendar of Events for scheduling details.