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Headed north of Chicago where some charters have been getting silvers for a couple weeks it was a 30 mile run one way. Started in 02n 19w it was a long ride only going avg 15mph. On the set a 300 copper with a moonshine took a laker immediately after reseting that rod it took a steelhead. I thought it was going to be game on with that start but there were no other bites forever until 11 o'clock we hit couple lakers on riggers and long lines and small coho on sliders then at 11:55 we took a steelhead on that 300 copper moonshine again which turned out to be big fish of tourney I believe. It was a nicer ride back avg 22 mph on a beautiful day with hardly any flies. I wish more boats could of came out to do tourney i know a lot more people read the reports on here and it's a great way for us all too learn things about fishery . So I would like to thank the south end for another well run tournament.

Melton Away

Way to go Mark. We fished on the Michigan side. Only caught one 5lb coho & 1 shaker coho 13 1/2 inches. I think we had at least 13 hits. About half the time when we got to the rods, they were gone. Makes you wonder if your doing something wrong. We were surrounded with at least 10 charters & it seemed every one was struggling. One rigger was set 80 down with a slider. The slider took the majority of hits. They do like the UV Gator! We were going 20 mph going out 25 miles. Coming back we were going 30 mph. Trolling was not an issue. Lake calmed down pretty quick. I don't know why people are complaining about the waves? My boat is just 22' long and we felt pretty safe. My suggestion is if you don't feel comfortable, don't go. No need to blame anyone when the final decision is yours!!! I would also like to thank the Southend for a great tournament. Jeff puts a lot of time into these tournaments and it is very mush appreciated.

Im in a 17.5 boat so it does not take a lot to make me complain but I also know it is my choice but stinks when I can't get out. Worst I was out in was 5 - 6 foot rollers two years ago that blew up early spring while fishing Gary light. Didn't realize how bad it was until left left the break wall. Not a fun ride back but never really felt in danger. I am a little more careful after that time out. This year it seems like the lake has been worse (at least on weekends) then the last two years. I feel like I have only been out 1/3 of the times I was last year.

I never fished a salmon tournament and really wanted to do this one with my girl but we launched too late to make the meeting. We went out just a few minutes after Mike from Brother Nature. The boat pushed on plane as they headed back in. My boat rides miserably so we went nowhere near 30 miles, maybe 14. I would like to see a growth of interest in these events as they seem fun and competitive. I recognized the boats of some of the people from here and loaded the boat next to Plane 2 Sea. I can see why some would not go, but also no reason to hold everyone else back.

The tournament was challenging but fun. We will get things mostly right at some point. If only mother nature was not involved, then life would be easy!

Nice work Mark - congrats!

ANY PICS FROM THE TOURNEY?

We have some - just waiting for my picture guy to get them to me. Hold tight.

Pictures are now up. From the sites main menu you can Navigate to Events -> Southend Tournaments and click on the 2017 Summer Open or you can directly follow the link below:
www.thesouthend.org/index.php/sevents/so...d-tournaments?id=100