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Well, the 2025 event in a nutshell can be summed up as “If it can go wrong, it will”. Heavy winds after two rather active thunderstorms produced a Small Craft Advisory with sea conditions predicted to be 5-7 foot and near 30 knot West winds. This would make for a very nauseous ride and difficult fishing.
Plan B was to at least have lunch and hand out some shirts that were purchased at our luncheon spot. Well, they did not have any electricity from the above-mentioned storm.
Plan C was an impromptu very windy, cool and a little misty picnic using some picnic tables, a small canopy, a generator, and some creativity.
Unfortunately, it takes months to plan this day so having a “blow date” with 107 veterans, 29 boats, marina, and a lunch venue is not an option.
So, you got selected for this year, now what?
Looking on to the 2026 event. You will have to fill out another form during the 2026 enrollment period (March 1- April 15, 2026). There will be a box to check if you were a 2025 participant on the form. After your name has been verified, you will be put in the cue for placement. You will be given a phone call same as you did this year to tell you that you have been selected. You MUST apply AND receive a phone call to participate.
We had some individuals that were not happy with being told that we had to cancel, and they gave some of our volunteers a hard time about the cancellation. Unfortunately, those individuals will not be welcomed back. We had to make a call on the side of safety, it bummed us out too, as we truly look forward to this event every year.
Thank you to everyone that rolled with the punches this year. We look forward to next year with calm seas and lots of fish!
Armed Forces Salmon Assault Board May 21, 2025
The Muskegon Charter Boat Association is proud to present the 14th annual charity veterans fishing event, the Armed Forces Salmon Assault, to honor our servicemen and women. This year's annual event will take place on May 16, 2026, on Lake Michigan for a half day of fishing, then return for a luncheon and awards ceremony. Our goal for this year is to have around 20 boats participate and host around 80 West Michigan area veterans.
Salmon Assault has multiple different segments to the event. There are 4 categories. First is the "DOD Challenge" which will feature all five branches of the armed forces. Participants will be selected at random to form a 4 person team which will represent their respective branch of their service, to compete for the heaviest 5 fish box per branch.
The secondary tournament, the "1SG Bill Barefoot Memorial Canteen Cup Challenge" will be between randomly selected West Michigan area VFW's, Legion's and Clubs who submit a 4 person team. The winner of the Canteen Cup receives a traveling trophy.
The third event is a "Big Box" contest. All boats not in the DOD or Canteen Cup are eligible for the "Big Box".
The "Big Fish" category can be won by any individual participating, this is based on the biggest fish of the day.
All participants receive a T-Shirt and admittance to the luncheon and awards ceremony.
We encourage everyone to join us in AFSA and would appreciate your support. The true intent of this event is to "Take Our Heroes Fishing".
This year's format also has many different levels of sponsorship opportunities: trophy sponsorship, full boat sponsorship, co-sponsorship of a boat (2 sponsors per), and charitable mention sponsorship, along with several others. If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact us at sponsor.salmonassault@gmail.com
We are looking forward to this event and are constantly updating all media and information.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at: info.salmonassault@gmail.com
Or by mail:
Muskegon Charter Boat Association
Armed Forces Salmon Assault
4100 Lorenson Rd.
Whitehall, MI 49441
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Salmon Assault
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