After years of absence, one of Northern Michigan’s most beloved summer fishing traditions is making its highly anticipated return. The Uncle Sam Shootout, a classic Fourth of July fishing tournament, is officially being revived for 2026 in Frankfort.
The event is being brought back to life by the team behind Fish-Benzie.com and the highly successful Benzie Fishing Frenzie, one of the premier tournament series on Lake Michigan. Organizers aim to restore the Shootout’s legacy while introducing a structured, community-focused format designed specifically for local anglers.
“This tournament has always been about local pride, friendly competition, and celebrating the Fourth of July on the water,” said Tournament Director Steve “Steveo” Joslin. “We’re excited to bring it back in a way that honors its roots while creating a strong foundation for future growth.”
The 2026 Uncle Sam Shootout will feature defined fishing boundaries to ensure a level playing field and emphasize participation from local and regional teams. Anglers will fish within a designated stretch of Lake Michigan waters from Sleeping Bear Point to the north and the Manistee Pier Head to the south, remaining entirely within Michigan waters.
The tournament will maintain a straightforward, competitive format designed to be both accessible and rewarding: One-day event held on July 4th: 3-fish weigh-in format; 100% payout top finishing teams.
In addition to competition, the event will continue its tradition of giving back to the community. A portion of each entry will directly support the Frankfort Fourth of July fireworks, while also providing participating captains with a oneyear membership to the Northwest Michigan Fishing Club.
