Do you have an aspiring angler growing up in your home? Inspire them by the high-action fishing experience of the 2020 BassMaster Elite Fishing Tournament, which was held Aug. 20-23, 2020.
Over the last eight years, Lake St. Clair has hosted seven high-level bass tournaments. For the past three, the BassMaster Elite has attracted 85 of the best bass anglers in the world to the shores of Lake St. Clair in the hopes of snagging the heaviest catch of fish from the lake.
After just three days of fishing, 16 anglers broke the 60-pound mark and in the end, Bill Weidler of Helena, Ala., took home the grand prize of $100,500 with 86 pounds and seven total ounces of fish.
“I drifted through an area and caught a limit of 26 pounds in about two hours. I had two 6-pounders, and I was like, ‘I might have found something here.’ That’s where I camped out all week,” Weidler, who mainly catches largemouth bass, said in a press release. “I fought and fought; I had a (bad) start to the season, and I knew I had to get some work done. I was on my knees this morning praying that I could catch them.”
John Cox of DeBary, Fla., also took home $3,000 for the highest-placing entrant and Ed Loughran III of Richmond, Va., took home $1,000 for the 6-5 smallmouth he caught, too.
Unlike years past, this event ran without fans — but that doesn’t mean you’ve completely missed out on the fishing fun.
Families can still stream all of the action online — and stay up-to-date on what’s coming. Check it out and then put some of newfound fishing prowess into action on the water in Macomb County.
Fishing in Macomb County
One of the greatest assets in Macomb County is the 32 miles of shoreline along Lake St. Clair. The lake, which averages 10 feet deep, is perfect for recreational swimming, boating and, you guessed it, fishing.
With its unique spot in the Great Lakes, the St. Clair River brings in clean, cold and nutrient-rich water, which attracts big fish like small-mouth bass, yellow perch, walleye, giant channel catfish, pike and the highly-sought muskellunge — making it a perfect spot for BassMaster.
But you don’t have to be a pro to get some prime fishing in. Anglers of any age and skill, who have a valid Michigan fishing license, can cast out and catch a fish or two any time of year from a boat of their own or via a fishing charter.
Macomb County launch spots
Boaters and anglers in Macomb County can access the water at these boat launch spots.
Nine Mile Road Boat Launch
- Address: 23001 E. 9 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores
- Cost: $10/residents, $15/non-residents
Blossom Health Municipal Marina
- Address: 24800 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
- Cost: $20/day, annual passes available
Lac Sainte Claire Municipal Arena
- Address: 27600 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores
- Cost: $20/day, annual passes available
Lake St. Clair Metropark
- Address: 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township
- Cost: $10/car, $24/care with watercraft
Michigan DNR — Harley Ensign Boat Launch
- Address: 32995 S. River Road, Harrison Township
- Cost: $12/with plate registration, $17/on-site
Brandenburg Park Boat Launch
- Address: 5005 Jefferson Ave., Chesterfield
- Cost: $5-$11/annual, $22/daily
Michigan DNR — Selfridge Boat Launch
- Address: 44200 N. Jefferson Ave., Selfridge ANGB
- Cost: $12/with plate registration, $17/on-site
Macomb County fishing charters
No boat? No problem, the experienced captains on these fishing charters will help you maximize your fishing success:
- Captain Frank’s Fishing Charters
- Captain Steve Jones Lake St. Clair Fishing Charters
- Comfort Zone Charters
- Curtis Custom Charters
- Heatwave Fishing Charters
- Lakeside Fishing Charters
- Long Cast Guide Service
- Medicine Man Charters
- Mr. Muskie Charters
- Spencer’s Angling Adventures
For more information on BassMaster or fishing in Macomb County, visit the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development online.
