06/16/2026
2026 Spring Fishing Tournament
The 2026 Spring White Lake Fishing Tournament was held on Saturday, June 13, on a sunny and breezy morning that made for a great day on the water. The tournament kicked off at 7:00 a.m. at the White Lake Inn, where 30 anglers of all ages — ranging from 70 years old to just 4 years old — gathered for registration, coffee, donuts, and a little friendly competition.
All registered anglers received a packet of plastic worms generously donated by Stickman Baits, along with complimentary White Lake fishing bobbers and a White Lake Citizens League fishing towel. By the noon weigh-in, more than 40 pounds of fish had been caught and presented. While no walleye or pike were weighed in this year, the bass showed up strong, with all fish presented being either largemouth or smallmouth bass.
In the Youth Under 13 category, 4-year-old Arlo Tryc took 2nd place with a 14-inch, 1 lb. 4 oz. largemouth bass. First place went to Ava Abraham, who landed a winning 1 lb. 8 oz. largemouth bass. Both youth winners were presented with a trophy and a $10 gift card to The Bait Shop in Waterford.
The Largest Fish prize went to Mike Tryc, who caught an impressive 3 lb. 3 oz., 19½-inch largemouth bass. Mike took home a trophy and $50.
The Best Catch category, awarded for the best three fish by total weight, came down to an incredibly close finish. Third place went to the team of Jim Abraham, Ava Abraham, Jammie Rakestraw, Tess Rakestraw, and Vella Abraham, who weighed in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. and took home $40. Second place Best Catch went to the team of Ben Rickard, Mitch Porter, and Scott Rickard, with a total weight of 6 lbs. 4 oz. They received a plaque and $60.
This year’s champions and 1st place overall Best Catch winners were Dave Wienczak, Ryan Dixon, Eric Wienczak, and Mike Tonz, with a winning total of 6 lbs. 7 oz. The team took home a plaque and $100. It was truly a photo finish, with only 2 ounces separating 1st and 2nd place.
A special thank you goes to the White Lake Inn for allowing the tournament to use their brand-new docks, to Stickman Baits for their generous donation, and to the White Lake Citizens League for hosting the tournament. Most importantly, thank you to all the anglers who participated and helped make this spring’s tournament a success.
Our next fishing tournament will be held on September 12, 2026. If you are looking for photos, or may be interested in participating in or sponsoring the WLCL Fishing Tournaments, please contact Scott Trudell, Tournament Director and WLCL Board Member, at [email protected]
