The Tip-up Town, U.S.A., fishing contest, sponsored by the Houghton Lake Lake Association, is the venue for sizing up your catch for the day. And you might even come away with a prize or two.
Each weekend is a separate contest. Fish from the first weekend are not eligible to be entered the second weekend. Tip-up Town badges are required when contestants weigh in their fish. Any fish with sunken eyes, freezer burn or spear holes will not be accepted.
Entrants will have their name entered in a drawing to be held on each TUT Sunday for a grand prize, two-man portable fishing shanties. Contestants must be present to win. The weigh-in site is near the TUT entrance on "Snowmobile Avenue."
Hours for the contest are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. All fishermen have to be in line by 1 p.m. to enter their fish. Prizes, awarded around 2:30 or 3 p.m., include power augers, rods and reels, and tip-ups.
First, second and third prizes are awarded for largest fish and largest catch of fish in each of seven categories: Northern Pike, Walleye, Perch, Bluegill, Speckled Bass, Sunfish and Rock Bass.
The Houghton Lake Lake Association, organized in 1974, oversees the set-up and dismantling of the Tip-up Town site. During the second weekend, the HLLA is responsible for the set-up and tear down of the MSDRA race site. The association also has a search and rescue team that provides security by patrolling TUT area traffic. The rescue team works in conjunction with the Roscommon County Sheriff's Department.
About a year ago, the association was in danger of dissolving; membership now hovers around 700. John Bareither of Houghton Lake is the current president.
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