The event

One Saturday, four categories

The Muskegon Charter Boat Association presents the 15th annual charity veterans fishing event, the Armed Forces Salmon Assault, to honor our servicemen and women. Salmon Assault has four categories, and every one of them is settled back at the marina over lunch.

The categories

What is being fished for

DOD Challenge

Features all five branches of the armed forces. Participants are selected at random to form a 4 person team representing their branch of service, competing for the heaviest 5 fish box per branch.
1SG Bill Barefoot Memorial Canteen Cup Challenge

The secondary tournament, 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.
Big Box

The third event. All boats not in the DOD or Canteen Cup are eligible for the Big Box.
Big Fish

Can be won by any individual participating, based on the biggest fish of the day.

Who won each of them →

Where it runs from

The marina, the morning and the lunch

The event takes place on Lake Michigan for a half day of fishing, then returns for a luncheon and awards ceremony.

Host marina: Harbour Towne Marina, 3429 Fulton Ave. Muskegon, MI 49441

At the 2026 event, check in started at 0500. Local people were welcome to show up as a stand-by, with no guarantee of ending up on a boat, and participants were told to dress for the weather as it may be chilly in the AM.

All participants receive a T-Shirt and admittance to the luncheon and awards ceremony.

Event schedule →

Before dawn