The Southwest Michigan Steelheaders are proud to present the 2026 Schu’s Shootouts Spectacular, returning to St. Joseph, Michigan on May 8–9, 2026 for two action-packed days of competitive salmon fishing on Lake Michigan.
This premier spring event features two independent one-day shootouts, giving anglers multiple ways to compete, cash in, and enjoy one of Southwest Michigan’s most exciting fishing weekends.
Whether you’re chasing the Friday Open Division title or battling it out in the Saturday Pro & Am Divisions, the Shootouts Spectacular delivers high-stakes tournament fishing, strong payouts, and an unforgettable Great Lakes experience.
Register for the 2026 Shootouts Spectacular
-> Register now for all divisions. <--
Choose your division, add the optional Big Fish Contest, and secure your team’s spot for one of Southwest Michigan’s biggest spring fishing events.
Tight lines, and we’ll see you in St. Joseph this May. 🎣🏆
Two Independent One-Day Shootouts
Friday, May 8 — Open Shootout
The Friday event features one Open Division with:
- $700 entry fee
- 7-hour fishing period
- weigh 7 fish
- pays 7 places
- $18,000 first place payout / $1,000 7th place payout (based on 2025)
- optional Big Fish Contest
This division is perfect for teams looking to kick off the weekend with a strong one-day run at the leaderboard.
Saturday, May 9 — Pro & Am Shootouts
Saturday features both Pro and Am Divisions, each run as its own one-day shootout:
- Pro Division: $400 entry
- Am Division: $100 entry
- 7-hour fishing period
- weigh 7 fish
- pays 1 place per 7 boats
- over 100% payout
- optional Big Fish Contest
This format creates exciting competition for both experienced tournament teams and weekend anglers.
Tournament Weekend Highlights
In addition to tournament action, teams can enjoy a full event weekend experience including:
- Thursday, May 7 registration at Schu’s Grill & Bar
- Captain’s meeting (mandatory for Open & Pro divisions)
- Friday and Saturday weigh-ins at West Basin Marina
- Awards presentations both days
- Schu’s famous hot dog cart at Friday weigh-in
- live stream coverage from weigh-ins and awards
The event also includes:
- free slips at West Basin (4-day limit)
- optional Calcutta available daily
- DNR rules / 9 rod limit
- observers supplied by committee
- 30-mile distance limit (Michigan waters)
- 333 available (only 1 day required to enter)
2026 Schedule of Events
Thursday, May 7
- Registration at Schu’s Grill & Bar: 5:00–7:00 PM
- Captain’s Meeting: 7:00–7:30 PM
Friday, May 8
- Open Shootout Fishing: 6:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Weigh-In: 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
- Awards: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Saturday, May 9
- Pro-Am Fishing: 6:30 AM–1:30 PM
- Weigh-In: 10:00 AM–2:30 PM
- Awards: 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
Watch the Action Live
Can’t make it to the marina?
The Friday and Saturday weigh-ins and awards will be live streamed, so anglers, fans, and sponsors can follow the leaderboard drama in real time.
Be sure to follow:
And check the website for:
Trolling With the Troops