The charity ice fishing tournament, hosted by a non-profit organization for M.J. Electric, will take place at Lake Antoine in Iron Mountain. Registration runs from 6:30 to 8 a.m., with the first lines set to drop at 8 a.m.

“This is our first year hosting the MJE Cares Ice Fishing Tournament, and we’re incredibly excited to launch what we hope becomes a long-standing community tradition,” Event Coordinator Jennifer Pericolosi said. “MJE Cares is dedicated to supporting the community, and fundraisers like this allows us to continue making a local impact.”

Pericolosi added the event not only brings families and friends together, but it encourages outdoor winter recreation while raising funds to support community initiatives.

Cash prizes will be awarded for the largest northern pike, walleye, blue gill, perch and crappie.

MJE Cares will host its first ice fishing tournament fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lake Antoine in Iron Mountain. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

“For kids 16 and under, we will have a separate category for the biggest fish,” Pericolosi said.

Optional jackpot entries for the largest pike and walleye will be available as well.

Payouts will be awarded based on event entry revenue and raffle proceeds, she noted.

“We are excited to offer cash prizes, along with 50-50 drawings and raffles for our first year,” Pericolosi said, adding that it creates more excitement for both participants and spectators.

The largest fish will be determined by weight, with the length used as a tie-breaker.

The weigh-in station will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. A final call will be made at 2:30 p.m., with fishing to end at 3 p.m

“Judges’ decisions are final,” she said, adding participants will follow Michigan Department of Natural Resources guidelines, which includes valid fishing licenses for those older than 16, as well as size and possession limits.

Regulations also allow three lines per angler, as well as spearing.

All fish must be alive at the time of the weigh-in and caught on Lake Antoine during tournament hours. Competitors must check in and receive a numbered badge to be eligible for prizes.

Organizers ask that all participants younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult during the tournament.

The awards ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m.

Food and hot beverages will be available at the lake throughout the day.

“We are excited to have the Sugar Jets food truck,” she said. “Whether you’re fishing or just coming to support, there will be something for everyone.”

Safety is their top priority for participants, she said. Ice thickness must be 8-plus inches and verified by certified personnel before the event.

If conditions are deemed unsafe, coordinators will either reschedule or convert the event to a shore-based raffle fundraiser.

“With the current cold temperature, we’re optimistic about conditions, but safety will always come first,” Pericolosi added.

Pre-registration is encouraged for a fast check-in time the day of the event. Those interested can go to the MJE Cares Foundation Facebook page. QR codes are also printed on flyers and shared online.

The entry fee is $40 per adult and $15 for ages 15 and younger.

The non-profit’s mission is to support individuals and families facing medical hardship.

Pericolosi emphasized the event is about more than fishing.

“This isn’t just a tournament — it’s a fundraiser with a purpose,” she said. “Every ticket, every raffle entry, every fish weighed, helps us continue supporting our community.”

“MJE Cares has always been about bringing people together in creative ways to support local needs. With ice fishing being such a strong part of our local culture, this felt like the perfect way to combine community fun and fundraising,” Pericolosi said.

MJE Cares thanks these sponsors: Miller Products, Industrial Inspection and Analysis, MM Industrial Sales, Beard Transportation, Superior Specialized Carriers, Edwards Automotive, Advantage Fleet, U.P. Truck Center Inc., Midwest Asphalt and Gravel Inc., Town and Country Sales, Eureka Tire Co., Precision Fleet, Builtrite Manufacturing, Auto Value (Breeze Auto Parts), Pomps Tires, Jakes R&R Tires, Smith Metal Structures, Fleming Fabrication, Marshfield Clinic, Niagara Knights of Columbus, Father Damien Council 2847, Wild Horse Saloon, Curb Side Auto, Struck Compact Construction Equipment, Niagara Fabrication and U.P. Cycle and Sport.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.