Lake Michigan Tournament Alliance (LMTA) is a group of Lake Michigan Tournaments that have been working together since late 2010 laying out plans to improve the Big Lake Salmon Trout Tournament Fishing Experience in a number of significant ways.  Future goals of the LMTA include unity in tournament rules to provide a more consistent tournament experience, increasing sponsor support through added value for potential sponsors, and finding new ways to leave a positive impact on the local communities in which LMTA associated events occur.

Our first official act was the formation of the Integrity Council.  The Integrity Council consists of one member of each member Tournament Committee.  The Integrity Council’s mission is:

The purpose of the Integrity Council is to promote, ensure and enforce fairness and integrity in all LMTA associated events through circuit-wide cooperation, proactive communication, and unbiased assessment of protests and/or occurrences that have the potential to affect the integrity and image of any LMTA associated event.

Members of the Integrity Council met multiple times in late 2010 and early 2011 laying out specific plans to deal with any future protests or suspect occurrences in any LMTA associated event.  The council has adopted a universal eligibility clause and has changed the application process for tournament entry as preemptive strikes against potential unsportsmanlike conduct or blatant disregard of tournament rules.

The most ground-breaking act of the council to date is the formation of the LMTA Protest Map.  The map lays out step by step instructions on dealing with protests or occurrences at any LMTA associated event.  It also gives the council the power to assess punitive measures if needed.  Each and every member of the LMTA has agreed to abide by any future ruling of the Integrity Council.

LMTA associated events combine Salmon & Trout Fishing with good-spirited competition.  The result is fun, excitement, the opportunity to test your skills and a chance to hang with old friends and meet new ones.  Sure, winning is great – but it’s not the only thing.  In fact, it’s not even close!  The LMTA recognizes the importance of maintaining a foundation of fairness and integrity.   Starting now and working long into the future we will provide that foundation at each and every LMTA associated event.