The 2024 tournament schedule is set for Lip Ripper Fishing. Throughout the 2024 season, Lip Ripper Fishing anglers Nick Harrington and Mason Propst will compete in five tournaments plus a 10-week Tuesday Night League.
“We get the opportunity to stay close to home and participate in some really fun events,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “This season features our favorite waterbodies and we’re very excited to compete on them.”
The 2024 season will begin on Lake Sharpe in Pierre. The poor ice season forced the cancellation of the 24 Hours of Ice hosted by The Fishing Crew, which will be replaced by an Ice Breaker in March. More information regarding this event will be forthcoming.
“Early spring can produce some of the best fishing of the year on Lake Sharpe in the Pierre area,” continued Harrington. “If weather conditions cooperate, expect to see some big weights come from this event.”
The second event of the season is a staple for early spring, the Cedar Shore Resort Walleye Tournament hosted by The Fishing Crew. This is an annual event that takes place out of Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain and launches onto Lake Francis Case.
“The Chamberlain area has a rich history for my family,” said Mason Propst, Owner of Mason Propst Fishing. “This is an event we always look forward to and really one of the best spring bites you’ll find in the Midwest.”
The third event of the season brings the boys back to Pierre, fishing the 2nd Annual Sharpe Showdown. This event is hosted by the Pierre Chamber of Commerce and put on by The Fishing Crew. The tournament will launch out of Downs Marina onto Lake Sharpe.
“Lake Sharpe is both our home and favorite waterbody,” said Harrington. “We’re super excited to showcase the terrific fishery that literally runs through the town of Pierre.”
The fourth event of the season takes the boys to Nebraska, specifically one of the best trophy walleye destinations in the region. Affectionately named Big Mac, Lake McConaughy in western Nebraska draws anglers every year in search of the trophy walleyes that call this fishery home. Expect some major weights when the Nebraska Walleye Trail launches for the annual Big Mac Shut Up and Fish.
“Big Mac has more history for myself and my family than probably any other waterbody,” said Propst. “This is a trip I look forward to every year, pound for pound Big Mac walleyes are some of the hardest fighting walleyes you’ll find and there is no shortage of pounds too!”
The fifth and final event of the regular season concludes back at home in Pierre on another waterbody that is known for producing trophy caliber walleyes as well. After breaking the state record twice in the fall of 2023, Lake Oahe is set to host the 50th Annual South Dakota Governor’s Cup.
The South Dakota Governor’s Cup is hosted by The Fishing Crew and launches onto Lake Oahe out of Spring Creek Recreation Area. Anglers can fish from Bush’s Landing to the Oahe Dam on the expansive reservoir and can expect plenty of big walleyes to tip the scales.
“Pierre has not one, but two fantastic walleye fisheries,” continued Harrington. “Lake Oahe is a special body of water and the opportunity to compete in the 50th Annual South Dakota Governor’s Cup is truly a bucket list item.”
The opportunity to prioritize favorite fisheries, stay close to home, and support the local community played a major role in the 2024 schedule creation.
“The fact that I’ll get to have my family at the weigh-ins, ensure I have plenty of time at home, and get to have fun on my favorite waterbodies is why I’m so excited for this year,” concluded Propst. “My daughter Quinn already has experience being on stage too!”
The boys will also compete in the Tuesday Night Walleye Fishing League weekly from April to June. This league consists of 10 weeks, which is broken down into quarters of three-week periods with a final fish-off in Week 10. Each week takes place on Lake Sharpe launching out of Pierre.
The 2023 League season was a successful one, featuring two victories and six Top-Tens.
“If I had to pick my favorite waterbodies, and my favorite towns, it’d be the ones listed on this year’s schedule,” concluded Harrington. “There’s no doubt in my mind, this is going to be our best year yet.”
Stay up to date on all tournament results by following Lip Ripper Fishing on Facebook, Nick Harrington (mrwalleyesd) on Instagram, and Mason Propst (masonpropstfishing) on Instagram.
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Allie Ellingson Photography + Design is the official branding partner for Lip Ripper Fishing. Allie provides promotional material for Lip Ripper Fishing, Mason Propst Fishing, JB Design Custom Rods, and Propst Professional Anglers. Contact Allie for all graphic design, branding, and photography needs!
