All Boating Events

Fishlipz Fun Run

Fishlipz Fun Run

The Fishlipz Fun Run returns to Center Hill Lake on Saturday, August 1, 2026, bringing together performance boats, cruisers, pontoons, and recreational lake boaters for one of Middle Tennessee’s most popular summer boating weekends. Hosted by Fishlipz Resort & Grill at Pates Ford Marina, the annual event combines poker-run competition, raft-up parties, live music, and charity fundraising benefiting the Jolly Angels / Brandon Elder Scholarship Fund.

Known as “the party with a purpose,” the Fishlipz Fun Run has built a strong following across the regional boating community by mixing beautiful boats, laid-back lake culture, and competitive poker hands into one of the busiest weekends of the summer on Center Hill Lake.

The event officially begins at noon Saturday, following morning registration, lunch service, and the driver’s meeting. Organizers confirmed there will once again be two separate poker run courses available, allowing both high-performance offshore boats and casual recreational cruisers to comfortably enjoy the day on the water.

Participants will travel between designated stops across Center Hill Lake collecting poker cards before returning later in the evening for the official poker hand payout beginning at 6:00 p.m.

One of the biggest attractions of the weekend remains the Pine Creek tie-up, where dozens of boats raft together for an afternoon of floating parties, swimming, music, and lake-life socializing. Organizers say additional ideas are currently being discussed for this year’s raft-up experience and participants are encouraged to submit suggestions.

Live entertainment is also scheduled for both Friday and Saturday night throughout the marina area, continuing the event’s reputation as a full weekend boating destination rather than simply a one-day poker run.

While the competition on the water can become serious once the cards start turning, organizers continue emphasizing the larger purpose behind the event. Proceeds from the Fishlipz Fun Run help support the Brandon Elder Scholarship Fund, which assists deserving local youth through scholarship opportunities and charitable programs.

Registration packages for the 2026 event include:

$150 Captain / Boat / Navigator package includes:

  • Two event T-shirts
  • Two complimentary lunches
  • Two poker hands

$75 Additional Participant package includes:

  • One poker hand
  • Event T-shirt
  • Lunch if purchased before lunch service

The Fishlipz Fun Run regularly attracts offshore V-bottoms, catamarans, center consoles, wake boats, cruisers, and recreational performance boats from throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, and surrounding states.