Event Details
- Dates: June 26th, 2026 / September 2nd, 2026
- Location: Gull Island, MI
- Time: Morning through late afternoon
Jobbie Nooner is a large event started in 1980 that is held twice a year on Gull Island, located on Lake St. Clair in Michigan.
The 1st event is held the Friday before the 4th of July weekend and the second event is the 1st Saturday of September.
It’s considered to be a lot like Mardi Gras and the event attracts a lot of inexperienced as well as seasoned boaters. Some people come and go throughout the day, and some bring tents to stay the night.
You won’t find Gull Island on Google maps. It was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while drudging the canals for ship traffic. They dumped all the sand in one spot at the end of Harsens Island and it eventually became an island. The Army Corps currently manages the island.
What to Expect at Jobbie Nooner
Jobbie Nooner isn’t just a boating event, it’s one of the largest on-water gatherings in the country.
By late morning, boats begin stacking around Gull Island. By early afternoon, the area fills in with anchored boats, raft-offs, and people moving between groups.
The atmosphere builds fast:
- Music from every direction
- Boats tied together in clusters
- People walking the shallows around the island
- A constant flow of boats arriving and leaving
This is not a quiet day on the water. It’s high energy, crowded, and unpredictable and that’s exactly why people come.
When to Arrive
Timing matters more than most people expect.
Early Morning (8:00 – 10:30 AM)
Best time to arrive if you want:
- easier anchoring
- better positioning
- less congestion
Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Peak traffic and peak energy
- heavy boat traffic
- limited space
- constant movement
Late Afternoon (After 3:00 PM)
- boats begin clearing out
- easier navigation
- slower pace
If you’re going for the full experience, arrive early and settle in before the rush.
Anchoring & Raft-Offs
Most boats will anchor around Gull Island rather than directly on it.
- Use a proper anchor setup
- Bring extra lines and bumpers
- Expect boats to tie off next to you
Raft-offs form naturally throughout the day. Some groups stay small, others turn into large floating clusters.
If you’re new to this:
- communicate clearly with nearby boats
- keep lines secure
- leave space for movement
What to Bring
This is not a “figure it out later” type of event.
Plan ahead. Once you’re in, leaving and coming back is not easy.
Essentials:
- Anchor and extra rope
- Plenty of fuel
- Food and drinks
- Ice and coolers
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Phone chargers or battery packs
Smart adds:
- Extra fenders (for raft-offs)
- Towels and dry clothes
- Trash bags (don’t leave it behind)
Safety & Reality Check
Jobbie Nooner has a reputation and for good reason.
It draws large crowds, and not everyone on the water is experienced.
Keep this in mind:
- Designate a sober operator
- Watch for heavy boat traffic
- Stay aware of your surroundings at all times
- Expect law enforcement presence on the water
If something feels off, trust your instincts early.
This event can be a great time — but only if you stay in control of your situation.
First Time at Jobbie Nooner?
Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:
The experience depends heavily on how prepared you are.
First-timers often underestimate:
- how crowded it gets
- how hard it is to move once anchored
- how important timing is
If it’s your first time:
- arrive early
- keep your group organized
- don’t overextend your setup
- stay aware of your exit plan
Getting to Gull Island
Gull Island sits off the south end of Harsens Island and is only accessible by boat.
Navigation is straightforward in good conditions, but traffic during the event can slow everything down.
Use your GPS coordinates:
42.53037, -82.680509
Expect heavy congestion as you approach the area, especially mid-day.
Why People Keep Coming Back
For a lot of boaters, Jobbie Nooner is a tradition.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about:
- being part of something massive
- seeing the lake at its most active
- sharing a day with thousands of other people on the water
It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s unpredictable.
And for many, it’s one of the best days of the summer.
