Photo by Tight Lines for Troops on Facebook
In May of each year, Tight Lines for Troops, a charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans, is held from the port of Manistee, Michigan.
First held in 2010, the idea for the tournament was the brain child of Bob Guenthardt, a Manistee County charter captain, former Ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Sponsored by the City of Manistee, Little River Casino & Resort, Manistee Area Fishing Boats, and Seng’s Marina; proceeds from the event benefit the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, Paralyzed Veterans of America: Michigan Chapter, and the Manistee County Veterans Endowment Fund.
The event is free to veterans and priority for participation is given to Purple Heart recipients, Disabled Veterans, and POWs. Veterans pay no charter fees or entry fees, and are provided with a box lunch and dinner banquet on fishing day.
In addition to the charter boat fishing opportunities, a Pier, Shore, and River Division offers a chance for veterans to fish from the piers or go wading or canoeing in the river. Manistee has several accessible fishing piers along the river.
There’s so much to see and do in Manistee! Read the stories below or go to the Manistee destination page.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
The township of Arcadia in Manistee County, home of Arcadia Daze every July, is less than 15 minutes north of Onekama.
The Manistee River spans for miles and provides the perfect watershed for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and exploring.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.
The Victorian port city of Manistee, MI features a River Walk, historic Ramsdell Theatre and the S.S. City of Milwaukee.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Winter in Manistee County includes great outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, ice skating, and more.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
Manistee County fishing reports for the Manistee River and Manistee Lake are provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The North Pierhead Lighthouse, located in the Victorian Port City of Manistee, stands watch over Lake Michigan.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan's lower peninsula.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Manistee offers a variety of fishing opportunities! Cast your own line into one of the many lakes or streams — or hop aboard a charter boat!
There are great events and festivals throughout the year in Manistee, Michigan's Victorian Port City. Find fun for the whole family!
Manistee has the unique combination of beauty, history and nature, which attracts visitors from all over and inspires many to call it home.
Known as the "Two Lake Town", Onekema is just 20 minutes from Manistee and provides a cozy escape from the everyday.
Onekama, in Manistee County, is the first community along the M-22 Scenic Heritage Route and is commonly known as the "Two Lake Town."
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you'll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
Tight Lines for Troops Committee
P.O. Box 274, Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3282
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year’s Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Downtown Traverse City bustles with party goers for the annual CherryT Ball Drop held on New Year’s Eve drawing between 8,000-12,000 people.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Michigan offers weekends during the year where residents and outstate visitors can fish, ORV, or snowmobile without permits.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.