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.
Known as the "Two Lake Town", Onekema is just 20 minutes from Manistee and provides a cozy escape from the everyday.
The township of Arcadia in Manistee County, home of Arcadia Daze every July, is less than 15 minutes north of Onekama.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in Manistee County. 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.
There are great events and festivals throughout the year in Manistee, Michigan's Victorian Port City. Find fun for the whole family!
The Manistee River spans for miles and provides the perfect watershed for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and exploring.
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan's lower peninsula.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
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 Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
Winter in Manistee County includes great outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, ice skating, and more.
Manistee has the unique combination of beauty, history and nature, which attracts visitors from all over and inspires many to call it home.
The North Pierhead Lighthouse, located in the Victorian Port City of Manistee, stands watch over Lake Michigan.
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.
Tight Lines for Troops Committee
P.O. Box 274, Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3282
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
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A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
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 Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.