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Photo by Tight Lines for Troops on Facebook
Tight Lines for Troops Fishing Tournament
May, 2023
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.
Here's the Typical Event Schedule:
Friday
5pm – Mandatory registration dinner for all captains and all Tight Lines participants of Boat and Shore Division- Manistee Iron Works- 254 River St., Manistee.
Saturday- Tournament Day
5am – Shuttle from Manistee Iron Works to board boats at Manistee City Marina
6:30am – Shotgun start at Manistee Harbor Pierheads with Pier/Shore fishermen in position
12:30pm – Reels in and boats gather outside the pier heads while volunteers line the Manistee Riverwalk with American Flags to welcome returning veteran fishermen
1pm – Weigh-in at Manistee City Marina then shuttle to Manistee Iron Works for Banquet and Awards Ceremony
For more information on Tight Lines for Troops, please contact the event organizer:
Tight Lines for Troops Committee
P.O. Box 274, Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3282