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 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 Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
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!
Known as the "Two Lake Town", Onekema is just 20 minutes from Manistee and provides a cozy escape from the everyday.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
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 Manistee River spans for miles and provides the perfect watershed for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and exploring.
Winter in Manistee County includes great outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, ice skating, and more.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
Manistee has the unique combination of beauty, history and nature, which attracts visitors from all over and inspires many to call it home.
Manistee County fishing reports for the Manistee River and Manistee Lake are provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
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!
Manistee National Forest together with the Huron National Forest occupies almost a million acres of land in Michigan's lower peninsula.
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 Victorian port city of Manistee, MI features a River Walk, historic Ramsdell Theatre and the S.S. City of Milwaukee.
The North Pierhead Lighthouse, located in the Victorian Port City of Manistee, stands watch over Lake Michigan.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
There are great events and festivals throughout the year in Manistee, Michigan's Victorian Port City. Find fun for the whole family!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you'll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
The township of Arcadia in Manistee County, home of Arcadia Daze every July, is less than 15 minutes north of Onekama.
Tight Lines for Troops Committee
P.O. Box 274, Manistee, MI 49660
(231) 723-3282
“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
West Michigan is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.
West Shore Community College in Scottville offers classes, the West Shore Ice Arena, and a complete recreation center.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.