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 recently completed several accessible fishing piers along the river.

The usual Event Schedule is as follows:

Friday

5pm - Mandatory registration dinner for all captains and all Tight Lines participants of Boat and Shore Division- First Street Boat Launch area.

Saturday

Tight Lines for Troops Tournament Day:

5:30am - 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 with Banquet and Awards Ceremony at Manistee City Marina immediately following

5pm - Raffle prize drawing at Little River Casino

Events are listed according to the information available at the time of the most recent update to this story. The schedule is subject to change. For more information, see tightlinesfortroops.com or call (231) 723-7975.

More Fishing in West Michigan...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.