This annual fishing tournament began with Manistee County charter Captain Bob Guenthardt. Bob is a former Ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and a proud Army veteran. His idea and desire to show appreciation to members of the military for their dedication and sacrifice provided the foundation for this unique event. In the fall of 2009, Captain Bob, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little River Casino Resort created a “Host Committee”, which later reached out to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Michigan Chapter and the Brain Injury Association of Michigan and the entire Manistee area community. Captain Bob’s fleet of volunteer fishing boat captains, local organizations such as Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Warrior Society, United Veterans Council, Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 1, National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard, and many private businesses, and hundreds of volunteer individuals throughout the state of Michigan joined together and successfully executed this outstanding event.
Ten years later, Tight Lines for Troops (a federally recognized nonprofit organization) proudly announced its 10th Annual Charity Fishing Tournament for Michigan Veterans. In 2019 the fleet included over 50 Captains and their boats, and delivered another memorable experience for 300 Michigan Veterans. Those who received “boarding priority” were WWII and Korean War Vets, Purple Heart recipients, veterans disabled, POWs, and then any Veteran of any branch of service. In addition to the Big Lake boat fishing, the Pier/Shore Divisions included opportunities for Veterans to fish from land.
Though the fishing tournament and meal is limited to registered participants, the public is invited to join the “Welcome Back Celebration” as the boats return to the City Marina, traveling up the river channel. The riverwalk along the river channel is lined with patriotic and appreciative fans, waving their flags to cheer and welcome the fishermen back “home”. In expressing his gratitude for the event a previous participant said, “When I came home from duty, we were told not to wear our uniforms. The people were tired of Southeast Asia. Thank you for honoring these great men and women for their service. I was honored to be part of the day.” Another participant shared these feelings: “This is the Welcome Home I never received. After all these years, I cried because I didn’t realize how much it meant to me. I was proud to take part.” Don’t miss this amazing sight – be a part of it!
The success of this program is a result of the collective efforts of over 500 sponsors and volunteers. Veterans pay no charter fees or entry fees. It is with great pleasure and honor that we all look forward to hosting the “2023 Tight Lines for Troops Fishing Tournament for Michigan Veterans” on May 19th and 2oth, 2023.
Click here to watch a fantastic new video that does a great job of showing you our event
Our mission is to unite organizations, businesses, sponsors and communities to help provide a free fishing tournament open to all Michigan Veterans from all eras, wartime and peacetime. By bringing our Heroes together, we endeavor to build and foster new relationships, share their experiences and enjoy fishing in the great outdoors of Michigan.
Our all-volunteer, not-for-profit efforts will improve the quality of life for many Veterans, reinforce patriotism, educate and bring awareness that we must continue to support and honor those who have defended our country and our freedoms.
Unfortunately, we will not be holding the raffle in 2023. There will be 50/50 drawings at the event. More information to come.
2023 Event Hosts
Fishing Boats from Manistee and Northern Michigan Area
Little River Casino Resort
Manistee Iron Works
Sengs Marina
The City of Manistee
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Meijer – Manistee
Reith Riley
Community (Murder Mystery Dinner Theater)-Essential Real Estate, Phil Landis, Callesen Wealth Management, Sengs Marina, Custome Sheet Metal & Heating, Oak Grove Funeral Home
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Elmers
PCA
Filer Credit Union
Filer Mill Community Club
Stu’s Pub (x2)
Painted Lady (x2)
Ted & Pam Arens
USW Local 12585
West Michigan Credit Union
Piranha Hose Products
Lansing Board Water & Light Water Distribution
United Steel Workers of America
Ludington Beverage
Copper Sponsor
Brian Rasmussen
Ashton General Store
Sunny’s Sports Bar & Grill
Goodmans Market LLC
Onekema Marine
Spicer Group
Veteran Sponsor
Merskin and Merskin
High Tech Dental
Richards & McDougall
Boyer Agency
TES Filer City Station
Waters Edge Dentistry
Martin Marietta
Swidorski Bros. Excavating
Other Sponsors/Donors
Hearts for Critters
Pledgeling Foundation
Dale & Judy Roberts
Memorials
Steve Fredericks
Donald Francis Snyder – US Army
Gordon Fauble – US Navy
To become a sponsor, simply download the ‘Sponsorship Form’ below and mail your check or money order to Tight Lines For Troops. To Donate using your credit card, press the donate button above. Sponsorship Form
We couldn’t make this event happen without our volunteers. Volunteers may sign up for the 2024 event in February.
If interested in volunteering your boat for the event, click here.
Click map for directions.
Manistee Hotel
FOR ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS GO THE MANISTEE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU http://www.visitmanisteecounty.com/
Those interested in using the Tight Lines for Troops Logo/name for any purpose please complete refer to the Logo Usage Guidelines, complete the Logo Usage Request Form and return by mail to the address provided on the form.