Offshore Classic/Big Boys fishing tournaments begin this week.

July 15, 2019

Offshore Classic

Offshore Classic/Big Boys fishing tournaments begin this week.

LUDINGTON — The port of Ludington will host fishing contests for all ages and abilities this week. Between 250-300 boats are expected to compete for large cash prizes during the Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Boys Tournament.

Sponsored by the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce and Betten Baker Ford of Ludington, the tournament is predicted to pay out nearly $80,000 in prize monies in this 17th year. The Offshore Classic is the largest, freshwater salmon fishing tournament on Lake Michigan.

Tournament week kicks off Thursday, July 18, with the Ruboy Thursday Shootout. Boats at least 18 feet long are welcome to join and weigh their five best fish for the day. Ruboy Thursday has an anticipated payout of $5,700, and first place could walk away with $3,000 (based on number of boats).

The women and kids head to the big lake on Friday, July 19 during the Ladies Pro/Am and Youth Tournament. Cash and trophies are up for grabs in the Ladies Pro/Am Tournament, sponsored by Bud Light. Ladies will weigh their five best fish, with no more than three of any one species being weighed. The youth tournament is open to kids ages 17 and younger. Prizes will be provided by West Shore Bank. 

Men’s Pro/Am fishing begins on Saturday, July 20 and continues Sunday, July 21. A prize of $10,000 will go to the top pro boat again this year (based on a minimum of 30 boats participating).

The Big Boys Tournament, sponsored by Auto Owners Insurance, returns on Tuesday, July 23 and Wednesday, July 24. Big fish and big payouts are the name of the game during this two-day, high stakes competition, held in conjunction with the Offshore tournament.

Register online for Ludington Offshore/Big Boys until 12 pm July 17 at LudingtonTournament.com. On-site registration during the tournament is also available. Information on individual events can be found on Facebook: facebook.com/ludingtonoffshoreclassic.  

Schedule of Events

  • Thursday, July 18 – Ruboy Thursday Shoot-Out, sponsored by Dreamweaver Lures 
  • Friday, July 19 – Youth Classic, sponsored by West Shore Bank & Bud Ladies Pro/Am & Big Fish, sponsored by Bud Light
  • Saturday, July 20 – Ludington Offshore Classic Pro/Am, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Betten Baker Ford

Big Fish Tournament, sponsored by Captain Chuck’s

  • Sunday, July 21 – Ludington Offshore Classic Pro/Am, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and Betten Baker Ford
  • Big Fish Tournament, sponsored by Captain Chuck’s
  • Monday, July 22 – Make-up day for Youth Classic & Ladies Pro/Am & Big Fish
  • Tuesday, July 23 – Ludington Offshore Classic Big Boys, sponsored by Auto Owners Insurance;
  • Lake Michigan Pro Fishing Series
  • Wed, July 24 – Ludington Offshore Classic Big Boys, sponsored by Auto Owners Insurance;
  • Lake Michigan Pro Fishing Series

Area Churches