Arts & Crafts Classes in Ludington
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament
July 2026
Lake Michigan fishing yields some great salmon, and now’s your chance to grab some big money along with those fish! The Ludington Offshore Classic sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July. This tournament is open to any boat 18′ or longer equipped with a marine radio. Registrations must be completed online. Shotgun starts are at 6am and by 2pm, all boats must be inside the pier heads (except for Youth Tournament, where boats must be in by noon). Weigh-ins occur in a drive-through fashion in the parking lot at 3pm at Waterfront Park. There will be no food, drink, or merchandise available on site.
Over 100 boats entered last year’s tournament. The 2022 winner in the pro division was the crew of Pure Injection and they claimed the top prize. The winner of the Big Boys competition was the team from Fin Scout.
Here's what happened in 2025:
Monday
- 6pm – Big Boys Captains Meeting
Tuesday
Big Boy's Tournament, Day 1
- 6am – Shot-gun Start
- 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
- 10am-3pm– Weigh-in at Baker Ford- 3045 US-10, Ludington
Awards immediately follow weigh-in on Wednesday.
Wednesday
Big Boy's Tournament, Day 2
- 6am– Shot-gun Start
- 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
- 10am-3pm – Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Pavilion- 391 S. William St., Ludington
- Immediately following weight-in – Awards
Thursday
Ludington Legends Tournament
- 6am– Shot-gun Start
- 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
- 10am-3pm – Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Parking Lot- 391 S. William St., Ludington
- Immediately following weight-in – Awards
- 4-6pm – On-site registration for Friday events
- 6pm – Youth Classic & Ladies Pro/Am Captains Meetings (mandatory and must be attended by the captain or an individual representing the participating boat)
Friday
Ladies Pro/Am & Youth Classic Tournament
- 6am – Youth/Ladies Shot-gun Start
- 10am-2pm – Youth/Ladies Walk-Up Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Parking Lot
- 1pm – All Youth boats must be in harbor
- 2pm – Ladies Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
- 4-6pm – On-site registration for Friday events
- Ladies & Youth Awards to Follow
- 6pm – Ludington Offshore Classic Pro/Am Captains Meeting (mandatory and must be attended by the captain or an individual representing the participating boat)
Saturday
Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Fish: Day 1
NOTE: If you are registered for a 2-day tournament, fishing will NOT be allowed after 2pm on the day the tournament begins.
- 6am – Shot-gun Start
- 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
- 10am-3pm– Walk-up Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Pavilion
Awards immediately follow weigh-in on Sunday.
Sunday
Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Fish: Day 2
- 6am – Shot-gun Start
- 2pm – Boats must be inside the Ludington pier heads
- 10am-3pm– Weigh-in at Waterfront Park Parking Lot
- Immediately following weight-in – Awards
Some have called the Ludington tournament one of most organized and best run tournaments in four states, and it is the largest freshwater salmon tournament in the United States.
Payouts are based upon number of entries. Anticipated winnings for the top three places are:
Ludington Offshore Classic Big Boys
- $10,000 1st Place Pro
Ruboy Thursday Shoot-Out
- $3,000 1st Place
- $1,500 2nd Place
- $700 3rd Place
- $500 Big Fish Prize
Dreamweaver Lures Youth Classic (17 years and younger)
- $3,000 1st Place
- $2,000 2nd Place
- $1,000 3rd Place
Bud Light Ladies Pro/Am
- $1,000 1st place each division
- $500 1st place each division, Big Fish
Off-Shore Classic Pro/Am
- $10,000 1st Place Pro (based on 30 boats). 100% payout guaranteed.
Captain Chuck’s Big Fish Tournament
- $2,000 1st Place
- $1,500 2nd Place
- $1,000 3rd Place
Stay tuned here for info on the 2026 Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament!
For more information on the Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament, please contact the event organizer:
Ludington/Scottville Chamber of Commerce
5300 W. US-10, Ludington, MI 49431
(231) 845-0324
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Scroll below for more articles about the Ludington area fishing information.
More Ludington Area Fishing Information
Hamlin Lake Fishing Map
This Hamlin Lake Fishing Map details what kind of fish you might catch in various sections of the lake. Helpful for all anglers.
Fish on for Freedom
“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.
Public Boat Launches
There are many places to launch a boat for fishing or recreation in the Ludington area. Most are free of charge, with plenty of parking.
Fishing on Hamlin Lake
If there’s one thing that Hamlin Lake is known for, it’s excellent fishing. Catch crappie, bluegill, and more across thousands of acres.
Charter Boat Fishing
No matter your experience level, Ludington area charter captains will guide you in what to bring and what to expect on the big lake.
Fishing Tournaments & Events
Ludington fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
