Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament

July 13th-19th, 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.

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

ludingtonoffshoreclassic.com

Current Events

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Annual Tree & Plant Sales

Every year, local organizations offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!

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.

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More Ludington Area Fishing Information

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The Ludington area is a paradise for those who love boating and fishing. Numerous marinas rent a variety of boats and offer modern facilities.

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 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.

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“Fish on For Freedom” is a non-profit event that provides a free day of fishing to military veterans on Lake Michigan.

Ludington Fishing Reports

Here you will find past fishing reports for the Ludington area, including Lake Michigan, PM Lake, PM River, and Hamlin Lake.