Ludington Offshore Classic Kicks Off July 14

Hundreds of contestants are making their way to the Ludington coastline to pursue king salmon and lake trout during the upcoming Ludington Offshore Classic/Big Boys Fishing Tournament. This event is scheduled to take place from July 14-20 on Lake Michigan.

Ludington is home to one of the premier salmon fishing ports on the Great Lakes and a must-visit stop on the Lake Michigan tournament trail. Its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and unmatched fishing experience keep anglers returning year after year.

The Ludington Offshore Classic has grown in popularity over the last 22 years. In 2024, 135 boats competed in the Ludington Offshore Classic two-day pro/am tournament – the largest number since 2008.

During the 2025 tournament, events will again be held for pros, amateurs, ladies and youth. The week-long event starts with the Big Boys competition on Tuesday, July 15, as boats head out of port at 6 a.m. Participants may catch 20 fish and weigh their best 12 with no more than nine per species from 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

The weigh-in procedures for Tuesday will happen at Baker Ford from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (3045 US-10, Ludington). This presenting sponsor will host the day’s weigh-in, as well as a cookout for Big Boys contestants

Weigh-in for the remainder of the week’s contests will be held at Waterfront Park from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (391 S. William St., Ludington), with secret cooler and awards ceremonies held under the pavilion. The public is welcome to attend.

The Offshore Classic Pro Division will pay $20,000 to the winner, and the Amateur Division will pay $10,000*.  (*Payouts based on number of boat entries and subject to change.)

Fish Donations Stay Local

In 2024, the Ludington Offshore Classic initiated a new partnership with Lakeshore Food Club, a nonprofit grocery store that provides food access to 2,900 Mason County households facing food insecurity. Again this year, anglers are invited to donate their catches to the food club, whose volunteers will be on site collecting and cleaning fish throughout the tournament. To volunteer, register using the form here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CAAA922AAFCC61-57331355-offshore#/

Over 2,500 pounds of fresh fish were donated during the 2024 Ludington Offshore Classic, much of which was immediately distributed to local households. These generous donations also helped create a frozen stockpile that sustained the food club through the cold winter months. With a membership of over 2,900 local households, Lakeshore Food Club plays a vital role in overcoming food insecurity in our community.

2025 Schedule of Events

The Ludington Offshore Classic is presented by Baker Auto  Group, Dreamweaver Lures, and Grand Haven Custom Molding. The week’s schedule is as follows:

July 14: Big Boys captains meeting

July 15-16: Big Boys Tournament

July 17: Ludington Legends Memorial Tournament, Ladies and Youth captains meeting

July 18: Ladies and Youth tournaments, Pro/Am captains meeting

July 19-20: Ludington Offshore Classic Pro/Am 

For complete rules and registration, visit ludingtontournament.com.