In it's fifth year, the 2008 Ludington Gander Mountain Offshore Classic attracted thousands of visitors to Ludington, Michigan for the four day public event starting on Thursday with the Great Lakes Ford Ruboy Thursday tournament -- named after Captain Pete "Pedro" Ruboyianes, a cherished area fisherman who passed away suddenly in 2004.

Over 129 youth ages 6-16 fished in the West Shore Bank Youth tournament and a record number of anglers in the Bud Light Ladies/ Amateur and Gander Mountain Amateur divisions with winning payouts of $5,000 to $10,000. Tickled Pink were tickled pink

when they won the the Dreamweaver Lures Big Fish contest with a 23.30 lb king salmon. Pole Dancer took home $1000 for a 22.85 lber in the Northwestern Bank's Big Fish.. nice going gals! And anglers got a second chance thanks to Big Jon in the annual 2nd Chance tournament. ( also see Ludington Daily News).

Each year there are countless hours that go into producing this event. A special thanks to our Tournament committee, Kraig Anderson, Barb Baldwin, Laura Bogner, Dan Foote, George Freeman, Jim Karr, Greg Magee,Tim Massie, Kathy Maclean, Shane Ruboyianes, Jackie Steckel, Jerry Welton, Linda Rogers and the Ludington Daily News for their LIVE web cam coverage from the Weigh in" station. And let's not forget all the folks from the Ludington & Scottville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the tournament founders, Ludington Area Charteboat Association.

Our sponsors, without your support we could not make this all happen! Over $105, 000 in cash and prizes were paid out in 2008 -- Thank you to all! Please support our sponsors. See you in 2009.. please check back.