The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge began in 1996 with a group of local fisherman Capt. Willis Kerridge, Capt. George Hays, Bill Rodgers and Chuck Pistis. These four decided to promote the local fishery and economy during a quieter time of the summer, the weekend after Memorial Day. The first year they hosted approximately 60 boats and have now grown to over 143 boats in 2006. Proos Downtrollers was the major sponsor the first year and was critical in getting this tournament on its feet and they have continued for 10 years to support this event. Throughout the years the tournament has seen weather from one extreme to the other, fishing in winter coats to scorching 90 degrees and the straight line winds in 1998 that destroyed the Grand Haven show mobile and much of Chinook Pier and its boats.

The first year's tournament paid the Pro Division a top prize of $4,000 and the AM Division $1,000. With the help of our Classic Sponsors, Proos, Ridgeview Industries, Tiara Yachts, Pursuit and Toledo Beach West and many, many other business's we have been able to raise that to Pro $10,000 and AM $5,000 in 2005.

As the Tournament continued to grow the board of directors decided we wanted to give something back to the fishery and the community and as of February 23, 2001 the Tournament received its official 501(c)(3) status and the IRS recognizes us as a charitable organization. Because of this we have put many exciting projects in place including a scholarship program and the Baby Chinook Program.