Thank you to our sponsors!

Horseshoe Hammond Logo South Shore Tourism logoState Farm Al Dempsey logo Bedford Sales and Outdoors logo Bass Pro Shops Logo Lake and Pond Biologists logo  TinCup Whiskey logo

South Shore Open

Team Fishing Tournament

August 1-2, 2026

Welcome to the South Shore Open!

Fishing the Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan waters of Lake Michigan, teams of anglers will be in pursuit of the plentiful smallmouth and largemouth bass that inhabit Lake Michigan and its tributaries. Participating teams will have 2 days to bring in their best 5 fish limit each day in hopes of winning one of the largest payouts in southern Lake Michigan history.

The event will kick off on Friday night, July 31, 2026, at the Horseshoe Casino overlooking the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan and the Hammond Marina for its Pre-Tournament meeting and hospitality lounge. Participating anglers under 21 may participate, but need to mark that off on the entry form.

Anglers, friends and family can also enjoy the many food and beverage vendors, live DJ, kids’ games, boat dealerships, informational vendors and other activities during the two days at the marina. Come and be a part of history and have a great time doing it.



REGISTRATION & PAYMENT INFORMATION

Registration opens March 1st.

  1. Each team must complete the entry form here.
  2. Each team member must read the rules and agree to the Liability Waiver & Release of Claims here.
  3. Submit payment for entry:
    • Entry fee will be $400/team from March 1st to May 1st, 2026.
      May 2nd to July 27th, 2026, entry fee is $450/team.
      2026 CalSag and Big Lake Bass members get an additional $50 off per team entry.
      Entries include Big Bass for both days.
    • Payment Methods:
      For Venmo @bassinbanik or Zelle: 219-512-2924.
      For PayPal, credit card or check, contact Dennis Banik @ 219-512-2924.

All forms, agreements and payments must be submitted by July 27, 2026. Late registrations will not be accepted.

Any questions can be sent to southshorebassopen@gmail.com or text/call Dennis Banik at 219-512-2924.



Hammond-Marina-Northwest-Indiana-Outdoors

HAMMOND MARINA BOAT SLIPS

We encourage anglers to consider using the slips, which will ease the traffic at the boat ramp.

Boat slips at the Hammond Marina will be available for competing anglers at a discounted rate of $17.50/day or $105/week. Shore power and water are available at each dock.

For more information, contact Hammond Port Authority at 219-659-7678 or email marina@hammondmarina.com.

Thank you.



SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Brand Awareness * Marketing * Media * Exposure * Opportunity

Sponsorship packages are available for the South Shore Open. To become a sponsor or for questions about sponsorships contact Dennis Banik: call/text 219-512-2924 or email southshorebassopen@gmail.com.

South Shore Bass Open 2025 photo strip

CONTACT INFO

Any questions can be sent to southshorebassopen@gmail.com or text/call Dennis Banik at 219-512-2924.



SPONSORS

Horseshoe Hammond Logo 

South Shore Tourism logoState Farm Al Dempsey logo Bedford Sales and Outdoors logo Bass Pro Shops Logo Lake and Pond Biologists logo  TinCup Whiskey logo

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

Benefitting from the South Shore Open
 

Wounded Warrior Project logo No Limits Fishing Chicago logo Blue Cap logo NWI First Responder Peer Support Group logo Ronald McDonald House of Michiana logo Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation logo Honor Flight Chicago logo