South Shore Bass Open hooks anglers and uplifts The Region

For Hammond firemen Dennis Banik and Daniel Diombala, fishing is more than rods, reels and weigh-ins. It is a way to cast a wider net of good throughout The Region. As the owner and Tournament Director of the South Shore Bass Open, Banik, alongside Deputy Tournament Director Diombala, is steering the tournament into becoming a staple of community pride on the south end of Lake Michigan.

In only its second year, the South Shore Bass Open has grown from 36 boats to 47, proving that word of mouth and a good cause travel fast among local anglers.

“We adjusted the way the anglers come in after they’re fishing,” Banik said. “Last year, we had everyone come in at one time, and that was chaotic. This year, we staggered them in groups. It made a world of difference.”

That kind of flexibility and drive for improvement reflect the same dedication Banik and Diombala bring to their roles with the Hammond Fire Department. Both are deeply rooted in the community they serve, whether it is fighting fires or fostering fellowship on the water.

The stakes at the tournament are growing too. Last year, the prize pool totaled $7,000. This year, winners took home $12,000, with payouts reaching seven spots deep in the roster. For every six boats that register, another payout slot opens up, an incentive that keeps anglers reeling in friends and new faces alike.

“If we can get 10, 15, 20 more boats every year, that would be great,” Banik said. “That’s the goal, 25% to 30% more growth every year.”

Banik estimates they could one day host up to 150 teams. Bigger tournaments elsewhere run up to 250 boats, so the ambition is realistic if the community remains hooked on the mission.

It is not just about big catches and bigger checks. Part of each year’s proceeds goes to local charities. Honor Flight, which flies veterans from Midway Airport to Washington, D.C., and No Limits Fishing Chicago, which takes individuals with disabilities out on Lake Michigan, are two main beneficiaries.

“With our donations, we’re able to take two or three of those veterans out to Washington,” Banik said. “We’re not just about paying out winners. We’re about giving back.”

As the boats launch from Hammond Marina and anglers cast into the vast blue of Lake Michigan, many are surprised by what they find beneath the surface.

“I’ve had people ask me, ‘There’s that big of fish in Lake Michigan?’” Banik said. “Oh yeah. You could go out there and have 30, 40-fish days on smallmouth bass.”

He encourages anyone curious, whether seasoned pros or pond hobbyists, to come watch a weigh-in or walk the shorelines. Even a simple rod along a marina wall downtown can yield a respectable catch.

“You stick with the marinas and any rocky shoreline, you’ve got a better chance,” Banik said. “There’s fish all over.”

Hosting a tournament of this scale takes more than just passion. Banik credits Horseshoe Casino, Hammond Marina, the Hammond Port Authority and the South Shore CVA for turning a local dream into a reality.

“Without Horseshoe Casino’s support, we couldn’t do this,” Banik said. “They put on a huge event for us with a hospitality room and more. It makes this possible.”

For Banik and Diombala, each year is a new chance to grow the tournament’s reach and its ripple effect. Whether it is bringing in new anglers, raising prize money, or expanding charitable donations, the South Shore Bass Open proves that a day on the water can make waves far beyond the lake.