Kids will kick off the summer of fishing competition with the 25th annual Take A Kid Fishing Tournament on June 6 and 7.

It starts with registration and a shrimp boil on Friday, June 6, and continues with fishing and awards on Saturday, June 7.

The tournament is sponsored by the Redfish Bay Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), and headquarters at Woody's Sports Center.

Registration will be at 5 p.m. June 6 at Woody's Sports Center, followed by Charlie Zahn's famous old-fashioned Cajun-style shrimp boil for all contestants and guests.

Registration fee for contestants (age 18 and under) is $10, which includes a "New Tide" membership in CCA. Adults fish for free, but will be charged $6 for the shrimp boil.

Fishing begins early the morning of June 7 and will end with a weighin at 12:30 p.m. conducted by game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who serve as weigh masters. Wardens will also make four or five of their boats available to take a group of young anglers fishing. A drawing Friday night will determine who gets to fish with the wardens.

Every angler entering receives a prize, so even if a contestant doesn't weigh in a fish, he should make the awards ceremony.

A hot dog lunch, for a nominal fee, will be served immediately following the weigh-in.

Trophies, sponsored by the Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc., will be awarded in more than 200 categories to the young anglers immediately following the weigh-in.

Area merchants and fishing tackle suppliers also will provide gifts and products that will be awarded.

The purpose of the tournament is to encourage parents to take time to fish with their children. Sponsors hope to expose children to the lifelong thrill of fishing and provide an understanding of the importance of conservation.

Anglers (or their parents) interested in participating in this year's event may contact either of the tournament's co-chairman, Glenn Martin at 749-5252, or Zahn at 749-6687.