Kids fish Saturday

The call is out for young anglers.

The 26th annual Coastal Conservation Association’s (CCA) Take a Kid Fishing Tournament is this weekend, Friday and Saturday, June 5 and 6.

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

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

Registration begins at 5 p.m. on Friday at Woody’s Sports Center, and will be followed by Charlie Zahn’s famous oldfashioned Cajun-style shrimp boil for all contestants and guests.

Every angler registered receives a free rod and reel, compliments of CCA.

The registration fee for contestants is $10, which includes a membership in CCA and the shrimp boil. Adults fish for free, but will be charged $6 for the shrimp boil.

Fishing begins at dawn Saturday morning. Weigh-in, beginning at 11 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m., will be conducted by game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who serve as weigh masters. Wardens and several other boat owners will also make their boats available to take a group of young anglers fishing. A drawing Friday night will determine who gets to fish with the wardens and in other boats.

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

A hot dog lunch, sponsored by the Doug Daniells family will be served following weigh-in.

Trophies, sponsored by the Port Aransas Boatmen, Inc., will be awarded in more than 200 categories to the young anglers beginning at 12:30 p.m.

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 fish with their children to expose them to the life-long 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 cochairman, Glenn Martin at 749-5252, or Zahn at 749-6687.