By Christopher Edmunds

The Selma Times-Journal 

 

Local anglers will be able to fish for a cause Saturday at the Alabama Teen Challenge Bass Fishing Tournament.

The tournament will begin at first daylight, with weigh-in at 2 p.m. at the Selma Marina.

Jason Easter, a program director with Alabama Teen Challenge, said the tournament is an important event for the group.

“This is going to be our sixth annual tournament,” Easter said. “It’s been the benchmark for all of our other fundraisers.”

Easter said 40 to 50 boats usually compete, with two fishermen per boat. The entry fee for this year’s tournament is $100 per boat.

The total prize money awarded depends on the number of contestants, but Easter said there is a guaranteed payout of $1,000. The tournament will pay out through five spots.

There will also be additional pots, including a big-fish pot that costs $10 per boat to enter and usually pays out around $350, Easter said.

Local fisherman Terry Burton said the tournament is a great way to have fun and help out the community.

“I competed in it last year, and it was really fun,” Burton said. “It’s a good cause. I try to fish it every year and support it.”

Alabama Teen Challenge supports the recovery of people with life-controlling addictions through evangelism and discipleship, according to the group’s website.

Easter said the money raised through the tournament would help fund future programs with Alabama Teen Challenge.

Directly following the weigh-in, a meal will be provided for all contestants, families and volunteers at Crosspoint Church. Door prizes will also be awarded at the church.

“We’re really excited,” Easter said. “We’ve got some good door prizes this year, and overall we’re expecting a good tournament.”

Registration will take place Saturday morning before the tournament. For more information about the tournament or registration, call Mike Cutler at 410-0842.

For information about the tournament or with Alabama Teen Challenge in general, call Jason Easter at (205) 447-5066.