Few things compare to the serenity of an early morning fishing expedition on the lake and local residents will have the opportunity to earn cash prizes Saturday at Lake Frank Jackson during the First Annual Opp and Covington County Area Chamber of Commerce Bass Tournament.

Tonitta Sauls, executive director of the chamber, said only a small number of people have pre-registered for the catch and release tournament, but she hopes the beautiful weekend weather brings them out to the lake.

“I will be at the boat ramp area beginning around 3:30 a.m. to accept registrations for those who wish to compete,” she said. “We will be registering competitors all throughout the morning until the competition begins.”

Competition will begin at “safe light” and will continue until 3 p.m. Saturday with a weigh-in to determine first place, second place, third place and the largest fish of the tournament.

“The weigh-in is always an exciting time,” Sauls said. “The families of the fishers always come to participate. The door prizes are always fun and we will give away cash prizes.”

First place will receive $400, second place $300, third place $200 and the fisher with the largest catch of the day will receive $100. Entry fee for the tournament is $100 per boat with a maximum of two contestants per boat.

Sauls said the tournament will provide the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time out on the lake.

“I cannot think of any better place to be than with your father or mother fishing on the water,” she said. “We invite either parent or both parents for that matter to bring their sons or daughters out to the tournament. We have also had husband-and-wife teams fish.”

Sauls said that women are urged to come and register for Saturday’s tournament, adding that she has received some interest from female competitors.

All minors under the age of 16 must fish with an adult and a six-fish limit will be imposed for each boat.

Fish must be at least 12 inches in length using the “golden rule.” Each fish brought to the scales less than 12 inches will be thrown out. No dead fish will be allowed at the weigh in. Iced down fish will be grounds for disqualification, as this is a catch-and-release tournament.

For more information or to register for the tournament contact Tonitta Sauls or Tammy Williamson at (334) 493-3070 or Timmy Walker at (334) 504-4921.