Erin Smith, Journal Staff Writer

WHITE LAKE — Young anglers are checking their lures and rod and reels and practicing their casting techniques in anticipation of Saturday’s second annual Kids Katch Fishing Tournament at White Lake.

Last year’s tournament had about 50 children participate with about 680 perch and bream caught and released, according to Dawn Maynard, Elizabethtown-White Lake tourism specialist.

The cost of the tournament is $10 per child and is open to young anglers under the age of 16. The tournament will begin with a captain’s meeting at 8 a.m. on the main pier at the FFA Camp located on N.C. 53 at White Lake. Fishing time is from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., according to Maynard.

“This is a catch-and-release tournament and points are awarded per fish,” said Maynard of the scoring system for the tournament.

Awards will be given for the top three spots in the categories of pier fishing and boat fishing and a first and second prize will be awarded for over-all catch of the day, according to Maynard.

Pre-registration is underway and applications can be picked-up at the chamber office located in the municipal building in Elizabethtown.

“We encourage everyone to pre-register because of the T-shirt orders,” said Maynard. “They can also register the day of the tournament.”

She added, “The Shriners will have a fish fry and the awards will be given out beginning at noon.”

Maynard said the public may attend the fish fry and purchase a plate. They may also attend the awards ceremony, she added.

“This year, I’d like to have about 100 kids come out,” she said.