Even though you may not see the signs, a handful of Demopolis residents will be “gone fishin'” – literally – this Saturday.

At sunrise, or safe-light, participants will blast off from the Demopolis City Landing as part of Demopolis High School FFA’s second annual bass tournament.

Although only 10 youth in five boats showed up for last year’s event, this time around, FFA members are hoping for a larger crowd.

“This year we are getting out more. We’ve talked to Birmingham bass clubs and some in Montgomery. So it should be bigger this year,” FFA reported and event chairperson John Ross Roberts said. “Plus it’ll give people something better to do than just sitting at home. If they come out, they can enjoy the river and the outdoors. And if they don’t want to fish, they can get a suntan.”

Along with fishing fun, FFA will have a cookout so that participants and their family and friends won’t go home hungry.

Entry for the competition is $30 per boat and the final payout is based on 25 boats and will award $150 to first, $100 to second, and $50 to third place. Fourth through 10th place winners will also receive a small prize.

“Last year we gave out t-shirts,” Roberts said. “This year we’ll have lures some other things.”

But even if you aren’t a professional bass fisher, Roberts said it won’t hurt to come out and earn a A plus for effort.

“You should come out and try to give your best anyway,” he said.

For more information, contact Clifton McKnight at (334) 289-0294, president Brandon Roark at (334) 289-9203, or vice president Kyle Thrasher (334) 289-0748.

The final weigh in will take place at noon and FFA guarantees that “all live fish will be released” and they’ll take care of the dead ones.