DEMOPOLIS &045; Area fishermen are invited to take to the water in hopes of catching &8220;the big one&8221; as part of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce’s second annual fundraising fishing tournament on April 28.

The tournament boasts a $2,000 grand prize for the first place competitors, based on 50 entries. It is a two-man team fishing competition.

The tournament is a fundraising tournament for the chamber. &8220;The money raised through fund-raisers such as this is used to promote special projects for the chamber,&8221; Kelley Smith, president of the chamber said. &8220;In the past, we have assigned these funds to redesigning the City of Demopolis afghan and distributing them to local members to sell for a profit and other similar projects. We also use these type funds for smaller events such as &8216;Sax in the City’.&8221;

Patricia Quinney, chairman of the event said the event is used to help the chamber sponsor special events throughout the year. &8220;Last year we raised $700 to $800 with this event,&8221; she said. &8220;This is a great help to us in hosting other chamber events throughout the year.&8221;

Last years tournament boasted about 40 competitors. Smith said the chamber hopes to exceed number of last year’s participants. The group is preparing for and anticipating 50 entries and is basing their prize money upon that estimation.

The tournament will be held at the Demopolis City Landing. Registration begins at 5 a.m. and the fee is $100 per boat.

Quinney said, &8220;The neatest part of the competition is the kickoff. The fishermen draw a chip with a number on it when they register and at the time of kickoff matching chips are drawn and the fishermen begin in the order of the chips drawn. It is very entertaining seeing the men running to their boat and jumping in to begin fishing. The fishermen take this tournament very serious.&8221;

The weigh-in for the competition is set for 3 p.m. at the landing as well. Quinney said the weigh-in is most exciting portion of the event.

To receive more information on the tournament or to get an entry form, please contact the chamber at 334-289-0270.