DEMOPOLIS &8212; 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&8217;s second annual fundraising fishing tournament Saturday.

The two-man team fishing competition boasts a $2,000 grand prize for the first place competitors.

The tournament is a fundraising tournament for the Chamber. &8220;The money raised through fundraisers such as this is used to promote special projects for the Chamber,&8221; Smith said. Smith said in the past, the Chamber has used these funds to redesign the City of Demopolis afghan and distributed them to local members to sell for a profit and other similar projects. &8220;We also use these type funds for smaller events such as &8216;Sax in the City&8217;,&8221; Smith said.

Patricia Quinney, chairman of the event said it 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.

Last year&8217;s tournament boasted approximately 40 competitors. Smith said the Chamber hopes to exceed the number of last year&8217;s participants.

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

Chamber board members will be on hand as wells as other volunteers throughout the day, Smith said.

Quinney said the weigh-in is also an 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.