The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center’s annual Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, September 27.

Pre-registration is required. To request a registration form, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/nonpwdforms/media/bluegill_flyer.pdf or call (903) 670-2222. Mail registration must be received by Wednesday, September 24.

You may register in person on the day of the event by going to the admissions booth at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center AFTER 7:00 a.m.

A $15 entry fee will be charged per team. The entry fee includes admission to TFFC. Fishing will take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the weigh-in at the Anglers Pavilion at TFFC at 2:30.

Numerous prize packages will be awarded, including an X-Box or Play Station with game, fishing equipment and gift cards from local businesses. More than $2,500 in prizes will be awarded.

Sponsors of the event include: Lake Athens Property Owners Association, Aaron’s Sales and Lease Ownership, Best Western Royal Mountain Inn, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites—Athens, Walmart Supercenter of Athens, Cripple Creek Bar-B-Q, Chicken Express and First State Bank.

The tournament awards prizes for the heaviest stringers of sunfish, but the event is really about adults and children having fun fishing together.

Teams must consist of one adult 18 years of age or older and one child under 18 years of age. Each team can weigh in a maximum of four fish. Multiple teams can fish from the same boat, making it possible for both parents to partner with different children and still fish as a family. Team members are not required to be related.

Teams may choose to fish either on Lake Athens, which is adjacent to TFFC, or in TFFC’s ponds and streams, some of which have been stocked with bluegills.

All species of sunfish or bream (except largemouth bass) are allowed; for information on identifying them, see http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/aquaticspecies/inland.phtml.

For more information or to request an entry form, contact Craig Brooks at (903) 670-2222.