Nick’s Kids Catfish Tournament set June 24

The annual Nick’s Kids Catfish Tournament is set to roll out Saturday, June 24.

Entry fee is $50 per angler with proceeds to benefit the Backpacks of Love Foundation and Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance Grasses in Classes. All anglers must register at Nick’s Seafood at Basin Bayou by 7 p.m. on June 23.

The event, hosted by Treylermade Tournaments, is for kids age 12 and under. There is a four fish limit saltwater catfish caught in the Choctawhatchee Bay or estuaries.

Fish may be caught from a boat, on a dock or from the shoreline. Adults may assist kids with handling fish, but may not reel fish in for them. Baiting, casting and use of landing net only. Live or artificial bait, rod and reel only, no jugs, cast nets or noodling.

Catfish have three spines so use caution when handling the fish

Fish must be caught in the Choctawhatchee Bay north of the Destin bridge. Crab Island and Destin harbor areas are off limits. Violating this rule will result in disqualification from the tournament.

The one-day tournament is divided into two divisions, the Hardhead Division and Sailcat Division.

Hardhead Division is the total weight of three hardhead catfish, while the Sailcat is for the heaviest sailcat.

First place in both divisions is a new boat and trolling motor by Tracker Marine.

Second through fifth place will also be awarded prizes and medals.

If by chance the same angler wins both divisions, they will only receive one grand prize.

Fishing begins at first light on June 24. Anglers may start from their desired location in waters on or adjacent to the Choctawhatchee Bay in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

Weigh-ins will be from 4 to 5 p.m. at Nick’s Seafood Restaurant on Highway 20 West in Freeport.

For more information, including tournament rules, regulations and entry information, go to www.nicksseafoodrestaurant.com/tournaments or call 850-830-6161.

A mullet toss for all ages will be held following the weigh-ins.