River Bassin’ fishing tournament is Saturday on Catawba River

River Bassin’, an eco-friendly fishing tournament, will be held Saturday on the Catawba River near Ebenezer Park.

Beginning at 6:30 a.m., about 100 anglers will use kayaks to fish area creeks and the Catawba River for bass.

To promote sustainability and stewardship of the resource, anglers will release the fish back into the river after taking a photo and measuring it on their kayaks. The event includes food, music and giveaways starting at 10 a.m.

The fishing tournament ends at 3:45 p.m. and the results will be announced at 4:30 p.m. Tournament admission is free.

Pro fisherman Drew Gregory, host of “Hooked on Wild Waters,” is emcee of the River Bassin’ results show.

More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be given away, and tournament officials will raffle off a kayak. The Great Outdoor Provision Company, which has a store in Charlotte, will also provide free kayak demos for those who are getting involved in the sport or looking to purchase a new kayak.

Andy Clinton, group/sports market specialist with the Rock Hill/York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the tournament has attracted anglers from the Southeast.

“The tournament is expected to generate nearly 100 local hotel room nights leading up to the event and over the weekend, which will help increase our destination’s economic impact,” Clinton said.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 10:41 AM with the headline "River Bassin’ fishing tournament is Saturday on Catawba River."