By Thomas Grant Jr.

Based in West Columbia next to Lake Murray, the Midland Striper Club has provided public awareness and promoted sportsmanship, conservation, and adequate water quality for fishing family enthusiasts.

Every third Saturday of each month, the Club holds a fishing tournament for aspiring young fishers. This Saturday marks the annual MSC Youth Angler Tournament where prizes will be awarded in two divisions (0-10 and 11-15) and a “Big Fish” honor for boys and girls.

It’s also the first “5 and Done” tournament of the season, as the S.C. Department of Natural Resources forbids possessing more than five striped bass a day.

The event starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Billy Dreher Community Center. The lines out end at noon and the weigh-in will take place at 12:45 p.m.

In addition, parents are asked to bring a raffle prize for each youth participating in the event. At the end of the weigh-in, the Palmetto State Armory Fishing Outpost will hold a gift card drawing.

At the June 17 tournament at Clark’s Hill, a total of 25 striped bass were brought to the scales weighing a total of 221.08 pounds with an 8.84-pound average. 13 teams were able to bring a full two fish creel to the scales.

Team Xtreme Rock Stix led by Tommy Richardson placed first with a total weight of 37.48 pounds. Team Reel Guys captained by Marshall West was second with 25.91 points and won the Big Fish Award with a 25.91-pound striper.

Finishing in third place with a total weight of 23.41 pounds was Team Laidback captained by David Richardson.

Contact Jim Gibbs at (803) 920-0400 or Aaron Hatfield at (803) 687-0494 for more information.

Photo: Xtreme Rock Stix captained by Tommy Richardson