SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Jim Helland lives by the rules of, “A man doesn’t have to eat, but he has to fish” and “Never interrupt a man when he’s fishing,” he said.

If you’d like to combine your love of fishing and kayaking into one adventure, the first 5 Rivers Kayak Fishing Tournament will be held on October 27.

Hosted by the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association, the event is being held to promote coastal conservation and kayak fishing, which is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, President Mike Bosarge said.

Bosarge, one of the original founders of the association said area residents were driving to Pensacola to go kayak fishing.

“I just think we needed something closer and the bay is perfect for kayak fishing,” he said.

Last June, the first kayak fishing tournament in Alabama was held in Fairhope and had 20 tournament participants. This year, Bosarge expects up to 50 participants, with public attendance to be around 400 to 500 people.

The 5 Rivers Fishing Tournament categories include speckled trout, redfish, flounder and bass. There will even be a “most unusual fish” category and the winner will receive a Shimano reel.

Members are from the south Alabama area, but also include residents from Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi and Ohio.

The group started in 2006 with eight members, but now has 50 full members and 185 members join in on the internet forum. Membership is $20 a year and includes the whole family.

Approximately 15 kayak fishermen from the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association were rehearsing their moves and practicing their skills last week in an effort to get ready for the tournament at the Fairhope Pier.

Members usually meet once a month to socialize, kayak and fish. Over a barbecue lunch, they chatted about their strategies for bringing in the biggest fish.

“I’ve already gotten the winning fish in the freezer,” Jim Helland said with a laugh.

“It’s fun when you catch a big fish,” President Mike Bosarge said.

Member Steve White said the association will go to different areas including Dauphin Island, Little Lagoon on Fort Morgan Road, Mobile Bay or Gulf Shores. Members often use the CPR technique, which stands for catch, photograph and release, or just catch and release, but many will take fish home for a nice dinner.

Some also scoop up crabs, use a cast net or even use fly fishing. Member Sara Haase describes herself as a “newbie.”

“I want to fish. I want to tour. I want to do a little bit of everything,” she said.

Participants will check in at the Bartrum Canoe and Kayak Landing at the Five Rivers Delta Resource Center.

“This is a nonpowered fishing tournament,” Bosarge said.

Participants can use a row boat, canoe or kayak, but cannot use a motor. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Mobile Estuary Program.

Area conservation groups and sponsors will have exhibit booths. West Marine and McCoys will bring kayaks and have paddle demonstrations.

In the afternoon, a band —Abstract Soul — will perform top 40 Rock and Roll music. There will be a raffle for a chance to win a Tarpon 120 kayak furnished by McCoy’s. Competing participants have to catch a fish to be eligible to win a Westmarine Kingfish kayak. Participants are provided with hamburgers, hot dogs and a free T-shirt. The captain’s meeting will start between 5:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. on October 27.

Check in and rules for the tournament will be discussed. A fishing license and safety equipment, including a flotation device and signaling device are required. Each participant will receive a captain’s bag with “goodies,” Bosarge said.

Participants can launch from anywhere in Mobile Bay or the Gulf of Mexico. The final weigh-in will be 6 p.m. The registration fee is $40 for non-members and $30 for members.