ORANGE BEACH — The Wharf at Orange Beach announced the returning of the Kids Win Fishing Tournament presented by Rouses Markets Saturday, Aug. 20, and will benefit Make-A-Wish Alabama. Every kid is a winner and will have the chance to collect tons of prizes and trophies.

This event is great for first-time or experienced young anglers and costs $30 per entrant to participate. Registration is open through July 15 and there are only 100 spots available.

“We are so excited to once again be a part of the Kids Win Fishing Tournament. Partnerships like the one we have with The Wharf are so critical to our mission. They play an important role in the wish granting process and help us grant even more wishes. It warms our hearts to see an organization like The Wharf bring a community together to make a difference in the lives of these precious kids. We are forever grateful for this partnership and the impact it makes on our wish families,” stated Tracy Bennet Smith, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Alabama.

Any species fish may be caught and weighed, and fishing must take place within three miles of any shore. The Coastal Conservation Association Alabama (CCA) will be onsite helping weigh the fish and teaching the importance of environmental conservation.  

Fishing begins Friday, Aug. 19, at 5 p.m. and will end Saturday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. Weigh-ins will be held at The Wharf Marina in Marlin Circle Saturday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

“We are thrilled to host the Kids Win Fishing Tournament presented by Rouses Markets again this year to help encourage children to get outdoors with their families,” said Sheena Mizell, marketing and public relations director for The Wharf. 

“We are proud to join the caring community of people at Make-A-Wish again this year,” says Donny Rouse, CEO, Rouses Markets. “This is such a great, family-friendly event, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

Children will be divided into two age divisions for prizes: Small Fry Division (ages 3-6) and Large Fry Division (ages 7-10). Trophies will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place finishers in each age division for heaviest fish, Lunker (longest/largest fish). Largest Pinfish and largest Ladyfish awards will also be given for both divisions.

In 2021, The Wharf worked with Make-A-Wish Alabama and Bama RV to grant the wish of local child, Jack McIntosh, and his family with a travel RV. And thanks to each of the generous sponsors, an $11,000 donation was also awarded to the organization at the event.   

For more information on the rules or to register a child, visit thewharfoba.typeform.com/KidsWin2022. To learn more about The Wharf and its offerings, visit alwharf.com.