DECATUR – Some of the best student anglers in the state will be casting their lines for fish, as well as prizes and scholarships, this weekend on Wheeler Lake.

Decatur-Morgan County Tourism is hosting a state qualifying tournament Saturday for the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association.

The ASABFA, presented by RC&D of Alabama, Alfa Insurance, Phoenix Boats, and Freedom Marine Center, is one of the largest independent fishing associations for student anglers in the state.

The one-day tournament will feature 180 boats and more than 350 middle and high school anglers, representing 40 schools from across Alabama.

Competitors in grades 6-12 will vie for the heaviest five-fish limit in the Junior and Senior Divisions, earning qualifying points toward the ASABFA State Classic this spring. They will also be competing for $12,500 in prizes and scholarships.

Tournament day will begin early, with anglers arriving around 4:30 a.m. and blast-off scheduled for 6:30. Weigh-ins will take place at Ingalls Harbor, starting at 1 p.m. for the Junior Division and 2 p.m. for the Senior Division.

Fans are invited to watch the start and weigh-ins.

For more information, visit asabfa.com or follow the Alabama Student Anglers Bass Fishing Association on Facebook and YouTube.