Many people in Wayne County believe that the Altamaha River produces the biggest catfish in the state. And the Wayne County Board of Tourism is willing to put up more than $300,000 to prove it. The fourth annual Wayne County Catfish Tournament will take place in Jesup 2009. The entry fee is $100 per angler with a minimum of $200 per boat. Children under 16 can participate free of charge.

Fishing will begin in the Altamaha River at noon Saturday and will continue until 2 p.m. Sunday. Each boat will be allowed to weigh in up to five catfish--flathead, channel or blue. The boat with the heaviest total catch will be declared the winner. Prizes to be announced soon.

The entry fee of $100 per angler is in effect through April. After that date, any entries will be charged a late fee of $15. Those who enter by the April deadline will be entered into an early-bird drawing for a prize of $200.

Double BONUS: Sponsored by the AWA - $500 for the largest catfish caught by a child under 16 registered in the tournament; a Walker Bay Boat for the first catfish caught in the tournament by a registered participant under 16.

Third BONUS: $500 for the biggest non-catfish species caught by a registered participant.