Young anglers ages six through 15 are invited to compete in the free 9th Annual Young Angler Tournament this summer at the Shelter Island Pier, located at 1776 Shelter Island Drive. This saltwater event is sponsored by the San Diego Sportfishing Council, the International Game Fish Association and the Port of San Diego.

The tournament will feature a points system to allow for catch and release. Winners-one in each age category between 6 and 15 -- will be determined by adding up points for various fish caught. The angler with the most points overall will be recognized on the tournaments' perpetual trophy. IGFA representatives and volunteers from the United Pier and Shore Anglers Club, San Diego Rod & Reel and the San Diego Anglers will be on hand to assist young anglers and to tally points. Young anglers in the competition are encouraged to bring their own gear, although a limited number of loaner rods will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Small quantities of bait will be provided each angler while supplies last.

The Shelter Island Pier Tournament is slated for Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. Registration begins at 9 AM. Fishing begins at 10 AM and ends at 1 PM. Prizes are awarded by 2 PM. Hot dogs, chips, and sodas will be served to all registered anglers. Lunch provided courtesy of Stump's Village Market of Rancho Santa Fe and Tommy Gomes from Catalina Offshore Products and Specialty Produce.

Sponsors include OKUMA Fishing Tackle, West Marine, Anglers Distributing, De-Fishing Soap, Friends of Rollo, Point Loma Sportfishing and H&M Landing. Prizes and raffle drawing items for the tournament include rods and reels, hats, T-shirts, and fishing gear and deep sea fishing trips. Loaner Gear, Bait, and tackle are provided by Okuma Fishing Tackle, Anglers Distributing, and Friends of Rollo.

The San Diego Sportfishing Council is California non-profit corporation established in 1979 which represents San Diego's sportfishing industry. Their mission is to promote San Diego sportfishing as an attractive marine recreational activity, to increase awareness of sportfishing opportunities from San Diego Bay, to increase the availability of "how, when and where" information and access to sportfishing opportunities.

For more information, please call the San Diego Sportfishing Council at (619) 234-8793 or log onto the website at San Diego Sportfishing Council Website.