Saturday, Aug. 4, will be a day of excitement and inspiration when anglers go head-to-head at the eighth annual Fish for a Wish tournament.

The tournament, which is held at Big Cove Resort and Marina, raises funds to help fulfill the wishes of terminally ill children.

At the young age of 13, A.J. Casella founded the tournament after witnessing the amazing impact a wish could have on a child. He immediately decided to dedicate the tournament to the Make-a-Wish foundation.

The event started out as a small community tournament in Lake Almanor and became a rapid success. Casella reports that strong community support over the past seven years has helped raise almost $300,000 and granted wishes to more than 20 children.

Last year, wishes were granted to five children ranging in ages from 3 years old to 17 years old.

“I feel that the wishes help kids get through cancer treatments by giving them an opportunity to do something that they really want to do before they go through treatment,” said Casella in 2008. “I think it helps them when they can focus on their dreams and ultimately help them through their treatments.”

This year, Fish for a Wish organizers are excited to have in attendance one of the Make-a-Wish recipients for the first time in tournament history.

Changes for 2012

“In an attempt to provide a fair and fun event for all participants, the structure of Fish for a Wish will be changing this year,” Casella said.

Both bass and trout categories will be included in the tournament. Registration is limited to one category per entry.

First, second and third place will be awarded to individual anglers based on the weight of the single biggest fish.

Once registered, anglers may add their names to a team competition for $20 per boat. A team is one or more anglers per boat, and one boat per team.

Each angler can contribute no more than two fish to his or her team’s weight. An average weight will be calculated by dividing the total weight of each team’s fish by the number of anglers on the team. The team with the highest average weight will be named first, second, and third place winners.

Supporters over the age of 60 will receive a discount at $40 per entry. Adult pricing is $50 per entry, and kids will pay $25. Entries will include lunch and a T-shirt.

Sponsors who have contributed in-kind donations for the last five years or more will receive the sponsorship appreciation package that includes one free entry to this year’s tournament and a thank-you wish art.

Tournament check-in is available the night before the tournament, Friday, Aug. 3, 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday morning, Aug. 4, 4:45 – 9 a.m.

All anglers wishing to participate must register at either time in order to qualify. Those who register Friday night must also check in with a tournament official on the dock of the Big Cove Marina the morning of the event.

Fishing will commence no earlier then 9 a.m. All anglers must present their fish for weigh-in no later than noon at the weighing station located at Big Cove Resort.

People can offer support and help wishes come true by registering to fish, becoming volunteers or participating in the silent auction and prize giveaway.

Tournament rules, entry forms and donation forms can be found at fishforawish.com or by visiting Big Cove Resort.

For more information call 596-3349.