[9/20/01]Eagle Lake’s lunkers should be swimming scared on Saturday when nearly 100 fishermen take to the lake for the fifth annual Area 10 Special Olympics Large Bass Tournament.

Area 10 fund-raising chairman Bob Oglesby said 50 to 60 boats are expected in the tournament, which offers a $1,000 prize for the largest bass of the day. Each hour, $100 will go to the largest and $80 for the second-largest. Door prizes, including a $400 trolling motor, will also be awarded.

“This is a really fun tournament,” Oglesby said. “We have a lot of fun and a lot of support from the community.”

The tournament starts at 6 a.m. and the last weigh-in will be at 2 p.m. Boats may take to the water as early as 4 a.m., but no fishing is allowed before 6. Fishermen can register until 6 a.m., Oglesby said, and noted that the majority of the boats will register and pay the $80 entry fee on the day of the tournament.

“We’re glad these boys are coming out, so we don’t penalize them for showing up that day,” Oglesby said.

All proceeds from the tournament expected to be about $5,000 will benefit Area 10, which includes Warren, Claiborne and Yazoo counties. Oglesby said the tournament raised nearly $7,500 for Area 10 last year.

“This is our biggest fund-raiser,” Oglesby said.