The annual children’s trout tournament starts tomorrow morning at “first light.” But securing a choice fishing spot can often require a wander in the dark with a flashlight. The fishing contest at the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank’s Duarte’s Pond, off Lambert’s Cove Road, is for children 14 years old and younger and its free. There are plenty of prizes on the line including two brand new bicycles.

The Vineyard’s youngest fishermen will rise early tomorrow morning. It is time for the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club annual trout tournament, at Duarte’s Pond in West Tisbury. The best fishing will be for those who get their lines in the water early. Fishing starts at first light.

Cooper A. Gilkes 3rd, chairman of the event, said he and his crew of volunteers will be up at 3 a.m. to get on site and ready for the morning contest. Last year, close to 200 youngsters, 14 years of age and younger, attended.

Five-year-old Wyatt Nicholson was among the top winners of the 37th annual Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club trout tournament held Saturday morning at Duarte’s Pond in West Tisbury. The young fisherman caught the biggest trout, an 18 3/4-inch rainbow, which put him into first place. The Oak Bluffs youngster, accompanied by his father, Caleb, fished early in the morning and also caught a 17-inch fish. For his efforts he won a brand-new bicycle, fishing rod and trophy.

If you are a young fisherman, or the parent of same, the best advice for tonight is go to bed early. The 35th annual Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club trout tournament begins at first light at Duarte’s Pond in West Tisbury.

As many as 200 children are expected at the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank property off Lambert’s Cove Road. The pond was stocked yesterday with hatchery trout.

Organizers are counting on the fish to be hungry.