We may be biased, but we think our region is one of the greatest places in the country to go fishing. There are plenty of ways to fish in Sarasota-Manatee—boat, pier or sandy beach—and a variety of fish to be caught.

And every year, hundreds of avid fishermen have the opportunity to participate in one of the largest fishing tournaments in Manatee County. It's called the Fire Charity Fishing Tournament and it's for a good cause.

All proceeds from the tournament, which was founded 15 years ago by a local firefighter, go to The Children's Burn Foundation, which help fund and support care for child burn victims. Every year, more than 400,000 burn injuries occur in the United States and fires kill about 500 children ages 14 and under. The majority of burns children suffer from are scald (caused by contact with boiling water or steam) and contact burns, both of which are preventable.

The Children's Burn Foundation helps victims overcome the physical, mental and emotional damage caused from severe burns. Families receive financial care and offer educational services to schools across the globe, helping to ensure severe burn victim numbers are reduced.

Those interested in participating in the Fire Charity Fishing Tournament can register now for the main events this Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12. The event will consist of offshore, inshore, spear, junior and kids categories. There will also be live music by local bands Absinthe Minded, South Trail Bend and 301 Travelers, plus food trucks.

Registration costs will directly benefit the burn foundation. Inshore fishing costs $275; offshore is $375; spearfishing is $325 and junior is $125. Participants must be registered by Friday, June 10;  the tournament will begin with a mandatory captains' meeting, followed by the kids' tournament.

To register, click here. Riverside Park is located at 101 Eighth Ave. W., Palmetto. The festival will take place Saturday, June 11 from 8:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.