RIVERSIDE — Riverside Landing is hosting its first fishing tournament today.

“We are very excited about hosting our first fishing tournament,” said Councilman Jimmy Hollander. “Everything looks so nice and neat.”

Hollander, who is overseeing repairs at Riverside Landing with Councilman Kenny Womack, said approximately 35-40 fishing boats launched from Riverside Landing Friday afternoon, in preparation for today’s tournament. Riverside Landing is located along Depot Street, across from town hall.

“The $3 honesty boat launch fee is working out well so far,” he said.

Hollander said one-year boat launch passes have been ordered and should arrive soon. The fee for a one-year boat launch pass is $35. The passes are good for the current calendar year, no matter when the pass is purchased.

“We have also been contacted about hosting night fishing tournaments on Friday nights,” he said.

Hollander said they are working to get proper lighting to accommodate night fishing tournaments.

“The lighting should be finished in about a week,” he said.

Hollander said other repairs are going well.

“We are working through the improvements one at a time,” he said. “They should start working on the riprap on the opposite shore across the channel next week. That riprap should take a couple weeks to complete.”

Hollander said the council will open bids for the repair to the piers at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“The gas pier is still there,” he said. “The short pier is in place and safe for use.”

Hollander said many residents use the short pier for fishing.

“The long pier has been removed,” he said.

Hollander said a port-a-john has been placed at Riverside Landing.

“The existing restroom was not in as bad of shape as we first thought,” he said. “We are in the process of cleaning it up, painting it and putting in a new toilet, sink, and door. We should have that restroom useable in a couple of weeks.”

Hollander said he is pleased with the number of people using Riverside Landing.

“It is currently being heavily used, to say the least,” he said. “And the season is just beginning.”

For more information about one-year boat launch passes call Riverside Town Hall at 205-338-7692.