A growing number of Illinois high schools are participating in an annual bass fishing tournament.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that 231 schools will take part in the sectional competition April 20. The top three teams from each sectional will advance to the finals May 4 and 5 at Carlyle Lake.

Illinois is the only state that conducts a statewide high school bass fishing tournament. Other states are planning tournaments.

Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Biologist Dan Stephenson says it costs very little for school districts to participate. He says it may be necessary to create a regional level of competition in the future to accommodate the growth in interest.

The tournament is supported by sponsors, including Country Financial, Plano and the Forrest Lee Wood Company.