[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – This summer, catch fish, fun and prizes at the Mount Pleasant and Folly Beach Piers’ tournament series! The Mount Pleasant Pier will kick off the Cast Off Fishing Tournament series on May 14, and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier will host its first tournament of the season on May 28.
The Mount Pleasant Pier offers its first tournament of the series on May 14, followed by additional Mount Pleasant Cast Off Fishing Tournaments on June 11, Sept. 10 and Oct. 22. On June 19, the Mount Pleasant Pier will host its annual Father’s Day fishing seminar from 1 – 2 p.m. The seminar is hosted by a local fishing guide and is free for fathers and their families to attend. The Mount Pleasant Pier offers fishing under the shade of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Opened in 2009, the pier is built on pilings from the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge, which have become a haven for many types of fish including red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder and sheepshead.
The Folly Beach Pier continues the tournament season on May 28. Folly Beach Cast Off Fishing Tournaments continue throughout the summer on June 25, July 23 and Aug. 20. The pier will also host the annual “Take a Kid Fishing Day,” a free kids’ tournament hosted by the Folly Beach Anglers, on June 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. A sight to behold, Folly Beach’s wooden pier stretches out 1045’ into the ocean and offers spectacular views, fishing, dining, and events. Common catches off the Folly pier include blue fish, sheepshead, spotted sea trout and whiting.
Both piers offer everything an expert or a novice needs, including equipment rentals, tackle and frozen bait, plus knowledgeable staff to offer tips. The piers also provide snack bars, gift shops and restrooms. So slap on some sunscreen and head out this summer for some good-spirited competition!
Both May tournaments offer awards for the largest game fish catch in each of the following categories: Adult Angler, Lady Angler, Youth Angler (12 and under), Senior Angler (60+) and Total Weight of Five Fish. Tournament registration fees are $13 for ages 13 and up (discount available for Charleston County residents), $8 for ages 3-12 and seniors, or $5 for fishing pass holders. The final tournaments at each pier will have a similar award and pricing structure; mid-season tournaments will offer awards for the top three biggest fish category.
Registration is available online at the link below through the Thursday prior to each tournament. On-site registration for tournaments begins at 6 a.m. the day of the event. Summer tournament hours are 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. and prizes are awarded afterward. In September and October, tournaments hours will be 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Parking fees are an additional charge. For details, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 762-9516, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946. The Cast Off Fishing Tournament Series is made possible by Haddrell’s Point Tackle, Charleston Cotton Exchange, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Domino’s and your Charleston County Parks.
Cast Off Fishing Tournament Schedule:
May 14 - Mount Pleasant Pier
May 28 - Folly Beach Pier
June 11 - Mount Pleasant Pier
June 25 - Folly Beach Pier
July 23 - Folly Beach Pier
August 20 - Folly Beach Pier
September 10 - Mount Pleasant Pier
October 22 - Mount Pleasant Pier
Special Fishing Events:
June 4 – Take a Kid Fishing Day kids tournament at the Folly Beach Pier – hosted by the Folly Beach Anglers
June 19 – Father’s Day Fishing at the Mount Pleasant Pier
