[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 20, and the Folly Beach Pier will host its first tournament of the season on May 27.
The Mount Pleasant Pier offers its first tournament of the year on May 20, followed by additional tournaments on this pier June 17, Sept. 2 and Oct. 14. On June 18, 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 27. Folly Beach Cast Off Fishing Tournaments continue throughout the summer on June 24, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23. The pier will also host the annual “Take a Kid Fishing Day,” a free kids’ tournament hosted by the Folly Beach Anglers, on June 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 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!
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 $10 for ages 13 and up, $9 for members of the military, $8 for seniors and ages 12 and under, 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 CharlestonCountyParks.com/fishing 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 at the Folly Pier. For details, call the Folly Beach Pier at (843) 762-9516, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946, or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. 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.
