[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – Last chance to catch the big one! Pier fishing tournament season is coming to an end. The Folly Beach Pier will host its final Cast Off Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 29, and the Mount Pleasant Pier will host its last tournament of the season on Oct. 13.
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. The Folly Pier’s tournament on Sept. 29 will run from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Mount Pleasant Pier offers fishing on the Charleston Harbor and under 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 Mount Pleasant Pier’s Oct. 13 tournament will run from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Prize categories vary by date, and will be awarded at the end of each tournament. The Sept. 29 tournament at the Folly Beach Pier offers awards in the Adult Angler, Youth Angler, and three largest in the Big Fish categories. The Mount Pleasant Pier’s tournament on Oct. 13 offers 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.
Registration is available online at CharlestonCountyParks.com/fishing through the Thursday prior to each tournament; on-site registration is offered during tournament hours.
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 for some good-spirited competition!
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 Field & Stream, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Charleston Cotton Exchange and your Charleston County Parks.
