[CHARLESTON] – Grab your fishing rod and get ready to catch some fish and fun at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier and the Mount Pleasant Pier this summer! The Folly Beach Fishing Pier will host its annual Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament on Aug. 18. In addition to regular tournament prizes, the Big Kahuna Tournament offers anglers the chance to compete to win a boat, motor, and trailer with a state record catch of Whiting, Spot or Croaker.
Locals agree—the Folly Beach Fishing Pier is simply the best destination in the Lowcountry for pier fishing. So what better place to enter a tournament and compete with other fishermen for awesome prizes? Not your typical wooden pier, the landmark that is the Folly Beach Fishing Pier stretches out 1045’ into the ocean and offers spectacular views, fishing, dining, tournaments, special events, and more throughout the year. The Lowcountry’s mild temperatures allow for year-round fishing, with common catches off the Folly pier including blue fish, sheepshead, spotted sea trout and whiting. Other catches off the diamond can include king mackerel and Spanish mackerel. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier will also host its end-of-season tournament on Sept. 15.
Out on Charleston Harbor, the Mount Pleasant Pier will offer two more fishing tournaments this summer, the Cooper River Challenge, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6. The Mount Pleasant Pier is a sight to see and offers fishing under the shade of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. Opened in 2009, the pier is built on pilings from the old Grace Memorial Bridge. These pilings have become a haven for many types of fish including red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder and sheepshead.
Not an experienced angler? Both piers offer everything a novice needs for a fun day of fishing, including equipment rentals, tackle and frozen bait, plus knowledgeable staff to offer tips. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier is home to Locklear’s Beach City Grill, and the Mount Pleasant Pier’s River Watch Cafe is the place to grab a tasty lunch.
So slap on some sunscreen and head out to the piers for some good-spirited competition! Registration fees and award categories vary, but all tournaments include prizes for the largest game fish catch in each of the following categories: Adult Angler, Lady Angler, Youth Angler, Senior Angler and Total Weight of Five Fish. Online tournament registration is available through the Thursday prior to each tournament; visit www.ccprc.com for details. On-site registration for all tournaments begins at 6 a.m. the day of the event. Tournaments end at 4 p.m. Parking fees are a separate charge from registration fee. For additional information call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946, or visit www.ccprc.com.
CCPRC 2012 Fishing Tournament Schedule:
• August 18 – Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament, Folly Beach Fishing Pier
• September 1 – Cooper River Challenge, Mount Pleasant Pier
• September 15 – Pier Fishing Tournament, Folly Beach Fishing Pier
• October 6 – Cooper River Challenge, Mount Pleasant Pier
