[CHARLESTON] – Grab your fishing rod to catch some fish and fun at the Mount Pleasant and Folly Beach Fishing Piers this summer! The Mount Pleasant Pier will kick off the fishing tournament series on May 3, and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier will host its first tournament of the season on May 17.
The Mount Pleasant Pier offers the popular Kahuna on the Cooper on May 3, followed by the Cooper River Challenge on June 7, Sept. 6 and Oct. 4. 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 Grace Memorial Bridge, which have become a haven for many types of fish including red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder and sheepshead.
The Folly Beach Fishing Pier begins its season on May 17 with the Summer Pier Kickoff Tournament. Folly Beach tournaments continue throughout the summer on June 14, July 12, and the Big Kahuna tournament on Aug. 16. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier’s end-of-season tournament will be Sept. 27. The pier will also host its annual “Take A Kid Fishing Day” on June 21. A sight to behold, Folly Beach’s wooden pier stretches out 1045’ into 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 to the piers this summer for some good-spirited competition! 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 (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. King Mackerel fishing at Folly Beach requires an extra fee.
Online registration is available at the link below, but ends the Thursday prior to each tournament. On-site registration for all tournaments begins at 6 a.m. the day of the event. Tournament hours are 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Folly Beach’s Big Kahuna ends at 4 p.m.) and prizes are awarded just after the end of the tournament. Parking fees are a separate charge from registration fee. For further details, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946.
Mount Pleasant Pier Tournament Schedule:
• May 3 - Kahuna on the Cooper
• June 7 - Cooper River Challenge
• September 6 - Cooper River Challenge
• October 4 - Cooper River Challenge
Folly Beach Fishing Pier Tournament Schedule:
• May 17 - Summer Kick-Off Tournament
• June 14 - Pier Tournament
• June 21 - Take A Kid Fishing Day (special non-tournament event)
• July 12 - Pier Tournament
• August 16 - Big Kahuna Fishing Tournament
• September 27 - Pier Tournament
