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 Cast Off Fishing Tournament series on May 9, and the Folly Beach Fishing Pier will host its first tournament of the season on May 23.
The Mount Pleasant Pier offers its first tournament of the series on May 9, followed by additional Mount Pleasant Cast Off Fishing Tournaments on June 27, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3. 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 Fishing Pier continues the tournament season on May 23. Folly Beach Cast Off Fishing Tournaments continue throughout the summer on June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15. The pier will also host the annual “Take a Kid Fishing Day” on June 6. 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!
The May tournaments at both piers include 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. King Mackerel fishing will also have a separate award at Folly Beach and requires an extra fee. The final tournaments at each pier will have a similar award and pricing structure; other (mid-season) tournaments will offer awards just in the top 3 biggest fish and youth categories.
Online registration is available at CharlestonCountyParks.com/fishing, but ends the Thursday prior to each tournament. On-site registration for tournaments begins at 6 a.m. the day of the event. Tournament hours are 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. and prizes are awarded afterward. In Sept. and Oct., tournaments will be held from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Parking fees are a separate charge from registration. For details, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at (843) 588-3474, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946, or visit the link below.
