Cast Off Monthly Fishing Tournament Series kicks off in May
Special to The Current
This spring and summer, catch fish, fun, and prizes at the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission’s Cast Off Fishing Tournament at the Folly Beach and Mt. Pleasant fishing piers. The Mount Pleasant Pier will kick off the Cast Off Fishing Tournament series on Saturday, May 11, and the Folly Beach Pier will host its first tournament of the season on May 25.
The Folly Beach Pier continues the tournament season on May 25. Folly Beach Cast Off Fishing Tournaments continue throughout the summer on June 22, Aug. 31, and Sept. 28.
The pier will also host the annual “Take a Kid Fishing Day,” a free kids’ tournament hosted by the Folly Beach Anglers, on June 1 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 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. For more information call the Folly Beach Pier at (843) 762-9516 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.