NEWS RELEASE

Public Contact: 843-795-4386 / www.charlestoncountyparks.com

Media Contact: Sarah Reynolds / (843) 762-8089 / sarah.reynolds@ccprc.com

Read this online: www.ccprc.com/newsreleases       

Catch Summer Fun and Competition at Charleston County Fishing Piers

Cast Off Fishing Tournaments are back at the Mount Pleasant and Folly Beach Piers this summer!

[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – This summer, catch fish, fun and prizes at the Mount Pleasant and Folly Beach Piers’ tournament series! The Mount Pleasant Pier will host the summer’s first Cast Off Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 11. Then, on Saturday, May 25, the Folly Beach Pier will host its first fishing tournament of the season.

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 Folly Beach Pier reopened in December 2022. A sight to behold, the new Folly Beach 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 2024 Cast Off Fishing Tournament Schedule is:

Mount Pleasant Pier

• May 11, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• June 15, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Sept. 21, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Oct. 26, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Folly Beach Pier

• May 25, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• June 22, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. 
• Sept. 14, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.  
• Oct. 12, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.  

Tournaments offer awards for the Biggest 3 Fish by Weight, the Biggest Youth Catch (12 and under) and the Best 5 Fish (total weight). Participants are only eligible to win one category. Tournament registration fees are $12 for ages 13 and up, $9 for members of the military, $9 for seniors (60 and up) and ages 12 and under, or $5 for fishing pass holders. Adult chaperones are required for ages 15 and under.

No pre-registration is required. On-site registration for tournaments begins the morning of the event. Parking fees are an additional charge at the Folly Pier.

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. Tournaments are held rain or shine. Anglers of all experience levels are encouraged to slap on some sunscreen and head out for some good-spirited competition!

For additional details on the piers or the tournaments, 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 Coca-Cola, Charleston Cotton Exchange, AFTCO and Charleston County Parks.

Managed by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the Folly Beach Pier is located at 101 E. Arctic Ave. and the Mount Pleasant Pier is located at 71 Harry Hallman Blvd. The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six day parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, a skate park, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, a historical plantation site, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information, call 843-795-4386, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

High-resolution photos available upon request

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission / 861 Riverland Drive / Charleston, SC 29412 / (843) 795-4386