Reel it in: Topsail Island’s spring surf and pier fishing challenge

The News & Observer

Anglers of all stripes are invited to vie for the Pier Cup at Topsail Island’s annual Spring Surf and Pier Fishing Challenge May 5 – 7. Surf and pier fishing tournaments are common along the coast in springtime, many presented by Fisherman’s Post newspaper. Among the paper’s competitions this month is this beginner-friendly surf and
pier fishing challenge. Pier and surf fishing is considered a good entry point for angling because you don’t need a N.C. Fishing License to dive in; all are welcome to register for
May’s challenge.

The weekend involves round-the-clock fishing from midnight Saturday morning until noon on Sunday. Fish caught on one of Topsail Island’s three piers or any of its shores are eligible; prizes are for the heaviest bluefish, flounder, sea mullet, and black drum. But the biggest catch at stake is the Pier Cup. Winners have their name and their winning fish’s weight engraved on the cup, which they keep for a year before passing it on to the next champion fisher.  –J.A.

$70; fishermanspost.com/tournaments/topsail-spring-surf-fishing-challenge