Catch summer fun at Charleston County Parks’ fishing pier tournaments
April 14, 2026
Cast Off Fishing Tournaments are back at the Folly Beach and Mount Pleasant Piers this summer!
This summer, catch fish, fun and prizes during tournaments at the Folly Beach Pier and the Mount Pleasant Pier! The Mount Pleasant Pier will host the season’s first Cast Off Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 9. Then, on Saturday, May 16, the Folly Beach Pier will host its first fishing tournament of the summer.
The Mount Pleasant Pier offers fishing on the Charleston Harbor and under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The pier was 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.
A sight to behold, the 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 2026 Cast Off Fishing Tournament Schedule is:
Mount Pleasant Pier
- May 9, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 6, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- September 19, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- October 17, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Folly Beach Pier
- May 16, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 20, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- September 12, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- October 3, 6 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), $9 for youth (12 and under), or $5 for fishing pass members. 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. Parking is free of charge, but limited at the Mount Pleasant 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 Cast Off Fishing Tournaments, call the Folly Beach Pier at (843) 762-9516, the Mount Pleasant Pier at (843) 762-9946, or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link). The Cast Off Fishing Tournament series is presented by Charleston Cotton Exchange.
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.
