Topsail Angler's Fishing Blog

Mike Martin Annual Pier Tournament

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Surf City Ocean Pier is hosting the 4th annual Mike Martin Fishing tournament next week-end (August 16th and 17th).  The tournament is named in memory of their former manager who died suddenly.  Actually Mike had conceived the idea of an August tournament and the first one was in the planning stages when he passed.  Vinita Gass the current managed picked up the torch and as they say the rest is history.

The competition begins at 6am on Saturday and runs till noon on Sunday.  There are 10 categories of fish ranging from spots to kings.  Each category cost $5 to enter or you can enter all 10 for $35.  Last year no one weighed in a speckled trout so Edwin Lore, the owner of the pier, decided to carry it forward this year and add it to the prize money.  So this year the heaviest speckled trout pays $1,000.  Each of the other categories pay $100 for first place and $50 for second place.

They also have a special division for children 12 and under.  This is usually the highlight of the tournament for many of us.  Just seeing the excitement on the faces of those kids will keep me going for days.  If you have children, this tournament is a must for your family!

They have over 40 door prizes including a week-end get-a-way for two, a fishing trip for two on the Vonda Kay, meals from area restaurants, plenty of fishing gear and many other items.  They will be giving these away through out the tournament. 

You are allowed to fish as many or as few of the available hours as you wish.  Of course all fish entered must be caught on the pier, so buy your ticket and come on down and fish!  The awards ceremony is at 2PM on Sunday. 

Catching report

The catching has been slow this week with a typical mixed bag of croaker, spots, Spanish, flounder and some specks being caught near shore.  Small kings are being caught about everywhere, real small ones.  The bigger ones seem to be further off shore.  The billfish bite has been decent with marlins and sails being caught. 

Tight lines and catch ‘em up!