Atw June Web Final

Pier Fishing
by Jake Worthington
Now that spring is upon us, it is time to dust off those rods and reels, pull out the tackle boxes, and get those
coolers ready for late spring and early summer fishing. There are so many ways to fish, but I think one of the best ways
to fish if you can’t get out on the water in a boat is to hit your local fishing piers. Fishing piers are a disappearing
landmark in many ocean towns. When I was born in 1998, North Carolina had over 30 fishing piers in operation.
Today 17 years later, there are less than 20 in operation. This winter claimed part of the Rodanthe Pier during a bad
Northeaster. The Rodanthe Fishing Pier and the Avon Fishing Pier are the only two fishing piers left on Hatteras
Island. In 2008, the Frisco Fishing Pier was damaged and has since fallen into the ocean. It seems every year or so we
lose a fishing pier in NC.
Due to the cost of oceanfront real estate prices, replacement costs, and expensive insurance policies many pier owners
are selling out to real estate investors that build hotels or resorts where the piers once stood. However, there are still many piers operating to give most anglers a
shot at fishing on the ocean. I grew up on the Avalon Fishing Pier, and I learned a great deal about fishing on those wooden planks. I still fish on that pier when I
am not on a boat.
Pier fishing is a great family activity that is really fun and inexpensive. Piers in NC have blanket fishing licenses so you don’t have to buy a fishing license
to fish there. Admission to fishing piers are inexpensive and if you want to fish more than one day, most have multiday, weekly and annual passes. Nearly all fishing
piers rent rods and reels to customers. All you need to buy are bottom rigs or Gotcha Plugs, bait, a pair of pliers, ice and a cooler. You can go to a pier with a
family of four and fish all day for less than 100 dollars easily. If you find that you really like fishing on the pier, you can do as all diehard pier fishermen do-- invest
some money in some simple equipment.
First, you will need to buy a pier cart. You can purchase a brand new one at your local tackle shop. I have seen other options, too, such as red wagons,
recycled shopping carts, and hand trucks. The possibilities are endless and you can add all kinds of accessories such as bucket holders, rod holders, and cutting
boards. Then you can add your tackle boxes, cooler and a crate to hold extra equipment. The great thing about a good pier cart is you can have room for two
coolers, one for bait and fish and one for drinks and food. When you get a little experience, you can join the group on the end of the pier and do some live
baiting also.
Main Street Champion 2014
Susan Hinkle was recently honored as a Main Street champion
for 2014 because of her activism in the Harbor of Hospitality’s
central business district. For nine years, Hinkle has owned and
operated Page After Page bookstore, located at 111 So Water
Street. She received her Main St Award Certificate on March 20
at a statewide Main Street awards ceremony in Morganton, NC.
Hinkle was president of the Downtown Business and Professional Association for two terms,
encouraging ideas and sharing to enhance the business traffic downtown with lots of fun
events! DBPA as its is know an independent group of business owners who work together offering
support to each other and to make improvements to the downtown business atmosphere.
Susan is also a former board member of Elizabeth City Downtown Inc., which is the nonprofit
in charge of administering the Main Street revitalization program locally. Presently, she is active
in the Elizabeth City H.A.S. It! program, which connects the business’s and the history, art and
science entities.. EC HAS it all, History, Arts, Science and don’t forget Shopping!
Additionally, her bookstore hosts numerous events and brings in many authors for book
signings. She also launched reading, writing and knitting groups. She also initiated downtown
marketing campaigns such as “Coupon swap,” “Where’s Waldo?” scavenger hunts., Mrs. Claus
events and Paula Diner & Rachael Razor holiday events.
When asked for a comment Hinkle says she was totally shocked and very honored by this
prestigious award and was so very, very proud to have received it.
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