Matt Johnson, owner of Johnnie Mercer’s Pier has announced that the 2014 Johnnie Mercer’s Pier Dogfish Tournament will be held on January 25, from 1 pm to 8 pm at his pier in Wrightsville Beach. “People have been asking me since July what’s the date of tournament” Johnson offered.
Back-to-back defending champion Travis Horne of Wilmington says he will definitely be there. “There is definitely pressure on me this year to defend and make a good showing and I look forward to seeing everyone again this year.”
Horne landed the 9 pound 4 ounce spiny dogfish with only 15 minutes to go in the event to best 104 other anglers. “I don’t want to have to come from behind again, I would rather get a big one early then sit back and relax”, he added. There was a total of 12 fish caught last year.
It was originally started by some of the regular fishermen at Mercers as a way to get together in the off-season and to kick the doldrums of cabin fever. Word of it has spread and every year by late January anglers are ready to brave the elements and get out over the water for a day of fishing.
Fishing conditions have varied over the years for the JMP Dogfish. “One year its freezing rain or snow and the next it is sunny and warm. You have to come prepared for both” said Eric Kielmeyer from Columbus, Ohio, who makes the trip every year. “I can’t wait to see what this year is going bring” he said with a laugh.
Dogfish are active all year long in the waters of North Carolina and the eligible fish include both the spiny dogfish and the smooth dogfish. The world records for the spiny dogfish is 15 pounds, 12 ounces, caught in Ireland, and the smooth dogfish record is 19 pounds, 8 ounces, caught in New Jersey.
Linden Custom Rods will be donating the grand prize again this year. The prize will be awarded by raffle from all the entrants that make it to the awards ceremony.
North Carolina Fishing Pier Society www.ncfps.com is pleased once again to participate in this event and the North Carolina Public Access Foundation www.ncpaf.com will be donating the trophies. The cost to participate is $5.00 per rod plus the normal pier fee of $8.00 per rod. There will be door prizes and the money will be redistributed to the top three anglers who weigh in the three biggest dogfish, either smooth or spiny, during the tournament. All fish entered must be released alive to be considered for prizes.
Prior to the event the NCPAF will be conducting a raffle to raise money to preserve access to North Carolina’s natural resources.
For more information on the event go to www.ncfps.com/specialevents or call Al Baird at 704-293-5524 or contact Johnnie Mercer’s Pier at 910-256-2743.
By the way, the North Carolina Fishing Pier Society is now on Facebook!
1_2014 Dogfish Tourn. Baird
