The Folly Beach Anglers present the 12th annual Jerry Pierce Memorial event
by Lorne Chambers | Editor
Between the demolition of the old Folly Beach pier, the construction of a new one, and a global pandemic, it’s been a few years since the Folly Beach Anglers welcomed youngsters for its annual Jerry Pierce Memorial Take a Kid Fishing event. But on June 3, expect hundreds of kids from around the Lowcountry to flock to Folly and try their luck as the event returns for the first time since 2019.
The new pier is a welcomed addition to the Folly shoreline, which looked rather bare without it. And while the new pier is used by all kinds of folks for all kinds of reasons, its official name is the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier. So, it’s only appropriate that fishing is the focus. It certainly will be next month for the 12th annual Take a Kid Fishing Day.
For Roger Rutledge, Folly resident and volunteer extraordinaire, this is one of the most special events he’s involved in all year. This is his ninth year being involved in the event.
“I love our little town, but there is not a lot for kids to do other than the ocean,” says Rutledge who helps organize the dozens of volunteers for the event. “But this gives kids something to do that is not on the phone, they’re on the pier, they’re on the ocean.”
According to Rutledge, in years past they’ve welcomed between 225-325 kids. Each one is given a fishing rod and real (if they don’t have their own), bait, and a T-shirt.
“We have the volunteers on the pier to show them how to put the bait on the hook and how to take the fish off the hook,” says Rutledge. “There are kids who show up from as far as 100 miles away that have never been fishing before.” He says after the event, the kids are welcome to take the rods and reels home with them if they want. Additionally, there will be a free bicycle raffle sponsored by Cool Breeze Bikes.
Trophies and prizes will be awarded for the following age groups: Boys: 4-7 years old; 8-11 years old; 12-16 years old. Girls: 4-7 years old; 8-11 years old; 12-16 years old. In the past there have been nice catches of black drum, whiting, spadefish, and bluefish. All fish weighed in must be legal by SCDNR rules. Sharks and rays are not submittable.
