Fishing tournament to bring post-Helene crowds to Emerald Isle

EMERALD ISLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Known for its beaches, Emerald Isle is also a great place for fishing.

The Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament is set to take place Sunday after being moved from its original Saturday start due to weather.

But the weather didn’t postpone the tournament’s captains dinner where visitors and locals could come eat, drink and participate in a live and silent auction.

“Tonight is what it’s all about, our sponsors are the companies and individuals who have come together and bought all kinds of great things for our silent auction and live auction,” Director/Commissioner of Emerald Isle Fishing Tournament Mark Taylor said. “They donated and spent their time volunteering. No one gets paid, everyone just steps forward just to do right by the community, and that’s what this tournament is all about.”

Many gathered for food and fellowship in preparation for this tournament but it wasn’t just only people in Emerald Isle.

“I just registered a lady from Greensboro and we had a couple who come down from Virginia,” Taylor said. “This is our sixth year and word is getting out that this is really all about community and family, and this right here is a small, family-organized tournament.”

The captain’s dinner also raises money to help local children with scholarships. Many said participating in the dinner and tournament is a perfect way to give back and maybe even win the first place prize.

“Come out, fish all the day long, even if you don’t catch a fish, you’re gonna spend some wonderful time on our Crystal Coast,” Taylor said. “Come out and enjoy Emerald Isle, fish with us and maybe walk away with some money. If not, you will definitly help some kids go to school next year.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.