The 2010 Dogfish Tournament
Johnnie Mercer's Pier
January 30th - 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The 2010 Dogfish Trophies
Everyone gets an individually number button
Why I should fish the dogfish?
* There is not a better reason to get out over the water in January.
* It is a great event for all from the novice to the expert.
* $5.00 entry fee per rod (pier pass not included - $8.00 per rod)
* Prizes and trophies awarded.
* Special Blind Bogey Prize
* T-Shirts Commerating the event will be available for sale - Check back here for details.
2010 Dogfish Sponsors and Gift Contributors
(Please contact Roadkillal@aol.com if your company or business wants to participate)
North Carolina Fishing Pier Society
Sea Gull Motel - 910 256-3728
Tex's Tackle
Guy Harvey Sportswear
Sea Striker
North Carolina Public Access Foundation
Click here for pictures of Dogfish Events from the past:
Check out what people are saying about the tournament and other happening at Mercer's by going to the pier's message board.
Click Here to go to JMP Message Boards
Weather Forecast for the Dogfish Tournament
Right now the NWS is calling for 60% chance of showers with a high of 53 and a low of 37 
Don't worry this is the weather people they are always wrong!
Could it get this bad?
We could only hope!!!!!!!!!
The Silver Gull Motel Mercers from the Silver Gull
The Silver Gull Motel (right across the street is offering a $50.00 a night room special for the event. Tell them you are with the Dogfish Tournament.
Visit Tex's Tackle for all of your fishing needs on the way to the Dogfish Event:
We are looking for sponsors to donate prizes for the 2010 Dogfish. If you know of any please email me at Roadkillal@aol.com
About the Tournament:
* It is open to anyone that wants to participate.
* The $5.00 entry fee per rod does not include your pier permits
* Fishing location on the pier is determined on a first come first serve basis
* Trophies will be awarded to for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Prize money will be divided up as 50%, 30% and 20%.
* Door prizes will be determined by drawing and the blind bogey.
* All dogfish entered must be released alive and in good condition after weighing.
* We are going to attempt to weigh every fish caught so each fish will be recorded and given a number. This number becomes the blind bogey number for the drawing. So the more fish you catch the more chances you have on winning.
* More later as we come up with things.
* Check back for updates.
Everything you always wanted to know about Dogfish but were afraid to ask:
Dogfish are small sharks that hunt is schools of similar size and come in two varieties spiny and smooth. Typically they grow in length to about 5 feet but will live for 25 years or longer. Females tend to be larger than the males and give birth to their young. Dogfish were once an important fishery for North Carolina as there meat was exported to Great Britain for their standard fish and chips.
The spiny dogfish migrate from canadian waters in the fall and inhabit the waters in North Carolina. North Carolina is about the southern most point for the spinys. Smooth dogfish can be found all along the east coast from the Bay of Fundy to Uruguay.
Features of the spiny:
No anal fin
Spines in front of each dorsal fin
Irregular white spots present on sides and back of the body
Strongly oblique teeth in both jaws, with single cusp
No subterminal notch on caudal fin
Pectoral fins with curved rear margins
Narrow anterior nasal flap
The world record for the spiny is 15.7 taken on a rod an reel but a 21.6 pound one was once netted.
Features of the smooth:
Can change colour
No dorsal fin spines
Prominent spiracle behind eye
Numerous small blunt teeth in both jaws
The World Record for the Smooth is 26.75 pounds caught in Galveston Tx.
What do I need to catch Dogfish?
Basically Dogfish catch themself so all you need is the desire to go. Tackle and bait of choice are meduim stout tackle and cut bait. Shrimp,squid, cut mullet and finger mullet are all common baits.
Things you should bring:
* Clothing ranging from very warm and rain and wind resistance to lighter clothes if the weather is better. In the 4 prevous years just about the complete gamut of weather has been experienced from freezing rain to sunsshine and temps into the 60s.
* Normal other pier fishing equipment will come in handy for your comfort and enjoyment.
Dear Pier Owner or Event Organizer, you can advertise your event free here for up to 60 days by contacting Roadkillal@aol.com. Events will be taken on a first come first serve basis.
