20th Annual Johnnie Mercer’s Pier Dogfish Tournament
The 20th annual Johnnie Mercer’s Pier Dogfish Tournament pushed through despite classic winter conditions, with sub‑50‑degree water temperatures and a steady stretch of afternoon rain making for a tough day on the pier.
The event had originally been scheduled for Saturday, January 31, but a few inches of snow that weekend forced organizers to move the tournament to Saturday, February 21. Even with the delay and the weather challenges, anglers showed up strong and fished hard throughout the day.
Fishing kicked off at 1:00 p.m., and although no dogfish were caught, the anglers who braved the cold kept the spirit of the tournament alive.
With no fish brought to the scales, the winners were determined by a drawing. Frank Yarborough took home $540 for first place, Eilo Babe of Wilmington won $315 for second, and Brian Bray of Surf City earned $210 for third.
With no dogfish landed, the 20th annual Johnnie Mercer’s Pier Dogfish Tournament winners were decided by raffle: Brian Bray (3rd), Eilo Babe (2nd), and Frank Yarborough (1st). They are pictured here with Tournament Director Al Baird (far right).
The raffle table once again delivered a big part of the excitement. Prizes included a 55” TV, a pier drop net, coolers, plenty of Johnnie Mercer’s sweatshirts and other pier swag, and, like every year, a custom rod made by pier fishing guru and rod repairman Mike Cowan.
Even without a single dogfish landed, the 20th annual Dogfish Tournament continued its tradition of community, camaraderie, and wintertime fun on the pier. The weather was foul, but the anglers who stood shoulder to shoulder through cold rain and tough conditions reminded everyone that this tournament has always been about showing up, supporting the pier, and celebrating the people who make Johnnie Mercer’s such a special place.
