Catching up with the past (‘Katch ‘em up widit past,” interpreted by Bunny Rodriques)

During the years from 1760 to 1860 more than 250,000 Africans arrived in the United States. This unfortunate, but historic era will be the subject of the next three issues of The Tour Planner eMagazine. In future issues we’ll explore rice production and its heavy dependency on labor and freemen farming that followed the Civil War. Today’s itinerary focuses on the Gullah culture that African captives brought to the Sea Islands of South Carolina.

Gullah (or Geechee in northern Georgia) refers to both native islanders and the language they speak. These islanders are former slaves from the West African coastal countries of Senegal and Sierra Leone. They have been here for generations and their unique culture remains largely intact. The Gullah culture has survived by Gullah elders passing down the language and traditions to their children.

Unfortunately, over the past half century the Gullah culture has begun to disappear. Significant factors have influenced its demise. The development of resorts on the Sea Islands has displaced homes and encouraged descendants to relocate in search of employment. Meanwhile the language has seen a steady downfall as education teaches not to speak “broken English.” To the Gullah culture it’s not broken English but an art form that serves as the link between Africans and African-Americans.

Day 1 – Arrive in Myrtle Beach, SC

·     Check in at your host hotel. We certainly encourage you to consider Days Resort, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, or Oceana Resorts. Each specializes in service to groups.

·     Savor delectable dishes at any one of Myrtle Beach’s restaurants, but we certainly recommend Seafare Restaurant or Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse.

·     Of course an evening of live entertainment at Alabama Theatre, Legend’s In Concert or The Carolina Opry is a perfect way to end your day.

Day 2 – Myrtle Beach area, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island

·     Breakfast at your host hotel

·     Visit Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet: In 1931, Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington founded Brookgreen Gardens. Today it is a National Historic Landmark with the most significant collection of figurative sculpture in an outdoor setting by American artists in the world. A half-dozen Cultural & Gullah programs are offered at the Lowcountry Center Auditorium by Gullah native and historian Ron Daise. Each traces the history of the Gullah people from Africa to South Carolina’s coast. Programs range from 50 to 75-minutes and there is a slight charge above the normal admission cost. Programs are tailored for adults and various grade level student groups. For more information or to schedule a visit call 800-849-1931 or direct at 843-235-6021. E-mail mmercer@brookgreen.org or visit online at www.brookgreen.org

·     Lunch at Brookgreen Gardens

·     Shop the Gullah O’oman Museum & Gift Shop, Pawleys Island: Shop for cultural arts and crafts including, quilts, sweet grass baskets, dolls, woodcarvings, collectibles and memorabilia.  The shop is home to the Michelle Obama Family History Quilt. Bunny and Andrew Rodiques will greet your group with a warm Gullah “Hunnah!” (Welcome!) Call 843-235-0747 or visit online at www.gullahoomanshop.com

·     Return to your Myrtle Beach host hotel.  Enjoy dinner and a show, but get some rest in preparation for a day of exploring the history of rice and slavery in South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach’s Season of Celebration

From a horse drawn sleigh and ice skaters on stage to angels high above two guys on a mission, the Myrtle Beach area theatres celebrate the season with spectacular holiday productions. Blend in outlet, mall and specialty store shopping options with a host of wonderful events and you have the ingredients for a memorable winter tour.

• This holiday season Calvin Gilmore is pulling out all the stops to bring you the Silver Anniversary season of The Carolina Opry. A holiday tradition for 25-years “The Carolina Opry Christmas Special” brings the spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy and dance. The theatre is transformed into a winter wonderland where the magic comes alive from November 1 through January 1, 2011. Matinees are available on select days. www.TheCarolinaOpry.com

• With traditional classics and contemporary favorites “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show” at Alabama Theatre is sure to please every visitor. The theatre’s talented cast of musicians, dancers and vocalist present a spectacular musical experience that will put your tour in the Christmas spirit. This year’s grand production begins November 2^nd and continues through January 1, 2011. Matinees are available on select days. www.alabama-theatre.com

• Legend’s In Concert, now in its 15^th Myrtle Beach season, is dedicated to tribute artists and their music. The holiday line-up will remind you of those great Christmas Specials from the early days of television. Performing this year are Bing Crosby, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Elvis Presley, Diana Ross and a very special act to be announced. The 2010 Holiday Show begins November 1 and continues through December 22. Matinees are available on selected Tuesdays and Saturdays. www.LegendsInConcert.com

• This year The Palace Theatre will present a brand new show, “Christmas on Ice,” starring 16 Ice Skaters from previous Winter Olympics, high kicking dancers and vocalists from London’s West End and Broadway. The Palace Theatre stage will be transformed into a magnificent winter wonderland. “The Magical Spirit of Ireland Holiday Show” returns for its 3^rd season in the intimate King Suite Showroom. www.PalaceMB.com

• This year at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede watch and enjoy as the Sugar Plum Fairy magically brings to life a toyshop filled with colorful, giant toys. The holiday spectacular “Christmas at Dixie” runs from November 5^th through January 2, 2011 and features a Live Nativity Scene, a fabulous four-course holiday feast and plenty of entertainment. www.dixiestampede.com

• For its 15^th season Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament transports the audience back in time to the 11^th century. Enjoy the magic of a medieval holiday in North America’s longest running dinner show. Pageantry and excitement combine in this unique entertainment experience with heroic knights and beautiful Andalusia horses. www.medievaltimes.com

Along with fabulous entertainment at Myrtle Beach’s live theatre venues comes a magnificent variety of holiday events. For a complete list that will expand your itinerary and delight your guests visit www.MyrtleBeachGroups.com. Here are just a few to get you started.

• November 1 to December 30: Ripley’s Aquarium, South Carolina’s most visited attraction, presents the “Festival of Trees.” Over 50 trees representing each state in the United States display the heritage and diversity of our great nation. www.ripleysaquarium.com

• November 11 – 14: The “29^th Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festival” is a journey back to the 19^th century and a Victorian Marketplace with unique gifts, crafts, gourmet foods, clothing, toys and much more. www.dickenschristmasshow.com

• November 14: Carolina Beach Music Awards, Alabama Theatre www.cammy.org or www.alabama-theatre.com.

• November 15-Deecember 31: Broadway at the Beach’s “Christmas at Broadway” features dazzling themed lights, entertainment and special events. www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

• November 25-27: 41^st Annual South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival www.aandabluegrass.com

• November 30 & December 3: The 8^th Annual Holiday FantaSea, co-sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Coastal Network Cooperative, welcomes groups for two free mornings of award-winning entertainment, spectacular giveaways and a ton of Southern Hospitality. This 2009 ABA Top 100 Event is the Myrtle Beach area’s way of thanking groups for visiting. Reserve space for your group by e-mailing Mandy.Holt@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

• December 3-5: Springmaid Beach Resort’s 24^th Annual Winter Arts & Craft Show is where crafters display woodcrafts, glass & jewelry and much more. Admission is free. www.springmaidbeach.com

• December 3 & 4, 10 & 11, 16, 17 & 18: Brookgreen Garden’s Nights of a Thousand Candles ushers in the holiday spirit with lights and luminaries, holiday music and Lowcountry food delicacies. A truly spectacular event awaits your group. www.brookgreen.org.

Tour Options - Golf tours really are easy – Part 2

In the March 23^rd Myrtle Beach Tour Planner eMagazine we took a look at the traveling golfer, 11.4 million strong. We addressed some of the roadblocks that have kept both tour and charter operators from actively pursuing this huge market segment.

As you certainly know the cargo area in today’s coach is more than able to accommodate golf bags and luggage. We also addressed that even though you might not be a golfer and know the “lingo,” the hotelier suppliers advertising here have golf packages available to you. Local transportation is abundant for your customers wanting to explore the area on their own. Most importantly the Myrtle Beach area has a wonderful reputation of welcoming visiting golfers with true southern hospitality. It’s now time to sell some golf tour packages.

Results of recent research demonstrate that you’ll be marketing to a prospect that already knows and thinks highly of the Myrtle Beach area. The National Golf Foundation conducted a study in October 2009, when 2,058 golfers who have traveled in the past two years or intend to travel in 2010 were surveyed. Those respondents averaged 5.2 golf trips to Myrtle Beach, which are at least 1.5 trips more than travelers averaged to any other destination. Vacationers cited affordability, quality and selection, location and additional attractions for their affinity to Myrtle Beach area golf.

The question remains, “Where do we find these traveling golfers?” Of course the most logical place to begin is your own database. Among your regular travelers, it’s quite probable you’ll find golfers that travel. Charter operators need only promote the convenience and safety of coach travel to golfers in their database. As a side note, on the morning last week the photo of Bailey Coaches was taken at World Tour Golf Links, Bailey had another coach of 38 golfers in town.

Tour operators too can tap their own database, but creativity in your packaging is the first step to successful marketing. Of course you’ll need a Value Package and a Premium Package as your product leaders. However, consider a Ladies Package that might include shopping and/or a spa treatment. Women are the fastest growing segment in the golf market. The Executive Women’s Golf Association (www.ewga.com) is a great place to find lady golfers.

A Multi-generational Package should also be considered. Many Myrtle Beach area golf courses allow juniors to play free when accompanied by a paying adult. There may be some restrictions like afternoon tee times only, but nothing that isn’t manageable. The market for this package may be more difficult to isolate, but it does exist.

The most important aspect of golf packaging is to work closely with your accommodations supplier. Once the packaging is in place, you can still depend on those suppliers. More than just a room provider they will also help you market your product. Here’s how.

It’s estimated that between Canada and the United States there may be as many as 100 consumer golf shows. From Toronto to Dallas and Seattle to Atlanta, chances are there’s a consumer golf show near you. The Myrtle Beach area is well represented by accommodations and golf course suppliers at many of those shows. For charter operators it just seems logical to have a transportation alternative exhibiting next to the destination.

Tour operators may consider cooping exhibit space with their accommodations, or golf course suppliers. Specific questions that the tour operator is unable to address may very well have an answer from the golf course or hotel partner. Even if you decide to do a show on your own, do not hesitate to ask your supplier partners for giveaways and photos to liven-up your booth.

Golf leagues, local businesses and club memberships are a good secondary place to look for business. However, you should be addressing traveling golfers, specifically. Not all golfers travel. 

We’d encourage you to target your product to pre-formed groups. You’ll find that most traveling golfers go as a regular group. Although challenging to find, it’s business you’ll enjoy for years to come. With 100-courses to choose from the Myrtle Beach area, as the research shows, enjoys a high level of repeat business. The Bailey Coaches group referenced above is now in their 12^th year of Myrtle Beach visits.

Myrtle Beach area golf is both a fun and profitable tour to offer your clients. Just as importantly, the packages are easily developed and the selling opportunities are certainly there for to the creative marketer. Readers of this eMagazine have an open invitation to contact the writer at tourplanner@discoverinfuzion.com with questions and concerns regarding golf tours to the Myrtle Beach area. Also, the Myrtle Beach Tour Planner Blog site is available to review past issues and entertain your comments. Log on at http://myrtlebeachtourplanner.blogspot.com/

Tour Options - Golf packaging really is easy - Part 1

With just a few exceptions the tour & travel industry is still waiting to embrace the traveling golfer. Maybe now is the time to take a serious look at a market the National Golf Foundation estimated at 11.4 million.

In the next two issues we’ll be talking about the golf market. In this issue we’ll breakdown some of the barriers to “booking” your golf tours. In the April 6^th issue we’ll share some insight into how your golf tours can be “sold.” In both issues it will be clear that the Myrtle Beach area is a great golf tour destination.

Over the years there have been numerous reasons – many valid – why the golf market was overlooked. Until the introduction of today’s large motorcoach, the cargo areas could not accommodate golf bags and luggage. Operators believed golf to be a male thing. Even with the advent of gender specific tours that barrier is being broken down. Men, women, couples, seniors and boomers are all found on the golf course and all traveling to play golf.

The biggest obstacle to overcome is possibly the fear of the unknown. More than once the statement has been made, “I don’t play golf and don’t understand anything about the game.” Here is exactly where the Myrtle Beach area is far ahead of the curve. They’ve been packaging golf for more than 30-years making it easy for millions of visitors to enjoy the sport they love.

Mark Masten, Assistant Golf Professional at Arrowhead Country Club, reflects the entire community’s feeling when he says, “We’re very experienced working with large groups of 20 or more and love to have them.” Arrowhead Country Club (www.arrowheadcc.com) like most Myrtle Beach area courses will go out of their way to extend some good old-fashioned southern hospitality. From golf clinics and box lunches to great rates and logo merchandise for prizes, the golf courses will make your group feel welcome.

“Golf is an activity. Just like booking a theatre or a garden visit, we will package golf for tour operators,” stated Jennifer Morse, Corporate Director of Sales for Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (www.MyrtleBeachSeasideResorts.com). “There seems to be increasing interest from tour operators regarding golf packages,” Morse continued.

Oceana Resorts commitment to group golf is evident on their web site at www.oceanagroups.com. From tours and weddings to meetings and golf, all segments fall under the group umbrella. Long a major contributor to the golf packaging business the Days Hotel Surfside Beach and Scotty’s Golf at http://www.scottysgolf.com/get_started.htm is a great place to begin.

A telephone call to any accommodations supplier listed here can get your golf tour underway. Each property has a variety of packages available and is more than willing to go a step further and create one to your specific needs. The typical package includes room, breakfast and golf, but theatre, attractions and meals can easily be added. The non-golfer accompanying the group is not forgotten.

With groups of 20 or more significant value added can be added to golf packages. Complimentary suites, clinics, tournaments with prizes and receptions can certainly be included. If a local step on guide (golf ambassador) is required, the Myrtle Beach Tour Planner (tourplanner@discoverinfuzion.com) will be happy to recommend one that suits your group.

Yes, it really is that easy.

Tour Options - You take the yellow ball. I want the green one.

For over 20 years the Myrtle Beach area has been known as the “seaside golf capital of the world.” Being home to almost 100 golf courses that is a well earned and deserving title! Be assured we’ll talk more about golf in future issues, but for right now we’re focusing on miniature golf.

You have it right! Today we’re talking about golf with pirates and lost treasure, shipwrecks and plane wrecks, dragons and jungles.

If the Myrtle Beach area is truly the “seaside golf capital of the world,” it certainly must also be the “miniature golf capital of the world.” By most accounts the area is home to more than 50 mini golf courses. Most are carefully landscaped and decorated with seasonal plants and flowers. However, what sets these jewels apart from your standard putt-putt course are the themes.

Cannon balls from pirate ships explode in lagoons, while man-eating dinosaurs appear in another venue.  All the while volcanoes are erupting just down the road. These architectural beauties are guaranteed fun for ages from 7 to 70. It’s a sure thing the laughs will come just as quickly as the strokes of the putter.

Miniature golf in the Myrtle Beach area is a great activity for any group and so easy to add to an itinerary. For a variety of courses just go to www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com or www.northmyrtlebeachchamber.com and search miniature golf. However, for the course that’s closest to your lodging, just ask the group sales contact at your accommodations. Many venues are open year around, but do double check, if you’re planning a winter tour to the area.

From arrival at a mini course to departure allow about 1 ½ to 2 hours for the activity. This is a great morning option. The courses require some walking with most having steps that will need to be navigated. If your group includes physically challenged clients, you may consider having them function as the tournament director(s).

Their important contribution will be to collect the scorecards and verify each player’s score. Yes, some of us are mathematically challenged! Of course no tournament is complete without the awards banquet. Your tournament director will award prizes and/or trophies to both the ladies and men’s low score and of course the high score of the morning’s fun! You did remember to get the trophies I hope!

Tour Options - More fabulous fall festivals

In a previous issue we introduced a variety of fall festivals that are group friendly and add value to any September or October Myrtle Beach area tour. Unfortunately, space did not allow us to list every festival. To give you even more to think about, here are a few of our favorites.

Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet is home to the 35^th Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, September 24-26, 2010. Over 100 of the finest artisans provide aesthetic beauty against a background of natural beauty. Fine art and crafts along with great Lowcountry food and music await your group. Daily festival admission is only $6 for adults, while admission to the park is free. For further details call Huntington Beach State Park at 843-237-4440.

Friday, September 24 through October 3, 2010 is the 20^th Annual Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art. This year’s event kicks off on September 24^th with the 11^th Annual Pawleys Island Wine Gala featuring 60 wineries, great food and music. All 2010 events will be held at Litchfield Plantation. More information is online at www.pawleysmusic.com, info@pawleysmusic.com or 843-626-8911.

The 21^st Annual Wooden Boat Show will be on the waterfront and Front Street in Historic Downtown Georgetown. The event features one of the nation’s premier wooden boat exhibits, a wooden boatbuilding competition, children’s model boatbuilding, knot tying, maritime arts & crafts and food and music. Admission is free. For more information call 877-285-3888 or go online to www.woodenboatshow.com.  

Tour Options - Fabulous Fall Festivals

Many locals and visitors alike will tell you that fall is a special time in the Myrtle Beach area. More couples begin arriving after Labor Day. Soon the fall golf season begins. Daytime temperatures are comfortable. The nights begin to cool off ever so slightly. For the tour planner looking to offer their clients something fresh, the Myrtle Beach area has so much to offer.

The area’s main draws will always be wide sandy beaches, live entertainment theatres, fun filled attractions, great dining and accommodations to fit any budget. However, with the fall months great festivals arrive. Many are absolutely free, while others require just a small fee. Here are a few to get you started.

The 5^th Annual Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival scheduled for September 3 & 4, 2010 wraps-up the Sun Fun Celebration of Summer and kicks-off the fall festivals. Live entertainment, great food and cooking competitions and a really neat car show will highlight the activities held at Grand Park, across from The Market Common. Visit www.BeachBoogieBarbequeFestival.com for updates on events and activities.

September 9 through 12, 2010 marks the 2^nd Annual Grand Strand Freedom Fest. The event will be held in honor and memory of the victims, families and first responders of September 11th, 2001 – and of the brave women and men of America’s Armed Forces who have been protecting us ever since. Proceeds raised by this not-for-profit event will be directed to Operation First Response, an organization that has been supporting wounded soldiers and their families since 2001. A free concert by the Long Bay Symphony and a concert by LeAnn Rimes the following evening highlighted the 2009 events. For more information visit http://www.grandstrandfreedomfest.com/index.cfm

The Society of Stranders (SOS) Fall Migration, September 17-27, 2010, is the Granddaddy of the SOS Shag dance (South Carolina State Dance) parties and is highlighted by Fun Sunday and Fun Monday, free street parties with live music throughout the day. Visit www.shagdance.com/migration.htm or call 888-767-3113 for details.

From Little River, a South Carolina coastal fishing community, the Little River Shrimp & Jazz Festival is scheduled for October 9 & 10, 2010. Arts, crafts, great food and wonderful entertainment are the recipe for fun at this two-day festival. A $3 admission fee is required. For more information call 866-817-8082, or visit online at www.LittleRiverChamber.org.

Brookgreen Garden’s annual fall festival, Harvest Home Weekend, October 16 & 17, 2010 fills two days with live entertainment and outdoor activities. The popular scarecrow-building contest, hayrides, pumpkin painting patch, and face painting are just a few of the events. Group rates to Brookgreen Gardens include all festival activities and events.  Visit www.brookgreen.org, or call 800-849-1931 for information.

Tour Options - Go fly a kite. Really!

Close your eyes for just a moment and go back to when you were just a kid. Remember those breezy spring days that beckoned you to build the best kite in the neighborhood. Surely, your masterpiece flew to never before seen heights! Fun days for certain with the only real challenge being “where do I launch.”

Although groups have always visited the Myrtle Beach area for shows, shopping, dining and amusements, the beach is still the major attraction. With the Grand Strand’s 60-miles of wide, sandy beaches, “where do I launch” is never a challenge. Adding a kite flying activity to your itinerary is really quite easy and makes for a fun morning. Here’s how.

First of all, it’s necessary to share a few facts and a little “kite history” to impress your clients and friends. March 27 – May 2, 2010 is National Kite Month® sponsored by The AKA (American Kitefliers Association) in cooperation with the KTAI (Kite Trade Association International). They have a really great web site at http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/.

Although the date and origin of kite flying is unknown, the first written record came about 200 B.C. A Chinese general flew a kite over a city he was attacking, measuring the distance his army needed to tunnel to get past the defensive walls. Over time kites have been used to fly messages to lovers, deliver bait over fishing waters, signal during wars and of course scientific applications to learn more about wind and weather. With just this little bit of knowledge, let’s proceed.

We suggest you divide your group into teams. Each team will have builders and aviators. This addresses any mobility issues, while still allowing everyone to participate. Of course the builders are charged with the construction of the kites, while the aviators are your kitefliers. Hard hats, goggles and an air traffic controller are optional.

There are two ways to proceed. Purchasing a pre-packaged kit from a Myrtle Beach area retailer is certainly an option. We suggest you visit Klig’s Kites with locations at both Barefoot Landing/North Myrtle Beach and Coastal Grand Mall/Myrtle Beach. As the name implies, they are all about kites. From the simple to the extravagant you can choose from hundreds of styles. It’s one stop shopping for everything you’ll need, including some advice on what styles are easiest to construct and fly. Call them at 843-448-7881 or visit online at http://kligbro.com/.

For the more adventuresome group that’s ready to build from scratch and really test their skills, visit http://www.nationalkitemonth.org/plans. Kite plans for the beginner and links for builders with intermediate experience and the very experienced are available. All the materials and direction you’ll need are clearly laid out. In addition there are teacher resources for celebrating National Kite Month.

Kite constructing really doesn’t require a great deal of room, unless your building something that resembles a hot air balloon. When weather permits working by your hotel’s pool or picnic area might be suitable. Possibly, the use of a meeting room for a few hours can be arranged. Covered picnic areas at either Myrtle Beach State Park, or Huntington Beach State Park are great for assembly and provide plenty of accessible beach area for flying. There is a modest fee to enter South Carolina State Parks.

With the teams in place and construction completed, the next step is to cover the sky with brightly colored flying objects. At least on paper that’s how it should work. Regardless of the outcome you can be assured of a fun filled morning.

To keep the memory alive and reward your teams, some trophies and prizes are in order. We suggest a “First In Flight” (with all due respect to Ohio and North Carolina) award, the “Kute Kite” award and of course the “We Didn’t Know It Was Suppose to Fly” award(s). Have fun and enjoy!

Tour Options - Pier Fishing Fun!

When bringing a tour to the Myrtle Beach area, a very easy and fun filled activity is pier fishing. With 8 piers extending into the ocean from the Grand Strand beaches, there’s probably a pier close to where you’re staying. From Cherry Grove to Garden City they’re catching fish! Now, before you throw up your hands thinking that’s not for us, let’s break down a few obstacles.

“We do not know the first thing about saltwater fishing.” Every year hundreds of thousands visitors to the Myrtle Beach area include saltwater fishing in their vacation plans. For many it’s their first time. The pier masters and legions of local pier fishermen are more than willing to get you started. From baiting the hook to getting that monster catch off, you’ll have plenty of help.

“Bringing our fishing stuff with us is a real hassle.” Leave it at home. You do not want to use your own equipment anyway. You’ll need saltwater gear and every pier has rods and reels to rent, as well as bait available.

“We’re not from South Carolina, what about a fishing license?” It’s not needed when fishing from a private pier. It’s included in the cost of your fishing permit.

“We’ll have no place to keep the fish we catch.” Your optimism is justified. Area piers pride themselves on catching fish just about everyday. Catch and Release is encouraged. Although fish are caught year around, the best time of year is April through October.

The piers are open year around with the exception of the Cherry Grove Pier, 14^th Avenue Pier and the Second Avenue Pier, which close during winter months. Hours of operation vary by season and pier. Fishing permits and rod rentals range from $10 - $29 per day. Rod rentals usually require a refundable deposit of $15 - $50 depending on the pier you choose. Group rates are not available.

All piers are accessible by motorcoach, but we suggest dropping your passengers off on the street and having them walk a short distance to the entrance. Parking lots may present a problem for turn around during busy times of the year. There is daily public transportation servicing Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, including the 14^th Avenue Pier, Second Avenue Pier and Springmaid Pier. Check with your front desk for times and stops.

Reservations for pier fishing are not required. However, regardless of the number of fisherman in your group, we suggest you call the pier in advance. Let the pier know how many are coming and there are beginners in the group. The number of rods available for rental on any given day may be limited.

Remember to add to the fun by announcing a friendly fishing rodeo. Prizes for most caught, largest single fish and of course “the I didn’t catch a thing” award. Just in case you forget to bring some trophies, the piers all have gift shops where you can find some fun prizes.

The best web site to get you started is www.funbeaches.com/piers.html. You’ll find direct links to all pier web sites, telephone numbers, hours of operation and rates.

All your clients need to bring is their cameras. After all, we don’t want to hear any fish stories do we?