Father’s Day is more than a greeting card holiday. It’s an opportunity to slow down and celebrate one of life’s most vital roles—fatherhood. In 2025, Carolina Beach brings a meaningful, salt-air spin to the celebration with its First Annual Father’s Day Fishing Challenge, a community-driven event filled with surfside fun, family bonding, and support for an inspiring cause: Ocean Cure.
This event blends the joy of fishing with the purpose of building up the Carolina Beach community. Conveniently located at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Dads, and their kids and families are invited to connect, compete, and have fun.
What Is the Father’s Day Fishing Challenge? 🎣
The Father’s Day Fishing Challenge is a casual, family-friendly fishing tournament designed for all skill levels. It’s more than a competition—it’s a moment to build memories that last a lifetime.
Participants will enjoy two hours of relaxed surf fishing while vying for fun prizes. But the real reward is the time spent with loved ones, casting lines and sharing stories under the rising sun. The challenge encourages the spirit of togetherness—one fishing pole, one conversation, one memory at a time.
Event Schedule
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7:30 AM – Early Check-In Begins
- Registration must be made online prior to day of event.
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Coffee and FREE The Southerly Biscuits provided.
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All participating father’s will receive a gift bag with over $100 in retail value gifts.
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8:00 AM – Welcome Announcement
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Event Guidelines and Introduction
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8:10 AM – Challenge Begins
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Lines in the water! Two hours of friendly fishing fun
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10:00 AM – Challenge Ends
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All photos must be submitted by 10:05 AM; judges review entries
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10:15 AM – Prizes & Recognition
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Prizes and awards
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Where It Happens: Fort Fisher Recreation Area
The event takes place at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a gem on the southern tip of the Island. With its wide beaches, gentle surf, and open coastline, Fort Fisher offers the perfect setting for surf fishing. Oh, and there’s abundant free parking and restroom facilities.
Families will have ample space to spread out, set up chairs, and fish comfortably along the shoreline. The natural beauty of the area—dunes, sea oats, and shorebirds—adds an extra layer of serenity to the experience.
Why Father’s Day + Fishing Works So Well
Fishing is uniquely suited to fatherhood. It’s patient, peaceful, and purposeful—qualities that embody the best parts of being a dad. Fishing with your children (or your dad) creates shared experiences rooted in teamwork and tradition. It’s an opportunity to unplug and focus on what really matters: each other.
Whether it’s teaching your child how to tie a knot, sharing tales of your first fish, or simply sitting in silence and watching the waves—these moments build connection.
Prizes, Recognition, and Photo Submissions
This is a catch-and-release event—no fish are brought in or weighed. Instead, participants will photograph their catches with smartphones and submit them for judging. Categories include:
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Biggest Fish (by length)
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Smallest Fish
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Best Teamwork -Dad + Kids
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Best Ocean Spirit (based on creativity and enthusiasm)
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Youngest Angler
Winners receive local gift cards, fishing gear, and other donated prizes from community businesses.
How This Event Supports Ocean Cure
While the fishing is fun, the heart of this event lies in its partnership with Ocean Cure, a local nonprofit based in Carolina Beach. Founded by professional surfer Kevin Murphy, Ocean Cure provides surf therapy and ocean-based adaptive programs to individuals with physical or emotional challenges—completely free of charge.
Ocean Cure’s Mission
Ocean Cure hosts events for:
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Veterans overcoming PTSD or injuries
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Children with cancer or special needs
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People with spinal cord injuries, amputations, or neurological disorders
Their programs allow participants to experience the healing power of the ocean, often riding a wave for the first time in their lives. Volunteers, instructors, and adaptive equipment make these moments possible, and the organization operates solely through grants and donations.
How the Challenge Helps
Proceeds and donations from the Father’s Day Fishing Challenge go directly to Ocean Cure. By registering for the event, buying a T-shirt, or simply donating online, participants help fund:
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Surfboards customized for adaptive riders
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Beach-accessible wheelchairs
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Wetsuits, life jackets, and safety gear
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Food and lodging for out-of-town families attending therapy programs
By celebrating your dad—or being celebrated—you’ll also support dozens of others who may not have the same privileges. It’s a ripple effect of love, one that reaches far beyond the shoreline.
Registration Details
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Cost: $25 per team (includes up to 4 participants per family group) – All profits go towards Ocean Cure.
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What’s Included:
- Ocean Cure donation
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Entry into all prize categories
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Biscuit & coffee breakfast
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Gift bag of beach goodies ($100+ value)
Participants must bring their own rods, bait, sunscreen, and fishing licenses (kids under 16 do not need one).
Sign up here: https://nccottages.esiteq.com/fathers-day
Tips for First-Time Participants
Never fished before? No worries. This event welcomes everyone—total beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Here are a few helpful tips:
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Bait: Bloodworms, shrimp, and squid work well for surf fishing.
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Tackle: Simple bottom rigs with size 2 hooks are effective.
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Timing: Fish early while the tide is rising for better chances.
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Sunscreen: Even morning sun can burn—come prepared.
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Hydration: Bring water, especially for young kids.
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Chairs: Comfort is key—bring your favorite beach chair or blanket.
Volunteers will be on hand to assist with setup and help kids get started if needed.
Community Sponsors Make It Happen 🏆
This event is proudly supported by local Carolina Beach businesses, including:
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North Carolina Cottages – Event organizer and community partner – Protecting our coastline and preserving historic beach cottages in Carolina Beach.
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AFTCO – Every participating father will receive over $100 in surf fishing gear.
- The Southerly – Title sponsor supplying made from scratch breakfast biscuits!
- Hooks & Arrows Sportsman Supply – Title sponsor delivering bait, bottom surf fishing rigs, and more!
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Wake N Bake Donuts – Providing one FREE donut to every dad
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Ocean Cure – Beneficiary and community advocate
Sponsorship opportunities are still open for local businesses looking to give back while gaining visibility.
How to Get There and What to Expect
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area is located at:
1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Free parking is available onsite, and early arrival is encouraged. Follow signage for the Fishing Challenge zone, where check-in tables and volunteers will greet you, located on the beach.
Restrooms are available, and a beach-accessible walkway will help families with strollers or mobility needs.
What People Are Saying
“I can’t think of a better way to spend Father’s Day than with a line in the water and my kids by my side.”
—Matt W., Carolina Beach resident and father of three
“We’ve supported Ocean Cure for years, and this event is such a natural way to bring people together for something good.”
—Jessica M., local business owner
“This is my first time fishing, and I love that I get to do it for such a cool cause!”
—Lena R., 12-year-old participant
Make This Father’s Day Unforgettable
Skip the brunch reservations and ties this year. Instead, give the gift of presence. The Carolina Beach Father’s Day Fishing Challenge offers a rare combination of family bonding, outdoor fun, and charitable giving—all rolled into one perfect morning by the sea.
By participating, you’re not only honoring your own father (or being honored as one), but also supporting Ocean Cure’s mission to bring healing and joy to those who need it most.
So pack your cooler, grab your rod, and get ready to fish for a cause. Let this be the year you start a new tradition—one that hooks more than just fish, but hearts, too.
