Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration

On November 2, 2019, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, celebrated the area’s surf fishing history at the 1st Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. The free event was held at the Fessenden Center in Buxton, North Carolina.

To celebrate the past, present, and future of surf fishing at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a full day of talks and presentations on a variety of surf fishing-related topics were offered at the Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. The event included presentations on the history of surf fishing at the seashore, the biology of common sport fish, casting technique, the evolution of beach buggies, rod building, shark behavior along the Outer Banks, and more.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore planned this event in partnership with the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club, North Carolina Beach Buggy Association, Outer Banks Forever, Outer Banks History Center, and Outer Banks Preservation Association.

 

Event Program

Subject to Change

9 a.m. 1st Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration begins
9:05 a.m. Welcome by Superintendent David Hallac
9:10 a.m. Overview of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fishing at National Park Units (David Hallac, NPS)
9:25 a.m. History of Surf Fishing at Cape Hatteras (Jami Lanier, NPS)
9:45 a.m. Status of Common Marine Sport Fish (Andrew Cathey, NC Division of Marine Fisheries Angling Program)
10:05 a.m. Break
10:20 a.m. Art & Science of Surf Casting (Tommy Farmer)
10:40 a.m. Modern & Historic Rod Building Techniques (Ryan White)
11:00 a.m. Break
11:15 a.m. Evolution of Beach Buggies (Bill Smith, NCBBA)
11:35 a.m. Lunch Break

1:00 p.m. Panel Discussion: Female Surf Fishing Anglers (panelists listed below)
Carol Dillon, Sue Garrett, Nancy Giannotti, Rossie Jennette Jackson, Ginger Knight, Shelly Rollinson

1:35 p.m. Break
1:45 p.m. Ecology of the Pamlico Sound (Michael Flynn, NC Coastal Federation)
2:05 p.m. Surf Fishing Photography (Daniel Pullen)
2:25 p.m. Surf Fishing Art (Kevin McCabe)
2:45 p.m. Break
3:00 p.m. Shark Behavior Along the Outer Banks (Dr. Charles Bangley, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center)
3:25 p.m. Panel Discussion: Future of Surf Fishing (panelists listed below)
Eric Hoag, Travis Kemp, Pat Preston, Lee Scarborough
4:00 p.m. Thank You Remarks by Superintendent David Hallac