Al Baird of the North Carolina Public Access Foundation, Inc and North Carolina Fishing Pier Society

Al Baird of the North Carolina Public Access Foundation, Inc and North Carolina Fishing Pier Society weighs a dogfish caught by Justin Trujillo. Justin caught more dogfish than any other angler in the NCPFS Dogfish Tournament held at Johnnie Mercer's pier in Wrightsville Beach, NC. The tournament grows each year, with anglers coming from Ohio, Pennsylvania and many inland areas to participate in the first saltwater tournament of the year.

Sixty-six anglers braved freezing conditions to compete in the all-release tournament. At least two dogfish broke the previous tournament record.

It all began with a few anglers sitting in the pierhouse watching the Super Bowl. They wanted to get a tournament going to help keep anglers interested and just plain do something to get out of the house. The only fish biting were dogfish, sooooooo.

A few clearnose skates are usually landed along with spiny and smooth dogfish.