Coastal Carolina conjures up so many images of enjoying outdoors. Whether it’s basking in the sun along our miles of beautiful beaches, playing golf on award-winning courses, shopping and dining, or chasing the best in sport fishing, there’s a no question that most everyone has happy memories of good times enjoying all this wonderful resource has to offer.
Given the coastline means so much to so many folks, it’s no wonder the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) works to preserve these marine resources. From advocating for protective legislation, to funding marine life preservation programs and research scholarships, and conserving gamefish species, the CCA is devoted to educating lawmakers, anglers and beach lovers and business owners alike about the need to protect and preserve the coastline.
So what’s it worth keeping coastal waters clean, protecting gamefish and promoting marine habitat? It means game fishers from all over the world come to the Carolina coast to chase down speckled trout, red drum and striped bass, and spend millions of dollars for the opportunity. And as you might imagine, the North Carolina Department of Marine Fisheries (DMF) keeps tabs on just what that means in dollars. The 2010 DMF figures show there were 975,000+ recreational fishing trips on charter and private boats, as well as bank and pier fishing. These trips churned up $77.64 million in direct spending here in the state. It’s hard to argue that the CCA’s preservation work doesn’t mean business!
That’s just part of the reason Jesse Brown’s Outdoors is proud to partner with the CCA and host Thursday’s Coastal Party here at out shop in Sharon Corners. Your $15 admission fee goes to support the local chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association and their good work. Plus, you’ll get a $10 Jesse Brown’s gift card, a BBQ dinner, adult refreshment from Old Mecklenburg Brewery, deals from our friends at Mountain Khakis, and a chance to mingle with old friends — and make new ones!