Topsail Island, A Short History


Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’ul), dates back to the 1700s when pirate ships roamed the coastal waters. The pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. Eventually the merchants became aware of this hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails peeking above the oak trees on the island — hence the name Topsail Island. There are those who believe the famous pirate Blackbeard buried a treasure of gold on Topsail Island. In the mid 1900's, there was an effort to find the treasure in when a group of treasure hunters came to Topsail Island in search of Blackbeard's gold. The treasure hunters employed several locals and dug a huge hole on the island that would become known as the "Gold Hole." But in the middle of the night after several months of digging, the treasure hunters disappeared. Did they run out of money? Or did they find the treasure in the "Gold Hole" and leave the workers empty handed? No one really knows, but I prefer to believe that the treasure is still buried somewhere on this wonderful island.
There are three towns on the 26 mile long Topsail Island: North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. There are about 3500 year round residents, but the population swells to ten times that during the summer months. The locals refer to "Topsail Time." A state of mind that can infect even the most dedicated worker or employee, when time seems to stand still, your problems just fade away with the sounds of the splashing, churning surf. Donna and I were not born here at Topsail Beach, but we got here as quick as we could!!!! We love this island.
Johnny and Donna

Topsail Beach Fishing Reports and News

Topsail Island Tide Predictions

New Topsail Inlet Tides
New River Inlet Tides

June 30, 2009

Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide



Sponsored by Surf City Ocean Pier
Phone (910) 328-3521

Hello from Topsail Beach!
A message from Surf City Ocean Pier.


Fishing for something to do with your children? This event is
scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2009 starting at 10 am and is over at
2 pm with the awards ceremony at 2:30pm. Lunch will be provided to all
of the registered youngsters. There will be games galore and awards
too . The way to win is to just show up. This event is free of charge
to all children ages 0-16 who participate and their adult assistant.
This event will expose youngsters under the age of 16 to the
excitement of fishing in a fun , educational and safe, family oriented
environment. Now there is nothing fishy about any of that.

We are going to attempt to try something a little different this year
by having a Children’s Fishing Competition and Celebration.
Our mission is to Educate, Protect/Preserve, and Enhance our
environment and love of fishing.

Educate our junior anglers on just how fragile our waters and sea life
are through educational signs and educating by example. The Choices we
make today can impact generations to come.

Protect/Preserve by making catch and release a religion, not just a
practice and returning all unwanted fish back to the water alive
including sharks and skates. Each sea creature has a purpose to its
environment and insuring its species’ survival in the circle of life
is essential. By using bronze hooks and other methods to reduce damage
to fish and all other sea creatures, anglers can help ensure their
survival.

Enhance our environment through cleanups and beach renourishments in
addition to working with other environmental and marine life groups to
address pollution and other issues that impact our fish and waters.

As is true with so many volunteer events we are looking for Sponsors.
Donations of merchandise and or money is always appreciated. We would
like to be able to offer all our youngsters who participate a prize
and our winners Savings bonds so that they might be able to use it for
their future education. Your contribution will help ensure the success
of our endeavor so that we might continue offering this wonderful fun
day to all the children visiting and from our community. Your support
will be greatly appreciated. Volunteers will also be needed to
supervise about, answer questions, cut bait, teach fishing basics such
as casting, knot tying and fish identification.

If you feel that you can help us in our mission please contact me. I
can be reached via phone at the Surf City Ocean Pier at (910) 328-3521
or via e-mail at pier_wi...@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Johnny