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
Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide
I have received several requests for beach rules on digging holes. Here is what I have been able to find.
Topsail Island beach towns have ordinances regulating beach holes.
Surf City has a no-holes-allowed beach policy, and its ordinance allows police to issue a citation and $50 fine to violators.
Topsail Beach prohibits holes greater than 12-inches deep unless a responsible person attends the hole at all times. All holes must be filled in and leveled prior to leaving the beach. Those age 16 or older who abandon a hole are subject to a $25 fine per violation.
North Topsail Beach issues citations if a hole greater than 12-inches deep is left unattended. All holes must be filled in before leaving the beach and no later than 30 minutes prior to sunset.
Keep off the dunes ($500.00 fine)
Sand dunes act as a natural barrier against storms and waves.
More later.
Till next time....
tuight lines!
Johnny
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