Birdwatching at Palmetto Peartree Preserve

Fishing

Fishing


The Palmetto-Peartree Preserve has a wealth of water resources, including the Albemarle Sound, Alligator River, and Little Alligator Creek. Fish common to these waters include striped bass, shad, herring, Atlantic croaker, spot, and catfish. Recreational fishing is permitted at the preserve, however you must have a state fishing license issued by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and follow the state rules and regulations. Fishing is not permitted on the camping platform or canoe pier. Fishermen are required to dispose of all trash, including fishing line, in the provided trash cans.

1st Annual Columbia Rockfish Tournament

The Conservation Fund presented the 1st Annual Columbia Rockfish Tournament on November 2&4, 2007. Despite Hurricane Noel’s November arrival, the tournament was a huge success. The weekend events kicked off Friday night with a BBQ dinner and live music featuring the Yates Mill Band from Raleigh, NC and local favorites Blackwater.

Due to inclement weather and safety concerns, the fishing was postponed until Sunday morning. A warm day under a blue sky with calm winds made for a perfect day for the 68 anglers to go fishing. The action was slow in the morning following the hard wind Friday and Saturday, but fishing improved later in the afternoon as the fish began to school up.

The Conservation Fund presented the tournament with a huge amount of help from local businesses and volunteers to spotlight Columbia, Tyrrell County, and the outdoor recreational opportunities available to visitors in the area. For more information on ecotourism in Tyrrell County please visit www.ecotourismnc.org

Top Finishers

1st Place

Ryan Speckman, tournament organizer with 1st Place Finishers: Dusty Ruscoe, Moyock and Gregory Laput, Moyock; 3 fish; 17 pounds, 8 ounces; $1,500

2nd Place

Ryan Speckman, tournament organizer with 2nd Place Finishers: Kathy Eure, Moyock, Karl Helmkamp, Eure, and Tracy Eure, Moyock; 3 fish; 15 pounds, 5 ounces; $500

3rd Place

Ryan Speckman, tournament organizer with 3rd Place Finishers: Andy Jones, Columbia, Carl Jones, Columbia and Scott McLaughlin, Columbia; 3 fish; 10 pounds, 11 ounces; $200

Big Fish Winner

Big Fish

Karl Helmkamp, Eure; 8 pounds, 2 ounces; $360

Preserve Highlight

Escape the crowds and heat of summer, and spend a night on our camping platform at Hidden Lake. Make a reservation now.

Spotlight
Prescribed Burning
You may notice some signs of fire throughout the preserve, but do not be alarmed. We conducted prescribed burns in some of the loblolly pine forests during the winter and spring. This technique will help:
  • Improve wildlife habitat
  • Enhance and perpetuate pine forests
  • Reduce the risk of devastating fires
Donor Commitment
The Conservation Fund's pledge to donors:

Donor Committment

  • Safeguard privacy
  • Exceed industry standards
  • Limit mailings
  • Ensure gifts directly support conservation.