Reef Ball Foundation Photos and Project Description Database

In July of 1996 Project 98 was born and fund raising began to deploy 400 "Reef Balls" throughout four of the existing reef sites to enhance the habitat. This project was completed on time and within budget in April of 1998. The use of "Reef Balls" was the first in the state of North Carolina and have proven to be true "Fish Motels". Recent surveying with the Aqua-Vu Underwater Viewing system show large amounts of growth and marine life. In July of 1998, the Long Bay Artificial Reef Association Club Challenge was born. Held annually in July this King Mackerel and Flounder Tournament pits fishing club against fishing club for braggin rights while still recognizing individual achievements. All proceeds go to the Artificial Reef Association. For the record, N.C. Products of Raleigh donated the concrete pipe. The Stevedoring Companies (SSA, Cooper T. Smith and South East Crescent) have donated the use of...

In addition to the disruption in the ocean flow caused by Frying Pan Shoals, Cape Fear has several other unique geographical features that are positive attributes for the fishing. First and most obvious is the nearby Cape Fear River, which is only a few miles to the west. From its beginnings above Greensboro, the Cape Fear River grows into one of the largest river systems in the southeast and is the only large river in North Carolina that empties directly into the ocean. About the same distance up the East Beach of Bald Head Island, Corncake Inlet empties from the fertile estuaries behind Bald Head Island and the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. This is not a navigable inlet as it is very small and shallow, but its direct link to the nursery areas makes it a major fish attractor. The ebb and flow of small fish and shrimp through this inlet, is the beginning of a food chain that contains many levels. King mackerel, tarpon, sharks, red drum, and dolphin (mammal) are the top predators just offshore of Corncake Inlet.