Captain Rod Bierstedt: The Code of Coastal Fishing in North Carolina
Coastal Currents Feature: The Man, The Myth, The Rod If Poseidon had a Southern cousin, he’d be wearing Costa shades, running a Freeman 37 with quad 300s, and reminding you not to spool braid on a trolling reel. That cousin has a name: Captain Rod Bierstedt . He doesn’t chase fish—he predicts them. After more than 40 years fishing off the coasts of Carolina Beach , Wrightsville Beach , and Topsail Island , Captain Rod has built a legacy of deep knowledge, salty grit, and a thoughtful, no-fluff approach to coastal fishing. His charter service, Pura Vida Excursions , offers one of the top fishing experiences in the region—built on skill, intuition, and a serious respect for the water. In this Coastal Currents spotlight, we’re diving into Rod's experience, his advice for new anglers, and what makes Pura Vida more than just a boat ride. Local Legend Status: Who is Captain Rod? Rod didn’t grow up here—but the Carolina coast adopted him fast. A...