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Dolphinfish Research Program Achieves Substantial Milestones
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Grady-White Boats
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Read About the Grady-White Freedom 325
Read About the ALL NEW Grady-White Adventure 218
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3021-10 McNaughton Dr., Columbia, SC 29223
Website: www.ccasouthcarolina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2022 CONTACT: Scott Whitaker 803-865-416
Legislation provides state Red Snapper regulations, access in state waters
Columbia, S.C. – With virtually no opposition, the South Carolina General Assembly passed legislation last week that makes it legal for recreational anglers to harvest red snapper in South Carolina state waters on those occasions when they encounter them. The new legislation sets state harvest regulations for the first time on the popular species at two fish per person per day, a 20-inch minimum size limit, and allows for harvest year-round in state waters.
In the South Atlantic region, South Carolina joins Florida and Georgia in providing access and legal harvest of the fish in state waters, leaving only North Carolina without state regulations. Supporters of the legislation expect it to be signed by Governor McMaster and go into effect upon his signature instead of the traditional July 1st date of similar legislation.
“This was a needed first step for South Carolina to address a problematic fishery issue that is well over a decade in the making. And there are certainly more steps that need to be taken,” said Tombo Milliken, CCA SC Government Relations Committee Chairman.
Anglers throughout the South Atlantic are frustrated after nearly 15 years of greatly reduced access to red snapper by the federal fisheries management process. The fishery has been a lightning rod in fisheries management since 2008, when federal managers conducted the first modern stock assessment on the species in the South Atlantic Region and discovered that the stock was so overfished that consideration was given to closing all bottom fishing in a massive area of the South Atlantic to avoid red snapper mortality. Due to federal regulations permitting little to no effort by anglers for years, the population has swung so much in the other direction that anglers now report it is increasingly difficult to catch anything else.
Compounding the issue, as the population expands anglers are encountering them in greater frequency and in areas not traditionally found and are forced to release them when the season is closed, some not surviving. Even if fishing for another species, red snapper “bycatch mortality” is considered so significant that federal managers say it prevents anything but a severely limited season for anglers to legally keep a red snapper. This process has put anglers in a “recovery trap” and penalizes the recreational community for its cooperative efforts to support a troubled fishery. Hence, the effort to provide access in state waters.
“Palmetto State anglers continue to report ever-increasing encounters with the species, so we are pleased that access at the state level has at least been secured,” said Tony Constant, member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper/ Grouper Advisory Panel and CCA SC Government Relations committee member.
“Access to this popular species remains troublesome to say the very least via the federal management process so we were eager to support Sen. Stephen Goldfinch and Sen. Chip Campsen in this endeavor,” said Scott Whitaker, CCA South Carolina Executive Director. “We are appreciative of the support by Rep. David Hiott, Rep. Bill Hixon, and Rep. Russell Ott throughout the process and to Governor McMaster for his willingness to sign this into law and provide anglers with some measure of accessibility as we move forward.”
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Founded in 2021, The South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance (SCBFA) is a 501(c)(6) comprised of South Carolina’s boating and fishing manufacturers, dealers, retailers, boaters and anglers who represent $5 billion of commerce to the Palmetto State.
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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (June 22, 2021) – The results from a 2019 study of the Southeast’s southern flounder, one of the region’s most sought-after saltwater fish, were sobering: the research showed that southern flounder numbers were at historically low levels across the region due to overfishing.
Following the regional study, biologists from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) confirmed similar trends in South Carolina waters: the overall abundance, number of young fish produced and average size of southern flounder were all down. A public survey showed similar observations and concerns among South Carolina anglers, who expressed a strong preference for quickly rebuilding the fishery.
Now, the South Carolina General Assembly has responded with a suite of changes that will reduce the harvest of southern flounder in South Carolina waters, allowing the population to begin recovery. The new regulations include a minimum size limit of 16 inches and allow a catch limit of 5 fish per person per day and no more than 10 fish per boat per day. Previously, the minimum size limit was 15 inches, and the catch limit was 10 fish per person per day and 20 fish per boat per day.
The new regulations will take effect July 1, 2021.
“These new management measures will end the overharvest of flounder, allowing the fishery to begin to rebuild,” said Phil Maier, who oversees the agency’s Marine Resources Division. “We're grateful to the angling community for sharing their vision for the fishery and to the leaders who worked hard to craft this solution. We look forward to seeing this popular fish become a more common catch along the South Carolina coast.”
Lawmakers also took the opportunity to increase a selection of saltwater license fees (detailed in the graph below), the funds from some of which will be directed to a new flounder stocking program. Most notable for South Carolina residents is an increase in the cost of an annual saltwater recreational fishing license – the first in two decades – from $10 to $15. This brings South Carolina’s saltwater recreational license fees for residents in line with neighboring states (GA: $15; NC: $16).
Saltwater License Fees, Effective July 1
| Fee |
Resident – 14 Day | $10 |
Resident – Annual | $15 |
Resident – 3 Year | $45 |
Nonresident – 1 Day | $10 |
Nonresident – 7 Day | $35 |
Nonresident – 14 Day | No Longer Available |
Nonresident – Annual | $75 |
Nonresident – 3 Year | No Longer Available |
Charter Fishing Vessel License Fees, Effective July 1
| Fee |
Resident – Six or fewer passengers | $275 |
Resident – 6 to 49 passengers | $450 |
Resident – 50+ Passengers | $650 |
Nonresident – Six or fewer passengers | $550 |
Nonresident – 6 to 49 passengers | $900 |
Nonresident – 50+ Passengers | $1,300 |
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources - Rembert C. Dennis Building
1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
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May 2021
SHIMANO: Conquer Inshore Waters with Teramar PX Southeast
Form Meets Function in Dynamic New Inshore Rod Offering
Welcome to the marsh, where the breeze rustles the Rosseau cane as innocent morning clouds coalesce and gives birth to afternoon downpours. The smell of salt hangs in the air as tailing reds feast on shrimp fleeing from around oyster bars. Pelicans hurl themselves into nervous schools of mullet while packs of speckled seatrout and jack crevalles attack from below. This place teems with life both above and below the water’s surface, and beckons anglers to test their mettle — and their tackle — on every trip. New for 2021, Shimano introduces the series of rods to tame the beasts that prowl here: the Teramar PX Southeast (SE).
Form and function unite in the Teramar PX SE series of casting and spinning rods to help anglers present baits with precision, while providing the power needed to bring inshore game fish to hand. Shimano’s Hi-Power X (PX) technology is at the heart of each Teramar PX SE rod, enhancing both durability and performance. In Hi-Power X construction, carbon tape wraps the blank’s outermost layer, forming an array of “X” shapes. Shimano rod designers customize the width of the tape, its winding angle and the part of the rod being wrapped according to the target fish species. This flexibility in blank construction allows Shimano to adjust the wraps during construction for precise actions, enhanced overall strength and added twist resistance. In short, Hi-Power X construction delivers sharp and crisp rod control to the angler from cast to catch.
“I look at fishing rods as tools, and each one has specific features that will help you catch fish,” notes Capt. Mike Holliday, a renowned charter captain with over three decades of experience guiding clients to inshore trophies along Florida’s Treasure Coast. “The Teramar PX SE spinning rods have either a fast or extra-fast action, which helps with your casting accuracy and distance. That action is also essential for lifting or moving large, powerful saltwater game fish without putting all the pressure on an angler’s arms or wrists. When you make a long cast and the fish strikes early in the retrieve, that same action is going to let you drive a hookpoint into the fish’s jaw, even though you still have a lot of line out.”
Shimano built the entire series of Teramar PX SE rods with premium components to deliver flawless performance and unmatched durability. Each rod features Sea-Guide Zirconia guides, fortified with ceramic insert that are harder and smoother than traditional alumina. Anglers will benefit from reduced friction and heat buildup as the line passes through the guides on the cast or during drag-peeling battles. The result: long, effortless casts and fewer opportunities for line failure. Each Teramar PX SE rod also includes a Fuji reel seat for a seamless, robust union between rod and reel that rests comfortably in the hand and enhances sensitivity during finesse presentations.
“I think most anglers overlook the quality of the guides on a rod,” notes Holliday, “but they’re essential for everything from casting distance to avoiding wind knots with braided line. The durability of the Sea-Guide Zirconia guides keep them from grooving or breaking down with long-term use of heavy braided line. For me, the guides are one of the rod’s most important features.”
Striking aesthetics complement the attention to detail in each Teramar PX SE rod’s construction, beginning with the rich aquamarine color of each rod’s blank. Rods with Medium-Heavy or higher power feature comfortable EVA handles to cushion anglers’ hands during long battles with powerful predators like tarpon, bull reds or snook. Lighter power Teramar PX SE rods — those with Medium or Medium-Light power ratings — include AA-grade cork surrounding the reel seat and an EVA butt section, providing comfortable leverage when needed.
Inshore anglers will find the perfect rod to suit their specific needs within the Teramar PX SE family of five casting and eight spinning rods, spanning a wide range of lengths, powers and actions. Optimize the durability and performance of the Teramar PX SE series by equipping the rods with complementary Shimano reels. For example, when sight-casting to slot reds in skinny water, choose the TPES70M — a seven-foot spinning rod with Medium power and extra-fast action — paired with a 3000-series Ultegra (ULTC3000HGFC) spooled with 20-pound test PowerPro. Cranking spinnerbaits or Chatterbaits near flooded marsh grass calls for the TPECX70MH — a seven-foot casting rod with Medium-Heavy power and extra-fast action — equipped with a Tranx 200 (TRX200A) spooled with 30-pound test PowerPro. When tarpon are running, reach for the TPES80XXH — an eight-foot spinning rod with extra-extra-heavy power and fast action — rigged with an 8000-series Saragosa SW (SRG8000SW) spooled with 50-pound test PowerPro. Shimano engineered the Teramar PX SE series to meet the needs of every inshore angler, no matter which finned adversary they pursue.
The marsh beckons — heed its call with the new Shimano Teramar PX SE: a dynamic addition to your inshore rod arsenal.
Features:
Hi-Power X Technology
Sea-Guide Zirconia Guides
Fuji Reel Seats
EVA or AA Cork/EVA Grips
One-piece Blank Construction
Five Casting and Eight Spinning Models
6’8 to 8’ Lengths
Medium-light to Extra-extra-heavy Powers
Fast and Extra-fast Actions
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'Release Over 20' Gives a Boost to Spotted Seatrout
July 1, 2020
Offshore fishing has proven to be a popular way to practice social distancing this summer while bringing some fish back to the table. To provide released fish a better chance of surviving, new regulations encouraging the use of descending devices and additional hook specifications designed to reduce release mortality are being implemented by NOAA Fisheries.
Effective July 15, 2020, a descending device must be on board and readily available for use (attached to minimum of 60-feet of line with at least a 16-ounce weight) when targeting snapper grouper species in federal waters in the South Atlantic. Descending devices help reduce the effects of barotrauma, a condition that occurs when a fish is rapidly reeled up from depth. Changes in pressure cause the fish’s swim bladder to expand, filling the body cavity with air and preventing the fish from swimming back down. Signs of barotrauma include protrusion of the stomach from the fish’s mouth, bulging eyes, anal prolapse and bubbling scales. A descending device can quickly be used to transport the fish back to depth, greatly improving its chances of survival.
In addition to requiring descending devices to help reduce release mortality, beginning July 15, 2020 , non-offset, non-stainless-steel circle hooks are required when fishing for snapper grouper species with hook-and-line gear with natural baits north of 28 degrees N. latitude (approximately 25 miles south of Cape Canaveral, Florida). The new regulations also require that all hooks must be non-stainless steel when fishing for snapper grouper species with such gear in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The new requirements for descending devices and hooks apply to recreational fishermen as well as federally permitted for-hire and commercial snapper grouper vessels.
“We’ve consistently heard concerns from both commercial and recreational fishermen about the number of fish that must be released as catch limits are met and seasons closed,” said Mel Bell, Vice Chair of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. “It is difficult to avoid some of the co-occurring snapper grouper species such as Vermilion Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Red Snapper. These new requirements are designed to increase awareness of best fishing practices and help reduce the number of fish that float away on any given fishing trip, a sight that no one wants to see,” explained Bell. The new descending device and hook requirements were implemented through Regulatory Amendment 29 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. “The Council purposely crafted the definition of a descending device in a manner that gives fishermen the flexibility to create their own devices, likely using some items they have on hand,” explained Bell. “There are also several options available for purchase. I encourage people to visit the Council’s website to get additional information on requirements. The goal is to get fishermen accustomed to using the devices and reduce release mortality.”
Fishermen are encouraged to begin using descending devices and specified hooks prior to the opening of this year’s Red Snapper season. Beginning July 10, 11 and 12 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and again Friday, July 17, 2020 recreational fishermen will have the opportunity to add a Red Snapper to table fare as the 4-day recreational season opens. Fishermen are limited to one fish per person per day with no minimum size limit. The commercial season will open July 13, 2020 with a 75-pound trip limit and no minimum size limit.
Learn More and Register for a Free Descending Device
Additional details on the descending device requirements, hook specifications and other best fishing practices are now available from the Council’s website at: https://safmc.net/best-fishing-practices/. The new webpage has information on proper handling techniques and identifying signs of barotrauma, how-to videos demonstrating the effectiveness of descending devices, and an online tutorial on best fishing practices. Links to state-level resources for the region are also available.
Fishermen may also qualify for a free descending device (while supplies last) by registering for the Red Snapper and Red Drum Conservation Project offered through FishSmart. The project is designed to promote best practices for releasing fish and encourage greater awareness and use of tools proven to improve fish survival. Program partners include the Fish America Foundation, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA Fisheries, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and Yamaha Marine Group.
(Fisherman with descending device photo courtesy of Florida Sea Grant; Barotrauma photo courtesy of Georgia Sea Grant)
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New limits for spadefish, tripletail
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (May 29, 2020) —Limits to help protect two popular South Carolina fish species were recently added to South Carolina’s fish and game laws.
Legislators passed catch and minimum size limits for both Atlantic spadefish and Atlantic tripletail, two coastal fish that previously lacked some protections. Under the new laws, anglers may keep 10 spadefish per person per day (or 30 per boat) and may only keep fish at least 14 inches in total length. The creel limit for spadefish was previously 20 fish per person per day, with no minimum size limit. Anglers may keep three tripletail per person per day (or nine per boat), provided those fish are at least 18 inches in total length. No previous limits existed for tripletail in South Carolina waters.
Atlantic spadefish are beautiful, black-barred fish that often school in large groups around reefs. Some anglers take a specialized interest in fishing for spadefish, which are surprisingly strong fighters when hooked. Because of their schooling behavior and preference for artificial reefs, biologists and anglers have expressed concerns that they may easily be overfished from an area. At 14 inches, the new minimum size limit, spadefish tend to be 3-4 years old and part of the mature spawning population.
Atlantic tripletail are somewhat uncommon saltwater fish that resemble large bream and are known for an unusual habit of floating on their side near the water’s surface. Their mottled coloring provides excellent camouflage as they swim around jetties, reefs, pilings and other structures in search of small fish and crabs. Interest in the tripletail fishery has grown significantly over the last decade, and South Carolina was the last state within the Atlantic tripletail’s range to enact limits on its harvest. Tripletail grow quickly – at 18 inches, a female tripletail is typically just over a year old.
Originally introduced in the S.C. Senate by Senator Chip Campsen in 2019, the tripletail and spadefish bills received unanimous approval in the Senate and were passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives earlier this year. The new limits took effect upon Acts 118 and 119 being signed by Governor Henry McMaster on March 24, 2020.
NOAA Fisheries Red Snapper Announcement
July 2018: Recreation and Commercial Harvest
NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for Amendment 43 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 43). This rule specifies recreational and commercial annual catch limits for red snapper beginning in 2018. Red snapper recreational and commercial seasons will open in South Atlantic federal waters for limited harvest beginning in 2018. For additional information or frequently asked questions, Read More at NOAA Fisheries!
- The recreational sector will open for harvest on weekends only (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) on the following days:
- August 10, 11, and 12, 2018 – The recreational season opens at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 10, 2018, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 13, 2018.
- August 17, 18, and 19, 2018 – The recreational season opens again at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 17, 2018, and closes at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 20, 2018.
- The commercial sector will open for harvest upon publication of the final rule at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 26, 2018, and will close at 11:59 p.m., local time, on December 31, 2018, unless the commercial annual catch limit is met or projected to be met before this date.
- NOAA Fisheries will announce if the commercial sector needs to close before December 31, 2018.
- NOAA Fisheries will announce if the commercial sector needs to close before December 31, 2018.
Spotted Seatrout Catch & Release
As a precautionary measure, the SCDNR is asking anglers to practice catch and release of all spotted seatrout through the end of September.
Unusually cold weather has gripped South Carolina this January, lowering water temperatures along the coast to levels that can be deadly for many marine animals. As South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) biologists work to understand the severity of this winter weather's impacts on important fisheries, they're also asking the public to help – by practicing catch and release of spotted seatrout, one of the fish hardest hit by the low temperatures.
Sustained water temperatures below 48 degrees can injure or kill many marine animals, and shortly after the first week of January, SCDNR staff and members of the public began reporting dead fish and shrimp along the shores of tidal marshes and saltwater impoundments across the coast.
Sea Hunt Boat Company Partners to Bring Conservation to Kids
South Carolina Coastal Conservation Association
Columbia, SC - Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina and Sea Hunt Boat Company are proud to announce an expanded partnership to promote conservation ethics and education among young anglers by providing 300 youth anglers with membership to the award-winning CCA Rising Tide youth outreach and education program.
Through a dynamic youth program that includes an award-winning national newsletter, and new interactive web site (www.risingtide.joincca.org), Sea Hunt and CCA SC are endeavoring to capture the enthusiasm of young anglers and provide opportunities for them to understand, and appreciate, the coastal environment.
The Rig You Should Be Using for Big Reds
Avoid gut-hooking adult red drum
South Carolina Coastal Resources
We are sharing picks for the ideal rigs to use for adult red drum (aka bull reds) in particular. The set-ups are designed to minimize the chance of gut-hooking these large fish, giving them a better shot at surviving their encounters with anglers.
Below are the specs for SCDNR-recommended rigs for adult red drum:
- A short leader (~6 inches or less) on 50-80-pound monofilament
- A fixed sinker weighing 3-6 ounces
- A barbless, non-offset and non-stainless circle hook
Visit South Carolina Coastal Resources for the entire blog
Boating Safety Tips
July 2017 Boating Safety
Common sense is the most important part of boating safety which includes watching your boat speed, avoiding alcohol, staying alert and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft. Also, respecting other navigational aids and buoys which have been placed there for safety.
To ensure your boating experience is safe and enjoyable take advantage of learning to swim, take a boating course, have your boat checked before enjoying a day on the water, and ensure communications on board are working and available.
Whether you are an experienced boater or just getting started, we've provided a few other safety boating tips before enjoying your water experience:
1. Weather
Check your local weather before taking a boat out. Weather changes quickly with dark clouds, rough winds or decreasing temperatures. Play it safe by tuning into TV or radio broadcasts for weather updates.
2. Pre-Departure Checklist
Prepare before getting out on the water. Think of all possibilities and take the necessary precautions. Follow a pre-departure list to ensure no boating safety rules have been forgotten.
3. Float Plan
Let someone know where you are going and how long you’re going to be gone. Whether it’s a family member or local marina, provide name, phone number of all passengers and trip leader, boat type and registration number.
4. Assistant Skipper
Appoint someone on board that’s familiar with handling a boat, boating safety, and generally operating a boat. If the navigator becomes ill or injured, an assistant can get everyone back shore safely.
5.Wear Life Jackets
Make sure life jackets are assigned and fit each person on board. Everyone should wear their life jacket while enjoying their time on the water. Statistically, drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing a life jacket.
Happy and Safe Boating!