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Stay informed Of South Carolina Fishing News by joining the mailing list sctraveler@sctraveler.com  Here are the Hill's Landing Spring Fling Catfish Tournament Results March 7-8, 2009 and the March 28 & 29 Spring National Catfish Tournament Results at Randolph's Landing.

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                        Santee Cooper System News 

                                                

A recent segment with Carolinas Outdoors  "Catfishing the Carolinas" article series focused primarily on fishing Santee Cooper in SC. Brad Faircloth was fortunate to have Darryl Smith of Capt. Darryl Smiths Guide Service send in an article with a few tips and tricks to help everyone catch a TROPHY CATFISH. Here is a recent catch (shown left) of a group that fished with Captain Darryl. You can read "How to Catch a Trophy Catfish" article here.

Going Boating? A Crew Safety Briefing Could Save Lives      

National Safe Boating Week May 16-22

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 29, 2009 - Having friends and family aboard is what boating is all about. But in an emergency could they quickly locate a fire extinguisher or provide accurate location information to rescuers -- without your help?

For National Safe Boating Week May 16 - 22, BoatU.S. Seaworthy magazine Editor Bob Adriance has developed a short Crew Safety Checklist. "Boating is supposed to be fun, so we do not want to unduly alarm our guests. However, every skipper should take a few minutes before they leave the dock to share these tips with crew." They are:

1. Life Jackets: Offer a correctly sized life jacket to those who wish to wear one, show guests where they are stored and how they are properly worn.

2. Fire Extinguishers: They should be easily visible near engine and galley areas. Take a moment to explain what types they are and how they are meant to be used. Point out any fire port locations for snuffing out engine compartment fires.

3. Flares: Show where they are located and how to safely activate without causing injury.

4. Engine and Fuel Shutoffs: Especially on sailboats, it's not always clear how to shut off the engine (usually by pulling out the "kill" knob).

5. VHF Radio: It's very important to familiarize the crew with its operation, how to make a radio distress call, and DSC one-button rescue mode (if equipped).

6. Battery Switch: Show the crew how to turn off power in case of an electrical fire.

7. Chartplotter, GPS, and Loran: At a minimum, crew should know to find a latitude/longitude position with these electronics. Pinpoint its location on the unit's screen. Have a paper chart aboard, show your crew where you're departing from and headed for the day.

8. Man Overboard Gear: Show where it is and give a brief explanation on how to use it.

To help boaters learn more about these and other safety related items, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has an Online Boating Safety Study Guide at <<http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/toolbox>>.
               
 

MIDLANDS ANGLER BREAKS BULLHEAD CATFISH RECORD

An Irmo angler at on the Broad River near Columbia recently broke the South Carolina state record for bullhead catfish by more than 3 ounces with a 6-pound, 6.3 ounce fish. George Eleazer, from Irmo, S.C, was on the Broad River Wednesday, April 1 when he caught the record fish. Eleazer took the fish to a Food Lion on the Peak Exit just off I-26 north of Irmo and had the fish weighed on state certified scales at 6-pounds, 6.3 ounces. The bullhead catfish was certified officially as the new state record by Hal Beard, regional fisheries biologist for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Columbia. The fish had a total length of 27 inches. Check South Carolina Freshwater Fish Records at: www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/freshrecs/records.html .

Short on Worms? A new online Bait Shop Locator from BoatU.S. Angler can help you find a bait and tackle shop near you or help you plan a fishing trip far from home.

Found online at http://www.BoatUSAngler.com/bait the free Locator allows anglers to search by state, zip code, regions, bodies of water, or the type of tackle used (salt or freshwater). Over 8,000 bait and tackle shops are listed in 50 states as well as the Canadian provinces.

Once you've found a bait shop, the Locator will also let you know the availability of services such as guides, charters and weigh stations, and supplies such as ice, fuel, fishing licenses, groceries, as well as any discounts offered to BoatU.S. Angler members.

To help anglers get the most out of their fishing, BoatU.S. Angler also offers a free online Fishing Guide and Charter Locator, Fishing Tournaments Calendar and Fishing Show Calendar.


Tips From BoatU.S. for Getting the Financing You Need

ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 12, 2009 - For boat buyers, getting a loan to finance a new or used boat is much tougher these days as many banks have dropped out of the market. However, that doesn't mean money is not available, says the nation's largest recreational boat owners group, BoatU.S.

"The real news is that today's shrinking pool of lenders are simply returning to the lending standards they had prior to the sub-prime loan debacle," said Vice President of BoatU.S. Finance Charm Addington. "As for lenders like BoatU.S., who never focused on riskier loans, there is still money available for qualified boat buyers."

BoatU.S. has these tips on how to get a boat loan in a tough lending market:
1. Before you start window shopping, ensure that all three major credit reporting bureaus -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- have your most current information. By law, these consumer credit reporting companies must provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. (For more: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.shtm )

2. Banks now generally require down payments in the range of 10-15% -- more for boats older than 20 years.

3. Keep an eye on your liquid assets. Banks today want borrowers to have enough cash for the down payment and sales tax as well as a safety net or cushion in case your financial picture changes.

4. When you find your dreamboat, know its book value (with all of its options and accessories). The free BoatU.S. Value Check service at http://www.BoatUS.com/buyer/valueform can help.

5. Gone are the days of "relaxed guidelines" and "no documentation" loans. Today's lenders generally look for two years of banking and income (W-2) statements, as well as other assets.

6. Don't let "Pre-qualifying" and "Pre-approval" confuse you. Going to a lender to pre-qualify simply means a borrower has their income and assets verified by a lender first, before a specific boat model has been chosen. A pre-approval does the same but also includes the specific boat model the borrower wishes to purchase. BoatU.S. recommends getting a pre-approval as it can help negotiations with a dealer or seller. However, if you still aren't quite sure on what boat you'd like to buy, tell your lender that you'd like to substitute a similarly priced boat in order to complete the pre-approval process. This gives you flexibility and the upper hand in boat purchase negotiations.

7. In a hurry? For a speedier boat loan approval on a new or used boat, ensure that the loan application is completely filled out. An empty line significantly slows the loan process, so have the boat/engine information readily available when applying for a loan. Sending in proof of income up front with the completed application will also speed loan processing, as does submitting a purchase agreement. Just ensure the purchase agreement allows you to back out of the purchase if financing is unavailable.

8. Also, for used boats, most banks require a survey so you may want to have a surveyor lined up before you apply for a loan. However, it's not recommended to have the survey done before the loan is approved -- wait until your lender asks you to do so. You'll find a roster of surveyors at http:/www.BoatUS.com/surveyors .

To learn more about BoatU.S. boat loans or to complete an online application, go to
http://www.BoatUS.com/boatloans .

 


 

Record Weighin at Hill's Landing Spring Fling Catfish Tournament March 7-8, 2009

 

(Cross, SC. March 11, 2009) Hill's Landing Spring Fling Catfish Tournament March 7-8, 2009 produced monster fish with a record weighin! Shown left standing on the right, the biggest fish 52.8 lbs., was caught by Ronnie Yandleof Columbia, SC. He was fishing with Ralph "Buzzard" Buckner, (standing on the left) and Joe Carnley, in the center. Photo provided by Capt. Joe Carnley Cheap Hooker Catfish Guide Service. Monty Hill of Covington, Ga. weighed in an incredible catch of 273.8 lbs! The Hill's Landing Spring Fling Catfish Tournament, on the Diversion Canal, in Cross, S.C. brought in 41 boats, some as from far away as Nebraska and Ohio. Ideal weather in conjunction with the spring spawn made interesting and competitive fishing during the March 7-8, 2009 tournament bringing in a record weighin with almost 2000 lbs of catfish being caught and released back in the Santee Cooper Lake System.

Bacon, Sausage, biscuits and fresh coffee aromas could be smelled from outside the restaurant blast off morning. Blast off was at safe light Sat., March 7th with the final weigh-in on Sunday, March 8th at 1 p.m.. With temperatures in the 80's under blue skies, Hill's Landing, Owner, Jamie Courtney announced the winners. " I appreciate your coming and fishing. It sure was a beautiful time. Glad to be here with you and glad you could be here with us. We really enjoy doing this. It's a lot of work. I know everybody's tired and ready to get home. We appreciate you being here whether it's tournament time or not.

Third Place Big Fish George Brooks, 41.3 lbs.

2nd Place Monty Hill, from Covington Ga. with 49 lbs and $307.00.

1st Place Big Fish, $512.00 Ronnie Yandle, from Columbia, SC." Yandle was fishing with Ralph "Buzzard" Buckner, and Joe Carnley in 30 feet of water on Mullet when they landed the 52.8 lbs blue catfish at 9 a.m.. Their winning fish was the 1st fish weighed-in Saturday morning. Yandle also won the Big Fish Pot. 41 boats times $25.00- Wow!

"10th Place Total Weight Paul Osbourne of Manning, SC with 145.2 lbs.," Courtney said.

"9th Place Total Weight 147.8 lbs, Steve Wood.

8th Place Ronnie Johnson, 159 lbs.

7th Place David Rorie 166.2 lbs.

In 6th Place, Known as the Blood Boys from Nebraska, Rick Walker weighing in 173.7 lbs.
 

5th Place Gene Hicks 174.8 lbs.

4th Place Scott Bailey 177.7 lbs."

3rd Place David Lovelace 187.8 lbs. with his first catfishing tournament win.

2nd Place Mike Sandusky 243.9 lbs. "243 lbs is usually a number that takes 1st place," said Courtney. "But today, 243.8 lbs, 2nd Place, Mike Sandusky with a check for $1000.00."

First Place Total Weight, which is the most caught in the Hill's Landing tournaments since Courtney began his tournaments 6 years ago, 273.8 lbs and a check for $2000.00, went to Mr. Monty Hill, a General Contractor, Homes by the Hills from Covington, Ga and Tony Hall, a Carpenter from Kentucky. During the tournament they caught 13 fish with only 3 being under 20 lbs. They weighed in 5 fish on Saturday at one time at 145 lbs., which included their 2nd Place Big Fish winning 49 lbs. blue and another at 35 lbs. Two more fish over 36 inches were weighed in 1st thing Sunday morning with the remaining 3 fish weighed in at the final weighin. " We used a mixture of bait," said Monty Hill. "Redfin Shad, Perch, and Mullet. Best results were with the smaller Redfin Shad. We found the water temperatures were 5 to 8 degrees warmer in the shallow water than the deeper water. The fish are feeding up before the spawn and are following the bait fish into the warmer water, which is typical this time of year that you find the big fish in the warmer water. We anchored the whole time fishing two spots. With the new 36 inch rule, when we caught two fish over 36 inches we'd go weigh them in and release then go catch another one. I read a lot of what the guides are doing, they say that to sit in one spot no more than 15 to 30 minutes if your not getting bites. We fish same spot no more than hour before we move."

"Something I do at all the tournaments," said Courtney, "is give the children under fifteen a rod and reel when they fish the tournament. I love having them here. We always have our tournaments the 1st weekend in March and the second weekend of November. We're looking forward to a great tournament with sponsors ready to get onboard now that the lake levels have improved. Write it on your calendar, our next tournament date is November 14-15, 2009. The Captain's Meeting will be Friday night November 13th after the supper."

For complete tournament results and photos of the tournament visit http://www.hillslanding.com  For future tournament information call Jamie Courtney at 843-753-2731.

 

                              

Sportsman's Economy Package Hunting & Fishing Trip.    Cast N Blast            

We all know how gas prices have made it harder to get out and explore Carolina's Outdoors. It makes sense to find outdoor adventures closer to home. Santee Cooper Country is an hour from Columbia and Charleston offering a wide diversity of outdoor activities. Capt. Eddie Campbell's new Sportsman's Economy Package Hunting & Fishing Trip  offer fishing and hunting enthusiast an adventure like no other. You choose: redbreast fishing and deer and wild boar hunting on the Edisto River or catfishing Santee Cooper Lakes.


The Edisto River Basin is the world's longest free-flowing "blackwater" river which encompasses twelve counties, that include the midlands and Lowcountry areas of South Carolina.  The water is called "blackwater" because of the trees'  tannic acids and other vegetation along the river. The water's  flow make it ideal for entering the property from the river. This property consist of 146 acres outside the town of Pringletown and is rich with wild boar and deer. They are stalking them in the day time and stand hunting in the late evening.  Some 300 ++ lbs hogs have been taken out. See the wildhogs feeding here.

Capt. Eddie's Guided Trips are 110% full service. Any size group can be accommodated. He can make your travel and accommodations arrangements. Your hunting and or fishing adventure can be whatever you want it to be. I promise you there is no other thrill like it!

                                                      

Call Capt. Eddie at 843-514-3201 to discuss your interest and to book your Sportsman's Economy Package Hunting & Fishing Trip.   These trips have many options and are customized for your fishing - hunting interest with camping or motel accommodations. We can accommodate from one to any size of group.

 SEE HOW YOU CAN WIN A FREE FISHING TRIP ON SANTEE COOPER LAKES!

CALL CAPT. EDDIE CAMPBELL

AT 843-514-3201 FOR DETAILS!

See Cast and Blast Fishing & Hunting Videos with Captain Eddie Campbell and Buck N Boar Troy Ayer     

 

 

 
Santee Cooper Lakes, known world-wide as Eutawville, S.C. Capt. Dave Broom of  Captain Dave Broome's Crappie, Catfish and Bream Fishing Guide http://www.sctraveler.com/capndavebroome.htm  refers to as the Catfishing Capital of the World.  Bill Snee from Penn. had a wonderful time in February fishing with Capt. Dave drifting in Lake Moultrie using shad.

 Captain Dave's vast experience on the Santee Cooper Lakes and his love of fishing promise to provide you with a great adventure.

Call 803-492-7073 or cell: 803-496-8555 for rate information and available dates.

     Capt. Terry Crowe http://www.hillslanding.com/crowesguideservice.htm  fishing out of Hill's Landing,  in Cross, has seen fantastic catches in the canal.   The Moore's from Ga. had a great time! What  an awesome catch  fishing with Capt. Terry. (photo rt.)

Enjoy Boating with Overtons

This youngster caught this catfish while fishing with Capt. Steve Shipley. www.shipsguideservice.com  Capt. Steve catches Big Flatheads, not only at night but also during the day. Call  Ph. #803-897-2317  Cell# 803-854-4727 Make sure you watch Capt. Steve on Academy Outdoors Chad Brauer "Catfishing in the Southeast " in upcoming episodes on FSN Southwest, FSN South and SportSouth.

 

 

This recent catch by Gary from Walterboro, SC (shown below rt.) is a good example of what you can expect when you go fishing with Captain Jim Kyle http://www.kylescatfishguideservice.com/

  Winter fishing is excellent with Capt. Jim                 Freshwater Fishing Trends 

 For South Carolina freshwater fishing regulations:   http://www.dnr.state.sc.us/regs/pdf/freshfishing.pdf

http://www.scfishingreport.com For an overview of South Carolina trends read the weekly updated fishing report for the location you are interested in at http://www.scfishingreport.com  . Access it by clicking the desired location on the map. Second, for more details check the message board for that location by clicking the "Message Board" link beside the weekly fishing report. Here you can read the most recent updates posted by anglers. Logging in allows you to post questions and respond to topic threads.

  FISH ATTRACTORS LAKE MARION    http://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/fishattract/marionloc.html  

FISH ATTRACTORS LAKE MOULTRIE   http://www.dnr.sc.gov/fish/fishattract/moultrieloc.html

  NUMEROUS S.C. AREAS FOR  BARRIER-FREE FISHING ACCESS

Boating Articles  

Search Cabelas.com

2009 HUNTING, FISHING LICENSES AVAILABLE ONLINE-You may purchase your
license by going to https://ssl.sc.gov/DNRLicensing/EntryPage.aspx .

Ask DNR! -Have a question about hunting, fishing, boating, natural resources or wildlife conservation? Submit your question at: www.dnr.sc.gov/dnrradio/ask_dnr.html , then listen for an answer on "DNR Live" with host Mike Willis. Join DNR Communications Director Mike Willis for "DNR Live" on the Clemson University radio program "Your Day." It's all about hunting, fishing, boating, wildlife and natural resources conservation in South Carolina. "DNR Live" can be heard the first Wednesday in each month, noon to 1 p.m., on the South Carolina Educational Television radio network.

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New laws regulate Santee Cooper Arkansas Blue Catfish

Governor Mark Sanford and the General Assembly have approved a new law limiting the harvest of Arkansas Blue Catfish. The law applies to only the waters of Lake Marion, the Diversion Canal, the Rediversion Canal above St. Stephen Dam, and Lake Moultrie.

The law limits the catch of Arkansas Blue Catfish to one fish 36 inches and larger per person per day, regardless of harvest method.  This includes bow fishing and applies to both recreational and commercial anglers. The new law was instituted to address catfish anglers’ perception of fewer large blue catfish as the popularity of these large fish has grown over the past decade. The law is expected to shift more of the harvest of large blue catfish to recreational rod and reel anglers, whose tourism dollars add considerably more to the local economy than do other harvest methods.

There continues to be no harvest restrictions on blue catfish less than 36 inches and anglers are encouraged to harvest as many as they can reasonably use. 

The law will be considered for renewal in 2010.

REWARD OFFERED FOR SANTEE-COOPER STRIPED BASS TRANSMITTER- A new study will monitor the movement of Santee-Cooper striped bass within lakes Marion and Moultrie and upper Santee, Wateree, Congaree, lower Saluda and lower Broad rivers. Fish will be tagged with internal transmitters as well as yellow external tags for angler identification. A $50 reward is offered for returned transmitters. Anglers are asked to return both the external tag and the internal transmitter. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs to retain the transmitters from each fish, so anglers are asked not to just clip off the yellow external tag. Anglers are also asked to record the total length and weight of each fish if possible and where the fish was caught. Anglers should call (toll-free) 1-888-TAGS-4-SC to report tagged fish and to receive their reward. Contact DNR fisheries coordinator Wade Bales at (803) 734-3932 in Columbia for more information.

FOUR COLLETON CO. BOAT RAMPS, DOCKS UNDER RECONSTRUCTION-Four boat ramps and/or docks located around Colleton County will soon be under reconstruction with the entire project expected to be completed in approximately six months. The project was a result of state and federal grants obtained by the Colleton County Legislative Delegation of: Rep. William K. Bowers, Rep. Robert L. Brown, Rep. Kenneth F. Hodges, Sen. Lawrence K. "Larry" Grooms, Sen. John W. Matthews, Jr. and Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney. Seventy-five percent of the total funding required for the project was obtained from federal funds. Engineering staff with DNR assisted Colleton County in the design, obtaining construction in navigable waters permits and preparation of construction document. They will also assist the county with oversight of the construction projects.

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                          Freshwater Fish Records  

                   Freshwater Bowfishing Records

                     Fishing and Hunting Licenses   

                            Public Boat Landings  

                                Fishing Guides

                       Fishing Tournaments Results

                                                  

HILL'S LANDING & MARINA HTTP://WWW.HILLSLANDING.COM 

  

 

                                                                        
Mountain Area

LAKE JOCASSEE TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT INFO AVAILABLE AT:  Lake Jocassee's Information Center

 *Lake Jocassee Real Estate   * Restaurants     *Bed and Breakfast.

*Lake and Ecological Tours*RV and Boat Storage* History of the lake

*Travel Weather Forecast        *Devils Fork State Park  

           *Cabins, Pontoon Boats, &  Jet Skis Rentals

          http://www.lakejocassee.com

JOCASSEE GORGES ANGLER ACCESS AREA NOW FEATURES BARRIER-FREE FISHING-The new and improved Dug Mountain Angler Access Area, a popular fishing spot within Jocassee Gorges in northern Pickens County, was the site of a celebration May 22. Duke Energy, Trout Unlimited and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cooperated on the special project to improve access and site conditions. A barrier-free fishing structure was created over the edge of the river that affords physically challenged anglers the opportunity to fish for trout near the landmark known as the "High Bridge," which spans the Eastatoee River. A ribbon cutting was held May 22 at Dug Mountain to celebrate improvements to the site. Public parking and access to the river and foot trail were also improved at the popular site, which is used heavily by Upstate trout anglers. Rainbow, brown and brook trout are stocked at the site each year by DNR, and it is a favorite fishing destination for families in the Upstate. Dug Mountain Angler Access Area is about 1 mile down Roy F. Jones Highway off SC Highway 11.

HARTWELL/RUSSELLL SHORELINE PROJECT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS- The S.C. Department of Natural Resources and its partner organizations were recently awarded a $34,476 grant to enhance fish habitat on two Savannah River reservoirs. The Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant supports efforts to establish shoreline vegetation on Lakes Hartwell and Russell to improve fish habitat. Grant partners include Georgia Department of Natural  Resources, Georgia and South Carolina Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society (B.A.S.S.) Federations, Lake Hartwell Association, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Call Gene Hayes with the S.C. Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at (864) 223-1307, Larry Dyck with Lake Hartwell Association at (864) 885-7026 or Jamie Sykes with Corps of Engineers at 1-800-944-7207, extension 3425, for more information on the project or how you can volunteer.

Marine Electronics GPS &  Marine Supply Store   http://www.wmjmarine.com 

Specializes in marine supply and boat supply including marine electronics, GPS, marine radar, fish finder, marine VHF, and marine products.

                                                                            

www.hardcorefishermen.net A list of directories for fishermen interested in fly, bass, salmon, ice, and deep sea fishing.
www.hardcorefishermen.net also provides access to a number of fishing trip resources.

 



   
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                                          American Sportsfishing Association~  Updates

 

The South Carolina Bass Federation, Inc. has a place for anyone interested in Tournament Fishing, Youth Fishing Activities, Conservation effors, and the future of recreational fishing in South Carolina, The USA, and the world around us. If you are interested check out www.scbass.org or call Harry Wallace at 843-332-6131 days or 843-332-1836 evening.

        

 
 
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