The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation declare boating and fishing as unmatched leisure activities that help make a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division encourages people of all ages to reconnect with their families during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5-13, 2010. 

Seasonal closure of the Santee Cooper System striped bass fishery is set to begin June 1 and will extend through Sept. 30. No striped bass may be harvested or possessed for any reason during the summer months. This closure, along with the open season bag limit of three fish per day and a minimum size of 26 inches, was signed into law May 2008 to address the ailing striped bass fishery.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, law enforcement officers with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources will be patrolling the state’s waterways and conducting courtesy boat inspections. S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers will be focused on “saturation” patrols on lakes, rivers, reservoirs and coastal waters in an effort to reduce boating accidents, injuries and fatalities.

A long-awaited map and driving tour of Jocassee Gorges has been published by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, with funding provided by the Harry Hampton Memorial Wildlife Fund.

The first tournament in the 22nd season of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series took place over the last weekend at Bohicket Marina on Seabrook Island. The Series features five tournaments along the coast and began May 12th with the Bohicket Marian Invitational Billfish Tournament and ends July 28th at the Edisto Marina Billfish Tournament.

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public auction of surplus property and equipment on Wednesday, May 19 in West Columbia.

Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area, located in northern Floyd County, is worth the drive if you have the time.  This beautiful 5,000-acre area boasts two recreational lakes, camping opportunities, swimming areas and plenty of other outdoor activities.  The area is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division and funded (operational) by the property owner Oglethorpe Power. Beginning June 1, 2010, visitors who frequent the recreation area and campground (tents and recreational vehicles) will see a change in fees.

Colder than normal weather this past winter has reduced populations of two important commercial and recreational marine species, white shrimp and spotted seatrout, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
   

Fishing for carp may not be an angler’s first choice, but according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, targeting carp can make for a fun-filled, action-packed day on the water. Get started with know-how, including recommended hot spots, equipment and techniques.  “Northeast Georgia has some great places to pursue carp,” says Wildlife Resources Division Fisheries Biologist Nick Jamison. “Carp fishing requires little preparation and only basic equipment, making it perfect for children and beginner anglers.”

Georgia is the only state in the nation where anglers can target six of the seven species of black bass.  The most sought after, the largemouth bass, is just one among the state’s black bass population, including smallmouth, spotted, shoal, redeye (or Coosa) and Suwannee. “Fishing for bass is an all-time favorite passion of many anglers in Georgia and is the most popular type of freshwater fishing in the nation,” says John Biagi, Fisheries Management chief for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. “Bass are appealing because they are relatively abundant in most water bodies throughout Georgia, they grow to a quality size, are aggressive fighters and provide a fun challenge to catch.”