The recent session of the South Carolina General Assembly made changes to the Saltwater Recreational Fishing License effective July 1, 2009. License fees will not change.
The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public auction of surplus property and equipment on Wednesday, May 20 in West Columbia.
The first manatees of the season have been spotted along the coast of South Carolina, which means the S.C. Department of Natural Resources is again reminding boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.
A Georgia angler at Lake Russell recently broke his own South Carolina state record for striped bass by 3 1/2 pounds with a 63-pound “monster.” Terry McConnell, from Eastanolle, GA, was on Lake Russell on April 3 and was freelining blueback herring. McConnell hung on for thirty minutes as the striper nearly un-spooled the 30-pound test line from his 6500 Ambassadeur baitcasting reel on a 7-foot Ugly Stik.
Cobia are powerful saltwater fish popular among sport fishermen and a prized table fare. It’s also the focus of ongoing public outreach and education efforts by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement. Cobia fishing is the focus of a growing number of anglers especially during their peak spawning season of May and June when the mature adults congregate in St Helena and Port Royal Sounds.
A S.C. female angler established the state’s first Marine Gamefish State Record for her catch of an Atlantic Sharpnose Shark. Lori Murphy, of Myrtle Beach, caught a 13 pound 5 ounces Atlantic Sharpnose Shark on Saturday April 18th, off of Murrells Inlet
Beginning Friday, May 1, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources will start accepting online applications for the 2009 public alligator hunting season. Last year, hunters took 362 alligators during the public alligator hunting season with the average size being 9 feet 2 inches in length.
Youth around South Carolina will have the opportunity to participate in a S.C. Department of Natural Resource’s fishing rodeo beginning in May. Accompanied by an adult, all youth can enjoy a day of fishing on South Carolina’s waters.
If you’ve thought about trading in your powerboat for something more economical like a rowboat, don’t give up yet. Despite recent economic issues around the nation, you can still keep the engines running with fuel-saving tips from boater education officials with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Aiken County’s Crackerneck Wildlife Management Area and Ecological Reserve will be opened to the general public on Saturdays during the month of May. A number of uses, including fishing and scouting, will be allowed. No weapons will be permitted during May.
