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.”

How can you make family memories that will last a lifetime?  For many anglers, fond childhood memories involve a family fishing trip and a stringer of bream. So, don’t delay – take them fishing today!  Where to go?  Visit a nearby public fishing area.  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division currently operates and manages ten PFAs across the state in an effort to provide the best possible fishing and access for family-friendly outings. Bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcrackers), both part of the bream family, are stocked on nearly every PFA pond or lake.

Looking for a way to spend more time with a child or grandchild this summer? Introduce them to fishing. Research shows that most people are introduced to fishing by a family member, and most consider a family member to be their best fishing friend. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages adults, especially those with little or no angling experience, to introduce a child to fishing at one of the many statewide kids fishing events scheduled this spring and summer.

The first manatees of the season will soon be 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.