CCA SC’s STAR tournament drums up support for tagging program
CCA SC’s STAR tournament drums up support for tagging program
CCA SC’s STAR tournament drums up support for tagging program
Columbia, S.C. – In 2017, CCA SC’s STAR Tournament, presented by Sea Hunt Boats, enjoyed its first year of offering recreational anglers the opportunity to participate in a coast-wide tagged red drum fishing tournament. A set number of tagged red drum (48) were released into the coastal waters along the entire coast of South Carolina. All a tournament-registered angler had to do was be one of the first two to catch one of these tagged fish. The prize? One of two new Sea Hunt BX 22 bay boats complete with Yamaha motor and WESCO trailer valued at approximately $43,000. Along with encouraging anglers to enjoy recreational fishing, the STAR tournament was created as an extension of CCA’s conservation efforts.
“As an organization, this was a goal of ours for sometime, so it was a real thrill to finally be able to put a plan into action and watch the tournament materialize,” said Michael Smith, STAR tournament co-chairman. “Needless to say, the tournament caught the attention of anglers across the Palmetto State as well as from neighboring states.”
In addition to executing a successful tournament in year one, CCA SC was pleased that the results allowed the organization to support data collection efforts via funding for the marine gamefish tagging program. Overseen by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources since 1974, the tagging program has helped promote conservation of marine gamefish and increased public resource awareness. Through voluntary angler participation, biologists have been able to use the program as a tool to gather critically important resource management information such as migration and movement of stocks, growth rates, and habitat utilization.
“We were very pleased with the opening year of this tournament,” said Tombo Milliken, Jr, STAR tournament co-chairman. “To see the support of the fishing industry and to have recreational anglers respond to it as they did was wonderful, and being able to actually give back to conservation in the first year of the tournament means good things are ahead for both anglers and our marine resources.”
The CCA SC STAR tournament will launch again this year with Sea Hunt Boats providing the title sponsor support, as well as two BX 22 bay boat, motor, and trailer prize packages valued at approximately $43,000. Fishing begins on Memorial Day and ends on Labor Day. Tournament anglers must be current CCA members and registered for the tournament to be eligible. To join today, go to www.ccasouthcarolina.com.
CCA South Carolina celebrates 10 years of marine habitat work
CCA South Carolina celebrates 10 years of marine habitat work
Donation of two more trailers marks angling group’s ongoing commitment to improve state’s marine habitat
Columbia, S.C. – Ten years ago, Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) launched its habitat program – The Topwater Action Campaign. Its focus was primarily to work with the SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Marine Division to create greater awareness of the importance of collecting and recycling used oyster shells throughout South Carolina. Fast forward to 2018 and as an extension of that commitment, CCA SC, Building Conservation Trust (BCT), and Toadfish Outfitters partnered to provide two additional dump trailers for a total of eight the program now has at its disposal provided by the Topwater Action Campaign. This latest contribution brings the total investment by CCA SC and its habitat partner’s to more than $100,000 in equipment alone to the SCDNR’s oyster programs.
“We’ve always said ‘conservation is a team sport,’ and CCA SC’s Topwater Action Campaign is a hallmark of partnership in marine conservation and stewardship,” said Robert Boyles, DNR Deputy Director for Marine Resources. “CCA SC has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding and equipment to the DNR to support oyster shell recycling and reef-building activities. In addition to equipment, CCA volunteers have contributed thousands of hours to construct oyster reef habitat up and down the South Carolina coast, providing much-needed muscle, moral support, and investment in habitat creation and stewardship. We simply could not have had the impact in promoting a strong marine conservation ethic without them.”
Working with local partners like Toadfish Outfitters, CCA SC and the Building Conservation Trust (BCT), CCA’s national habitat program, have been able to invest not just in estuarine habitat project such as oyster reefs, but also in nearshore and offshore reefs, thereby supporting the entire scope of marine habitat. The Topwater Action Campaign has also funded water quality studies and will be expanding its support to scientific research and fisheries monitoring studies in 2018 to support data collection for stock assessments, seeking to answer habitat questions, and provide information for fisheries management decisions.
“Toadfish Outfitters is exceptionally proud to be a part of this effort and it’s being a part of efforts like this that honestly led to the founding of Toadfish Outfitters,” said Casey Davidson, president of Toadfish Outfitters. “These waters, these estuaries, these marine resources are a part of our DNA here at Toadfish Outfitters and we will continue to pledge our resources and our support to programs and projects through the SCDNR and CCA that improve them.”
“Throughout its history as an angling advocacy group, CCA SC has been there to take on the challenges facing recreational anglers. For years that was in the fisheries management process which in SC is in the General Assembly,” said Mike Able, CCA SC Government Relations Committee chairman. “We will continue to do that and our reputation is one that is highly valued and sought-out in that arena. However, CCA SC is committed to a holistic approach to the wide variety of issues affecting our marine resources, including habitat, research, and data collection. To have valued partners and enthusiastic members provide the resources to do all of that is what makes CCA the most complete recreational angling advocacy group in the Palmetto State and in country.”
CCA SC putting oyster shells in the bag for 10 years running
CCA SC putting oyster shells in the bag for 10 years running
Army of volunteers recycle shells from world’s largest oyster roast
Columbia, SC – Heralded as one of the top 20 events in the Southeast as well as the world’s largest oyster roast, the annual Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant is a celebration of all things oysters. Nearly 80,000 pounds of the bivalves are steamed or roasted in one day for the large crowds of people gathered to consume them. Since 2008, Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) has organized a group of volunteers to collect and recycle the empty shells for the building of new oyster reefs in the estuaries of the Palmetto State.
“This has been an amazing effort to be a part of,” said Gary Keisler, CCA SC Topwater Action Campaign chairman and organizer of the volunteers. “Looking back on where we started from, to see all the volunteers we now have participating is simply inspiring. Even the attendees now participate in the process and the level of cooperation between the Restaurant Association, CCA SC, and the SCDNR has grown so much that we now expect to recycle as close to 100 percent of the shells as we can get.”
When the group first began working with the Charleston Restaurant Association staff and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the effort seemed daunting. Started in 2008 with an intrepid group of a half dozen volunteers, the effort has grown to 155 shell collectors in 2017 as well as 70 volunteers from the Culinary Institute at Trident Tech in Charleston and students from MUSC helping for the first time in 2018. Now, a large percentage of the task of the day focuses on educating event attendees on what they, the “oyster recovery team” volunteers, are doing and why.
“We were totally filthy at the end of the day those first few years,” said Keisler. “Between picking up shells left on the ground and shifting through the shells to remove the trash, it was dirty work. Now, people see the benefit of why we are doing it and help us out a lot more. We simply see it as a celebration with a purpose.”
Over the 10 years that CCA SC has been participating, more than half a million pounds of shells, about 10,755 bushels, have been collected at this one event. In that same time frame, CCA SC has invested more than $80,000 in equipment and donated it to SCDNR to establish and maintain a fleet of tools and vehicles specifically for oyster recycling and deployment. The recreational angling group truly recognizes oyster recycling and oyster reef restoration as a cornerstone of its expanding list of habitat work to benefit both South Carolina’s marine resources as well as Palmetto State anglers.
“This event is really a fantastic opportunity for us to acquire a lot of reef material in one location on one day,” said Scott Whitaker, CCA SC executive director. “And it all gets put right back into our creeks and tidal marshes to facilitate the growth of new oyster reefs which in turn contributes to cleaner water, creates juvenile fish habitat, and provides erosion control. It really is a wonderful conservation story and a tradition we think goes hand-in-hand with cool, crisp, lowcountry weather and steaming hot oysters.”
CCA SC applauds Senate sub-committee for taking first step toward recovering Red Drum stock
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CCA SC applauds Senate sub-committee for taking first step toward recovering Red Drum stock
Columbia, S.C. – The subcommittee of the South Carolina Senate Fish, Game, and Forestry committee took a vital step yesterday in the recovery and the conservation of South Carolina’s most popular saltwater gamefish, red drum. The legislation, S. 933, would make several key adjustments to existing management measures, including a reduction in the daily creel limit from three fish to two fish per person. Additionally, it creates a new daily limit of six fish per boat. The current slot limit of 15-23 inches would be retained.
“We applaud the steps the subcommittee took concerning the stewardship of red drum and we look forward to working with the state to implement this essential piece of conservation-minded legislation,” said Mike Able, CCA SC Government Relations committee chairman. “We understand we are in the early stages of the legislative process, but we are optimistic that every management option will be considered for the sustainability of this immensely popular species.”
Red drum is regionally managed by a fishery management plan under the guidance of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The ASMFC plan calls for a regional spawning potential ratio of 40 percent for the species. That rate has fluctuated between 30 and 40 percent over the last 10 years, but currently in South Carolina waters the rate is estimated at approximately 20 percent. South Carolina has seen slightly lower numbers in the past, nearly two decades ago, but with the cooperation of decision makers, fisheries managers, and the angling public, measures put in place to reverse that ratio were productive and the current effort is fully expected to yield similar results to put red drum back on solid footing..
“Anglers are ready to do our part to get red drum numbers back up and we greatly appreciate the subcommittee taking this needed first step for the benefit of South Carolina’s red drum,” said Tombo Milliken, Jr, CCA SC Government Relations Committee chairman. “We look forward to working with the general assembly to explore any and all viable steps that work towards the recovery of this iconic recreational species.”
CCA SC’s newest habitat projects going to new depths
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]CCA SC’s newest habitat projects going to new depths
Columbia, SC – For the last eight years, CCA SC’s habitat initiative has provided remarkable results for marine resources and anglers alike. From providing tens of thousands of dollars in oyster recycling equipment, hundreds of volunteer man-hours for oyster reef restoration, providing funding for water quality studies, to establishing a string of seven nearshore reefs in 50 feet of water along the entire state’s coastline, the program is widely respected by fisheries managers, state & federal agencies, and most importantly anglers. Now, the program is expanding its project list to even deeper depths.
In the next few weeks, weather permitting, the organization is planning to establish the first of three deepwater reefs (100 feet of water or more) for the benefit of species in the snapper/grouper complex and the recreational anglers who pursue them. Two of the three projects are prepped and waiting for Mother Nature to provide calm seas for transporting the material. The first project will go off the coast of Charleston and consists of a 106-foot decommissioned tugboat. The second will immediately follow and consists of another large, 98-foot decommissioned tugboat to be placed off the coast of Georgetown.
The two projects represent an investment in marine habitat nearing $200,000 by CCA SC and its partners, CCA’s national marine habitat program The Building Conservation Trust (BCT), the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and the Greenville Saltwater Fishing Club. The search for material for the third of these projects is ongoing and will be placed off the coast somewhere in the Beaufort/Hilton Head Island vicinity once the material has been obtained.
“These tugboats will make tremendous additions to our artificial reefs, creating productive habitat for fish and anglers, as well as interesting dive sites for divers,” said Bob Martore, SCDNR’s Artificial Reef Coordinator. “We never would have been able to complete these projects without the assistance of CCA SC. We’re looking forward to undertaking many more reef-building projects with CCA SC and BCT in the future.”
“With the completion of these three projects, CCA SC will have reached another milestone in our habitat initiative vision,” said CCA SC Executive Director Scott Whitaker. “Eight years ago, these types of projects were simply dreams the organization had when we began our efforts with oyster habitat. Now we are looking at conducting large habitat projects as well as funding scientific finfish research and the monitoring of habitat to help scientist, managers, and anglers improve both abundance and access in our fisheries for the enjoyment of the general public. It is truly an amazing evolution and we are excited about future projects.”
Landmark Legislation to Benefit Saltwater Anglers Advances in U.S. House
Landmark Legislation to Benefit Saltwater Anglers Advances in U.S. House
House Natural Resources Committee Approves Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Bill
Washington, D.C. – December 13, 2017 – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources approved H.R. 200, a bill sponsored by Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) that amends the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to provide flexibility for fishery managers and stability for fishermen. A coalition of organizations representing the saltwater recreational fishing and boating community endorsed H.R. 200 and highlighted the importance of incorporating saltwater recreational fishing management provisions into the nation’s primary law governing federal fisheries management.
On April 6, 2017, Congressman Garret Graves (R-La.), a leader on recreational fishing issues, introduced H.R. 2023, the Modern Fish Act, to address the challenges facing recreational fishermen in the federal fisheries management system. He was joined by a bipartisan list of 24 cosponsors. Original cosponsors include Congressmen Gene Green (D-Texas), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) and Rob Wittman (R-Va.). The Modern Fish Act’s legislative language was ultimately included in H.R. 200.
“We owe great thanks to Chairman Rob Bishop, Congressman Don Young and Congressman Garret Graves for working together to bring meaningful change to recreational fisheries management through the reauthorization of the nation’s marine fisheries law,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “This is a major step forward in implementing the vision set forth by the Morris-Deal Report for the future of saltwater recreational fishing. The importance of this legislation to the recreational fishing and boating community was made clear by tens of thousands of advocates who have made their voices heard by contacting their elected officials in recent months.”
Through years of hard work, the priorities of the recreational fishing and boating community were identified and presented to federal policy makers by the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management. This group is also referred to as the Morris-Deal Commission, named for co-chairs Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boat Group. In 2014, the Morris-Deal Commission released “A Vision for Managing America’s Saltwater Recreational Fisheries,” which included six key policy changes to produce the full range of saltwater recreational fishing’s social, economic and conservation benefits to the nation.
Many of the recommendations of the Morris-Deal Commission are addressed by the Modern Fish Act and now included in H.R. 200. This legislation addresses many of the challenges faced by recreational anglers, including allowing alternative management tools for recreational fishing, reexamining fisheries allocations and improving recreational data collection. The bill aims to benefit fishing access and conservation by incorporating modern management approaches, science and technology to guide decision-making.
On December 8, the coalition requested in a letter to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources that the Modern Fish Act be included in the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and moved to the House floor for final passage.
Furthermore, 135 marine recreational fishing and boating industry executives signed a letter to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources on December 11, in support of the Modern Fish Act and its inclusion in the final reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The saltwater fishing economy spans the entire United States not just the U.S. coastline, as demonstrated by the list of signatories.
“America’s 11 million saltwater anglers have a $63 billion economic impact annually and generate 440,000 jobs,” said Mike Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. “However, recreational fishing has been treated as an afterthought in the federal fisheries management system for decades. If enacted, H.R. 200 would finally give saltwater recreational fishing the attention it deserves in the Magnuson-Stevens Act.”
“The need to revise the one-size-fits-all approach of the Magnuson-Stevens Act has been abundantly clear in recent years as anglers face unreasonably limited access to public marine resources,” said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “Stakeholders of the recreational boating industry, a uniquely American-made industry with an economic footprint of more than $121 billion annually and more than 650,000 American jobs, are encouraged by the Committee’s action today, and we hope to see final passage by the House very soon.”
“We commend the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources for taking the next step in reauthorizing the Magnuson-Stevens Act,” said Patrick Murray, president of Coastal Conservation Association. “The need to update our nation’s fisheries management system to ensure the conservation of our public marine resources and reasonable public access to those resources is abundantly clear. We look forward to the full House consideration of the bill.”
“The provisions of the Modern Fish Act included in H.R. 200 would provide parity for federally-managed recreational fisheries, while continuing to safeguard the conservation of our fisheries resources,” said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “In addition to Chairman Bishop, Congressman Young and Congressman Graves, a big thanks to the bipartisan House leadership of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus for their co-sponsorship of these important measures on behalf of America’s anglers.”
“We thank Chairman Rob Bishop for expediting this Committee markup and moving the Magnuson-Stevens Act reauthorization bill forward,” said Jim Donofrio, president of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. “We also commend Congressman Don Young and Congressman Garret Graves for drafting this landmark legislation that will increase angler access while continuing to rebuild recreational fisheries.”
“Recreational fishing and commercial fishing are two fundamentally different activities needing distinctly different management tools,” said Angers. “Since 1976, recreational anglers have been shoehorned into a management regime that was never designed to manage recreational fishing. H.R. 200 would make critical changes to the Magnuson-Stevens Act to better manage recreational fisheries.”
Following today’s vote, the coalition encourages House leadership to quickly bring H.R. 200 to the floor for final passage. Marine recreational anglers and boaters are eager to see this landmark legislation move through the House and Senate and signed into law.
Conservationist’s journey comes full circle
[dt_gap height=”10″ /]Conservationist’s journey comes full circle
From intern to CEO, Toadfish Outfitters founder continues commitment to conservation
Columbia, SC– It was 10 years ago when Casey Davidson walked into the office of Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC) as an intern. Then a rising college senior, his interests lay in fisheries and marine conservation. Fast forward to 2017, and now-CEO Casey Davidson of Toadfish Outfitters has established a company committed to the coastal lifestyle and his dedication to marine conservation is just as strong as ever. With a $10,000 donation to CCA SC’s habitat efforts, Davidson and Toadfish Outfitters are continuing a partnership that began 10 years ago to further the organization’s work in oyster restoration and recycling.
“As a Beaufort native born and raised, my entire life focused around the saltwater estuaries in the Lowcountry,” said Davidson. “What a unique experience I had being able to see the work firsthand that CCA SC does and I never forgot that along my professional journey. I knew when I started Toadfish Outfitters that I wanted to be able to give back to the organization that I knew was mission focused and was in line with the corporate culture I want to create at Toadfish.”
As a company that will specialize in products built for the coastal lifestyle, Toadfish Outfitters has already built oyster recycling drop-off sites in Beaufort County and is now pledging to put proceeds from the sale of each product towards oyster habitat improvement. With a motto of “Shuck, Recycle, Rebuild,” Toadfish Outfitters is already living up to its vision of being a responsible corporate citizen.
“Very few of us are fortunate enough to know exactly how we want to make a difference in this world at a young age, but this young man certainly did. He has always been a true conservationist,” said Scott Whitaker, executive director of CCA SC. “Much like establishing a new oyster reef for future habitat growth and improvement, Casey established a new company and positioned it to contribute and promote the enhancement of the coastal environment he loves. We are extremely proud to be associated with Casey and Toadfish Outfitters, and look forward to a long, productive partnership.”
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Flounder, anglers, winner with new legislation
Columbia, S.C. – Conservationist and recreational anglers across the state are praising the efforts of the South Carolina General Assembly in passing new flounder management measures, a move long proposed by Coastal Conservation Association South Carolina (CCA SC). The passage of H. 3664 is consistent with both CCA SC’s and the SCDNR’s call for taking proactive management approaches to manage our state’s marine resources and to support a species before deep and often drastic draconian measures are required.
“We appreciate Senator Campsen and Cromer and Representative Hixon and Hewitt’s leadership on this issue the last two sessions and we applaud the entire General Assembly for their willingness to address anglers’ concerns” said Tombo Milliken, CCA SC Government Relations Committee member. “Because of the progression of meaningful management steps taken over the years, right now the recreational angling community’s eyes are wide open to the value and level of importance that South Carolina continues to place on its marine resources and recreational angling opportunities across the board”.
The new regulation is rooted in recent flounder stock data obtained through studies and surveys conducted by the Marine Resources Division of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Passage of the measure makes several changes to current regulations including a minimum size limit increase from 14 inches to 15 inches. This change in and of itself is estimated to protect as much as 30 percent of the sexual mature females. In addition, flounder that reach that size also show a significant increase in spawning capacity thus contributing to the overall abundance of the population. The measure also calls for a reduction in the creel limit from 15 fish per person per day to 10 fish per person per day with a daily maximum boat limit of 20.
Caught along the entire coastline, flounder are one of the most popular recreational species in South Carolina. The Palmetto State is home to up to three separate but similar species of “flat fish”, summer flounder, southern flounder, and gulf flounder yet anglers and managers alike simply refer to them as a single entity with only minor differences. Taken as a whole, flounder have been a highly prized staple in the traditional pursuit and harvest of generations of anglers via a variety of harvest methods.
“Anglers today, more than any other time, are prepared to take reasonable action for the improved, sustainable management of our fisheries” said CCA SC executive director Scott Whitaker. “Finally, this step for flounder, in conjunction with the many other sound fisheries management actions taken by the state of South Carolina, will play a profound role in the future opportunities and enjoyment of our fisheries by anglers for years to come”.
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2017 Columbia Chapter Live Auction Preview
Columbia Chapter
Live Auction Preview
Thursday, March 16, 2017
State Fairgrounds
6:00 p.m.
- Got Shrimp? Frogmore Stew for 25! Another effortless entertaining opportunity brought to you by the Columbia CCA Chapter Cooking Team! We provide all the ingredients that go into making that wonderful Lowcountry delicacy for twenty five of your closest friends…including the beer. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date.
- Let’s Eat This brass redfish sculpture has been a favorite of CCA members for nearly a decade! This piece will be wonderful centerpiece in your office, home, or camp. Donated by CCA South Carolina.
- Carolina Sports Package Forever to Thee! Gamecock fans look no further for your tickets to Carolina Sports. Included in this package is two (2) 2017 football tickets, two (2) baseball tickets, four (4) men’s basketball tickets, four (4) women’s basketball tickets, and parking passes to both baseball and basketball! Must be scheduled on mutually agreeable games. Donated by Tom Milliken and W.D. Morris Jr.
- Beaufort Blast & Cast Two (2) people enjoy a beautiful day on the low country waters of Beaufort, SC with Orvis Endorsed Guide Capt. Owen Plair shooting Marsh Hen and catching redfish in the same outing. The cast and blast charter is a fun filled adventure that can challenge even the most experienced shooter and angler. Poling through the vast open saltwater marshes flushing out marsh hen, shooting small gauge shot guns, with a limit of 15 per person. Then focusing on our great fishery for Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and a large assortment of other species. Not every day can you have the challenging experience of the Cast and Blast in Beaufort, SC. Light Tackle and Fly Fishing equipment will be provided. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by Capt. Owen Plair.
- Edisto Beach Getaway for Ten How about an Edisto weekend getaway for 10 of your closest friends?! Included is a three-day/two night stay at a traditional island beach house. Located in the heart of South Carolina’s ACE Basin, this area of the Palmetto State should be on everyone’s bucket list. Must be used between September 2017 and March 2018. Donated by Phil Sutton and CCA South Carolina.
- Hand Carved Tupelo Serving Board “Made by God, crafted by Man” Hemingway, South Carolina artisan Chris Hughes embellishes each one of the one of a kind tupelo wood boards with this same message. Great for BBQ, chickens, Beaufort Stews, or whatever it will hold. This hand crafted piece is sure to be a conversation piece as well as a functioning piece of art.
- Mountain Get-Away – Scaly Mountain, NC. Tired of the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. How about escaping to a more relaxing pace of life near the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains? The Mountain Roost is located in Scaly Mountain, NC…a few miles north of Sky Valley, GA and only 7 miles south of Highlands, NC. The cabin is a short drive to Franklin, NC. Nearby attractions include hiking/walking trails (one of which is the Bartram Trail), zip-lining, waterfalls, white water rafting, shopping, golf courses, and winter-time snow-tubing and outdoor ice skating rinks. There are also many places for the avid trout fisherman to throw in a line along the winding Chattooga River. The rustic cabin sleeps 6 comfortably, with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, family room and kitchen. Washer & dryer included. Package includes a 3-night stay. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by Lisa Bell.
- Bluegrass & BBQ Special for 100 Here is the party deal of the night!! 100 of your closest friends will join you at Hay Hill Market courtesy of Kirk Commercial Construction where local BBQ legend Billy Mote will feed you a BBQ meal complete with all the trimmings! While you are dazzled by the food and atmosphere, local bluegrass band with a devoted following The Mustache Brothers, will wow you with entertainment! THE perfect party all ready mapped out for your graduation, engagement, or birthday celebration!! Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by Kirk Commercial Construction, Billy Mote, and the Mustache Brothers.
- Ultra- luxury South African Photo Safari Two people, five days and five nights on the trip of a life time!! Situated on the banks of three hippo filled lakes, the camp is surrounded by an abundance of African wildlife. This camp is arguably the finest South Africa has to offer and is located just 3 hours north of the Johannesburg Airport in the Malaria Free Limpopo Province. There is nothing quite like waking up to the sounds of the African bush. Immersed in the African bush, the lucky couple will be thrilled to spend 5 days enjoying the rich variety of African bird and animal life. The daily game drives are packed with action and adventures, and the meals that are prepared by our executive chef are beyond compare. Our well-trained staff is there to care for every need of our clients. Complete with en-suite bathrooms, the chalets and guest rooms offer incredible views of the African bush. This adventure is unquestionably the safari of a life time! ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (additional would be air, and gratuity, and any hotel need before or after safari, limited alcohol). Any additional excursions such as Shark diving, wine tours of Cape Town, Trips to Kruger Park can all be added at an additional expense. This trip must be taken between October 15, 2017 and October 15, 2018. Donated by Sporting Adventures International and CCA South Carolina. (This item does have a reserve).
- Custom Outdoor Fire Pit- Time to warm up! Get your back yard ready for those chilly fall and winter nights and let the Grounds Guys install a custom outdoor fire pit. Sit back, relax and let them do the work for you! Built-in fire pits add charm to any back yard patio—48”wide x 12” high (31” interior diameter). Heavy gauge steel insert with a gravel bottom. One cord of wood to accompany the custom fire pit. Install to be between October 1st and December 31st , 2017 and must be located within the Columbia City Limits. Donated by Walks Milliken and The Grounds Guys.
- Offshore with the “Salty Dog” This locally owned and operated 54 foot Craig Blackwell express will leave you wanting more! Six (6) anglers will enjoy a day off the Charleston coast in pursuit of all the blue water species that South Carolina has to offer. Leaving out of Toler’s Cove, Tuna, dolphin, wahoo, and maybe just maybe something of the billfish variety will be the pursuit of the day. This trip must be taken within one year of the date of the banquet and must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by Steve Lunceford.
- St. Thomas, USVI Vacation House for Eight The Caribbean Sea! This luxurious St. Thomas Villa is yours for six (6) days and six (6) nights! Four couples, or large family, this St. Thomas Villa is spectacular. Located right on the ocean with private beach and snorkeling right out the backdoor along with world class infinity pool, this villa comes complete with four large private suites all with large ornate bathrooms. The city of Red Hook is within ten minutes of the Villa and hosts shopping and restaurants or you can take a short ferry ride to St. John for additional island experiences. The fishing is world class for Marlin off the North Drop with great opportunities for giant fish. Must be booked on a mutually agreeable date; trip valid for one year from the date of purchase. Donated by CCA South Carolina and Sporting Adventures International. (This item does have a reserve). (http://www.sportingadvvillas.com/st-thomas/ )
- CCA’s Casa Rojo; Costa Rica for a Week CCA South Carolina and GHYD have teamed up to offer a Seven day, Six night gorgeous Costa Rican villa steps from the black volcanic sand beaches of the private gated community, Hermosa Palms, Costa Rica for couples or a large families. This Costa Rican paradise is located on the beautiful Pacific Coast. “Casa Rojo” is a modern 5 bed 3 bath villa with gorgeous views, rooftop access (perfect for sunbathing and breath taking sunsets) private pool, courtyard, guest house, large kitchen and living area. There is also a separate very large pool with swim up bar for Hermosa Palms guest only. The beach is very quiet and offers world class surfing. Ghyd offers numerous activities and daily services that can be added to the trip. Costa Rica is an extremely safe and healthy country and has fantastic weather all year round. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by CCA South Carolina. (This item does have a reserve). (http://ghydadventures.com/destinations/costa-rica/ )
- Belize Villa Vacation for 6 days/6 nights for 4 couples Villa Adventures is a true Central American Gem! Located in the beautiful country of Belize, these villas are among the finest the country has to offer; all located on the Caribbean Sea with four bedrooms and four baths, they do not disappoint. A short step out the front porch will take you right into the ocean and breath-taking snorkeling and diving as well as numerous other water sports. Charters available to enjoy the world class fishing with opportunities for permit, bonefish, snapper, grouper, and a host of other species year round. There are ancient Mayan ruins, rain forest zip lines, and majestic beach scenery to explore and take in while on your stay. Other activities available but not included are transfer to and from airport, daily maid service, daily or weekly chef and server, as well as grocery shopping prior to your arrival! This trip is for four couples or a large family looking to have a unique adventure. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by Sporting Adventures International and CCA South Carolina. (This item does have a reserve.) (http://www.sportingadvvillas.com/belize/)
- Backyard Landscape/Hardscape Design with Grass Let the Grounds Guys get your backyard ready for outdoor living with a backyard landscape and hardscape design. This includes a full color landscape design along with yard prep for 5 pallets of sod to be installed. Services to be scheduled on mutually agreeable dates and must be located within the Columbia City Limits. Donated by Caroline & Walks Milliken and The Grounds Guys and Carolina Fresh Farms.
- Fish Cedar Bayou, Texas– Two (2) anglers will be the guests of John Blaha, CCA Texas Assistant Director, and spend two days fishing the area around the recently restored Cedar Bayou, an iconic fish pass recently restored by the efforts of CCA Texas and local entities. You will be chasing large trout and redfish with artificial lures while wade fishing in the surf if it is flat or the surrounding flats and reefs in the Cedar Bayou area and the fishing has been as good as it gets! This trip must be taken on a mutually agreeable date and includes two (2) nights of lodging. In addition, John will provide supper for you one (1) night of your choice at his home in Rockport. This trip expires October 30, 2018. Donated by John Blaha.
- CCA SC Edition Island Inspired Paddle Board Enjoy the water under your own power! This 11 foot custom paddle board by Murrells Inlet board shaper Todd Sutz of Island Inspired Surfboard Company takes board making back to artistry, craftsmanship and relationship. They believe the energy that goes into the making of their boards flows through to the life of the people who ride them. Donated by Island Inspired Surfboard Company & CCA South Carolina.
- Cowasee Basin Deer Hunting Adventure Get set to cram one full day of deer hunting in! This deer hunting package is for two hunters and will have you dog driving the 4,700 acre Boykin Hunt Club outside Camden in the morning and sitting in a tree stand after lunch. Being that it’s an all day adventure, lunch is provided along with great camaraderie. The Wateree River splits this legendary property so opportunity abounds for a harvest of deer or hogs. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date between Oct 15, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018. Donated by Derrick Wrigley and Bill Milliken.
- Hog Hunting with Dogs Now here is something different! CCA SC committee member Derrick Wrigley and Ryan Bowers of Camden, SC will host two (2) hunters for a day of hunting for hogs along the Cowasee Basin region of the state. Your place or ours! Hunting with dogs, this adventure will bring a new level of excitement to hog hunting that many hunters have never experienced; CCA SC will supply the breakfast. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date, preferably in early 2018. Donated by Derrick Wrigley and Ryan Bowers.
- Youth Day Duck Hunt at Two Ponds Duck Club for 2 Youths and Two Fathers Just an hour outside of Columbia, this is a great opportunity to show 2 youths an amazing time duck hunting right here in South Carolina. Located just outside of Pinewood, SC, Two Ponds Duck Club is one of the premier private duck hunting clubs in the Palmetto State. This item will provide two youths and two fathers the opportunity to come down the night before and spend the night with other guests in the spacious and comfy log cabins that are on the property. Dinner will be provided the night before along with great fellowship and camaraderie. The following morning the group will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery and shoot a mixed bag of ducks and return home after the hunt. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable youth day in the 2017/2018 season. Donated by Michael Wolfe.
- CCA Wader Rack Nobody likes a wet wader! Keep’em dry this coming season with this custom CCA wader rack by Southern Wildlife Company. Donated by CCA South Carolina.
- Be very very quiet! Rabbit hunt for Eight get ready for a whole pack of fun! Eight hunters will join CCA SC State board member Kyle Godley for a day of chasing rabbits with an excellent pack of beagles trained just for this purpose. A field lunch is provided as well. Hunters should bring guns, shells, license, and a healthy desire for a hunting experience unlike anything else. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable weekend between January 2 and March 15, 2018. Donated by Kyle Godley, John Boy, and John Scheper.
- Father/Son/Daughter Turkey Hunt Just minutes from Columbia, one adult and one youth is going to enjoy the outdoor offerings of this great region of the Palmetto State! Columbia CCA chapter committee member Catlin Brewer will guide you and your youth companion for a spring morning turkey hunt that is sure to become a great memory. Located on 1000 acres of great turkey woods in Fairfield County along the banks of the Little River. Must have license, turkey tags, gun, and ammo. Must be scheduled on a mutually agreeable date during the 2017 turkey season. Donated by Catlin Brewer.
- Ballyhoo for Sail! At 23 inches tall, this brass over marble rendition of one of the ocean’s most popular billfish is sure to be a pleaser! Donated by CCA South Carolina.
- Broad River Bounty Two (2) anglers enjoy not only the beauty of Beaufort but also a day of light tackle fishing in the Broad River. Capt. Danny Rourk makes this trip happen on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by Capt. Danny Rourk and CCA South Carolina.
- Bream & Largemouth Bass Fishing Expedition A Father and Child to an exclusive pond located in Fairfield County, SC. The trip includes transportation, bait, tackle, lunch, boat, and Captain. The trip can be either a 1/2 day morning or 1/2 day afternoon trip at a mutually agreed upon date between May 9th and September 1st, or between January 1st and March 12th. Donated by Columbia CCA Committee Member Matt Cooke.
- The CCA/ K2 Mystery Cooler Real Value. Real Cold. This 60 qrt roto-molded wheeled cooler is becoming the hottest cooler on the market! Stuffed with goodies, you have to buy it to find out what’s in it! Donated by CCA South Carolina and K2 coolers!
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Anglers applaud resolution against fish grab scheme
Anglers applaud resolution against fish grab scheme
South Carolina legislators champion measure opposing catch shares in federal fisheries
South Carolina legislators are taking a stand against a controversial measure that the federal government is using to privatize public marine resources in the South Atlantic. Known as catch shares, the privatization scheme has drawn the ire of recreational anglers in the region recently after it became known that two appointed members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council are launching an effort to gain private ownership of the fish they are supposed to be managing.
Nationwide, alarm at the federal government’s policy of handing public marine resources to commercial harvesters reached new levels after a news station in New Orleans ran a five-part investigative series highlighting the inequities of the program (Hooked Up, Fox8 News).
“Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) is opposed to the concept of catch shares, particularly in mixed-use fisheries in which there is both recreational and commercial participation,” said Scott Whitaker, executive director of the South Carolina chapter of CCA. “Catch shares have created tremendous user conflicts in fisheries pursued by both recreational and commercial fishermen. Limiting access and discouraging recreational use of public marine resources should never be goals of federal fisheries management, and that is the inevitable outcome of catch shares. We applaud the resolution and will work to encourage its passage by our elected officials.”
Reps. Hewitt, Jordan, Clemmons, Yow, Kirby, Lowe, and Hixon introduced the resolution this week, which lists a host of reasons for their effort, including the fact that, “fishery stakeholders in South Carolina and the South Atlantic are overwhelmingly opposed to catch share programs in federal waters as evidenced by ninety-seven percent of the comments on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s long-range snapper-grouper fishery management plan being opposed to any form of catch shares.” To view the complete resolution, click here.
“We truly appreciate these efforts by our local elected officials because, though public opposition to these privatization polices has been overwhelming and vocal, the federal management system has routinely ignored our objections,” said Whitaker. “There is a tremendous disconnect between what the people want and what NOAA Fisheries is doing, and we are grateful that our state is taking a stand on behalf of its citizens.”
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