Are you a purist or a bait chunker?

There is a battle of sorts between the so-called fishing purists and the regular bait chunkers. To put it into prospective, the fine art of flyfishing was once called the gentlemen's sport. While those of us who used natural baits were often referred to as primitive. To sum it up, a quote from an unknown source got it right when it was said, "The difference between flyfishers and worm dunkers is the quality of their excuses."

Local Fisherman Elected

Dave Harter of Hilton Head Island was elected to the South Carolina Wildlife Federation Board of Directors. Harter and five other outdoor enthusiasts were elected to the SCWF Board at the annual business meeting held on Jan. 12 at Furman University. According to board chairman Johney Haralson, "Every volunteer board searches for professionals with these members' combination of energy, devotion and good ideas. We know they will play vital roles for us."

Harter owns Hilton Head Glidden on the island. His many interests include fishing, scuba diving and kayaking. Harter has served with several other organizations such as Friends of the Rivers, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, Greater Island Committee, Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club, Hilton Head Reef Foundation, the Port Royal Sound Conservancy and Beaufort County Clean Water Task Force. Harter resides on Hilton Head Island with his wife Jeannie. Other new board members to join this year are Nat Davis of Charleston, Clay Johnston of Columbia, Strom Thurmond Jr. of Aiken, Dr. Weave Whitehead of Florence and Dr. Drew Lanham of Seneca.

"We are grateful to have this new team of board members as a part of our efforts. They are dedicated conservationists, working every day to make sure South Carolina's outdoor traditions are not lost," said Ben Gregg, executive director of South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

For more information on SCWF or any of the other elected board members, contact Whitney Robertson, Communications and Events Coordinator South Carolina Wildlife Federation, atwhitney@scwf.org or 864-683-2561.

BSFDC

One of the Lowcountry's well known guides, Captain Dan Utley, will make a presentation on Cobia fishing in the Lowcountry. He will first discuss off-shore fishing for Cobia in March and April and later during the summer months. The main point of the presentation will be in-shore fishing in the Broad River and St. Helena Sound. Captain Dan will show rods and reels and lure presentations. He will discuss baits of choice, tides, water temperatures and anchoring versus sight casting. Do not miss this informative and very colorful presentation.Captain Dan in his earlier life was a very successful head football coach for Hilton Head High for many years.

The social begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club off Meridian Road on Lady's Island. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome. You do not need a reservation. For additional information, call Captain Frank Gibson at 843-522-2020.

Tax Deduction for Fishermen

Donations to the Dolphin Tagging Study are fully tax deductible, thanks to the help of the Hilton Head Reef Foundation. This 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization has agreed to receive donations in support of the Dolphinfish Research Program and then pass them on to the project when needed. Contributions should be made out to the Hilton Head Reef Foundation (HHR Foundation/Dolphin Study) and sent to Don Hammond Cooperative Science Services, LLC 961 Anchor Rd., Charleston, SC 29412-4902

Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic

You will not want to miss this years Sportsmen's Classic. The event will be held at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia March 28-30. Times are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. More than 300 exhibitors will feature the latest in fishing and hunting equipment. Admission is $6 and parking is $2. Seniors 60 and older are $5 and children 10 and younger are admitted free. Visitors should bringing five canned food items for the Harvest Food Bank to receive $1 off admission price. For more information, call 803-734-4008.

New State Records

Two South Carolina anglers now claim bragging rights to state records. Sean Murphy of Myrtle Beach now holds the White Grunt record when he caught a 3-pound trophy on Feb. 2 out of Murrells Inlet. Jimmy Widener of Hanahan can pound his chest with claims to the new state record by 10 ounces. Widener's huge Sheepshead caught March 1 in the Wando River weighed in at 16-pounds, 6 ounces.

Area Update

Fighting the winds has become commonplace among area anglers. Coupled with the occasional shower and cold snaps, fishing has been more of a challenge recently. The coming week may not be much better so look to your alternatives and enjoy the time as best you can.

Flounder fishing near oyster bars and sand flats on the edges of muddy bottoms. Both inshore and offshore returns for flatfish have been very good. Minnows and shrimp baits have been most productive. Sheepshead continue to bring smiles to anglers who fish pier and bridge pilings and around active docks. Near shore structure and wrecks are also producing Sheepshead in large numbers and good sizes. Clam strips, mussels, oysters and fiddlers are good choices. Stripers have made a big move recently in the Savannah River. The best areas are runoffs at vertical banks, the deeper drops along the shipping channel and the Thurman Dam.

With Spot Tail Bass that target clear water, conditions have made sight casting easier for those along the shallows. Spot Tail have been seen tightly schooled in the larger feeder creeks and need to be coaxed a bit to your baits. Open your tackle box and toss a variety of lures. The most productive have been topwater plugs in white/green combinations, Johnson Gold Spoons and Gulp Shrimp imitations. Trout are a bit more finicky recently. You will need to concentrate more on deeper water areas than the shallows. Artificial lures are working best with jerk baits most productive. These lead head grubs in silver fleck, clear smoke and solid white with red heads are proving there is no secret lure. The trick is to work the area over deep water thoroughly. Popping rigs have not been very productive at this time while DOA shrimp is catching up fast.

Deeper Waters

Bottom fishing along the Ross continues to be excellent. Blackfish are plentiful, flounder frequent often. Further runs over the 100- to 150-foot depths has produced Grouper and Snapper, but be cautious in your planning and be sure to monitor the weather.

Area Ponds

The numerous ponds which dot the island has been a good alternatives when a few hours for the diehard angler is all that is offered. Excellent catches of largemouth bass and a variety of panfish can be taken with a bit of light spinning gear and a bit of patience.

Tackle Tip:

Think small! As we approach the more productive fishing season, you will achieve better results with smaller lures. After long periods of inactivity, fish, like fishermen, are a bit sluggish. Smaller baits require less energy to catch and are more easily consumed. Lighter lines, smaller baits and a more relaxed approach will yield better results.

Till next week,

Good fishin'

Lee