Has Fay frustration set in for you?

If you spent time on your boat in recent days, you were more likely battening down hatches than preparing to reel in the big one. Tropical Storm Fay drew plenty of focus and literally put a damper on outdoor pursuits.

Fortunately, we seem to have been spared the storm's major fury, but the ensuing rains, high winds and rough waters kept everyone close to dock and shoreline.

Take heart, fellow anglers -- with the passing comes a reprieve and with it opportunity and better fishing ahead.

EVENTS AND NEWS

The 9th Annual Captain Woody's/Beacon Insurance Kingfish Tournament is set for Sept. 13.

If you have not fished in this event before, you have missed more than just great fishing -- this is an opportunity to share good times with friends and family.

A captains meeting is planned for 5 p.m. Sept. 12. The entry fee is $225 per boat, and a payout will be made to the crews catching the three largest king mackerel.

Fishing will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, with weigh-in at 5 p.m. The party starts after the tournament, and prizes, food and live entertainment will add to your memories. As always, a portion of the proceeds will becontributed to the Hilton Head Reef Foundation.

For more information, call Russell at 298-1856 or Captain Woody's at 785-2400.

CLUB MEETING SEPT. 11

The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club will hold its monthly meeting Sept. 11 at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club off Meridian Road on Lady's Island. Lies and fish tales to begin promptly at 6:30 p.m., with the formal program to follow at 7 p.m.

Be on hand as Danny Rourk of Tailwind Charters shares his expertise on trout and bass, tides, temperatures and tried-and-true methods. Learn the proper equipment to add pleasure instead of frustration to your sport. Rourk will have on display an assortment of rods, reels and lures to get the job done right.

Plaques and awards will be presented for the club's 11th annual tournament.

Reservations are not needed, and guests are welcome. Call Frank Gibson at 522-2020 for more information.

SAFETY CLASS OFFERED AGAIN

If you missed the Beaufort Sail & Power Squadron's boating safety course this past June, you can still feel secure in knowing how to handle your watercraft. The squadron will offer the course again Sept. 16. This course will run until Oct. 28.

A free, one-night session will be offered for those enrolled the following week.

If you boat the waters of Beaufort and the surrounding areas, you will not want to miss this opportunity to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Classes will be held at the Port Royal Town Hall at 700 Paris Ave. and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $60 for materials. For more information, contact education officer John Satterfield at 838-6629.

NEW STATE RECORD SET

Lee Fredrick of Murrell's Inlet now claims the state record amberjack. Fishing aboard "Killin-Time" at the Georgetown Hole on Aug. 9, Fredrick hauled in the 100-pound, 8-ounce fish. He caught the specimen on a cigar minnow, fished on a bottom rig in 160 feet of water.

The 66.3-inch fish beat the old record set by Shane Kelly in 1998 by a mere 13 ounces.

TACKLE TIP

With the existing high winds, rains and inclement weather, many anglers will look for methods to vent their frustration. For some, normal home chores and remodeling will keep them occupied. Others will attend seminars, club meetings and various functions to bide their time until things improve. The little lady may boot them out of the house on occasion or drag them along on shopping sprees to cheer them up, but this only adds to their frustration.

An alternative is getting your tackle ready for the next opportunity. Fly fishermen can develop patterns, tie extra flies for the coming season or remake favorites that are showing wear.

My biggest problem is keeping things organized. But, I have found a method that works and saves a good bit of hassle. I simply hook up the camcorder and film my fly-tying methods, rod-building and tackle-box savvy and load them onto DVDs. The method keeps me aware of mistakes and helps to set shortcuts that save valuable fishing time.