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Why We Fish Offshore
I found myself in a discussion about offshore fishing with a few guys the other day. I find myself in this type of discussion pretty much every other day this time of year. Everyone feels the temperatures warming up with days getting longer and we get enough nice days in the month of March that a few boats will get offshore and either catch fish or see fish and the spark for the bonfire is lit. As the days progress, heading toward April, a few more fish are caught and by the time April hits everybody is heading out to catch tuna, wahoo, dolphin and billfish.
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DNR Plans Public Auction May 23 In West Columbia
     The S.C. Department of Natural Resources will conduct a public auction of surplus property and equipment on Wednesday, May 23 in West Columbia.
     The auction of items such as vehicles, boats, outboard motors, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment deemed as surplus will be held at the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Styx Receiving Compound at 2760 Fish Hatchery Road in West Columbia. The auction will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 23 and continue until all items are sold. Registration for the auction is May 23 from 8–10 a.m. All items may be viewed on preview day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 at the Styx compound.
     A list of the items scheduled for auction will soon be posted on the DNR Web site. Go to “Doing Business” on the DNR homepage and click on “Surplus Property.” Some items may be added or removed according to DNR’s needs.
     For questions regarding the upcoming auction, call (803) 755-1149 in West Columbia.

From the CCA of South Carolina
     The South Carolina Senate is prepared to pass the most critical piece of fisheries management legislation that perhaps the state ever seen. It is critical that you contact the following Senate member below and convey your support for this piece of legislation and urge him to reconsider his opposition to these important conservation measures contained in the legislation.
     Sen. Dick Elliott, (D) - Horry County has announced his objection to S. 489, the CCA Comprehensive FInfish Management Plan, which will establish new, as well as adjust some current size and creel limits on important recreational finfish in state waters; many of which have never benefited from any conservation measures. This plan has been a collaborative effort between CCA South Carolina and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for nearly two years and establishes the need for taking a more "proactive" approach to managing our state marine resources.
     Along with your email contact, please feel free to contact Sen. Dick Eliott in Columbia at (803) 212-6000
     Click the link below to log in and send your message:
http://votervoice.net/target.aspx?id=ccasc:14063462

CORA Charleston Boat Races Charleston, South Carolina
     During this weekend 13-15 April 2007, there will be up to 55 competitors participating in the subject regatta race. To promote the safety of participants and spectators during this event, the Coast Guard is issuing this advisory defining where (shown below) the course will be set. The Coast Guard will not restrict commercial or recreational traffic during the course of this race.
     The schedule of events is as follows:
Friday April 13, 2007 (1000 – 1600): Race Day (3 races)
Saturday April 14, 2007 (1000 – 1600): Race Day (3 races)
Sunday April 15, 2007 (1000 – 1600): Race Day (2 races)
     The fleet will occupy only a small portion of the South Channel, but could cross the South Channel depending on winds. All vessels within the vicinity should coordinate safe passage with race Patrol Commander. If you need to arrange safe passage the day of the race please hail the Patrol Commander, Mr. Miles Martschink, on VHF channel 13. There will be several race committee boats on-scene to monitor vessel traffic and set appropriate courses in order to minimize disruptions to recreational vessels and vessels constrained by draft to the channel. The Coast Guard will be making broadcasts on the day of the races to provide current information on the start and finish of the races. If there are any concerns pertaining to the race events or to request information on the status of the races, mariners should contact Brad Van Lieu with the South Carolina Maritime Heritage Foundation at 843-814-3987.

J. W. MAUGER, Lieutenant Commander, U. S. Coast Guard
Prevention Department Head, Charleston, South Carolina

Strong northeast winds and a freak cold front kept most anglers off of the water this past week. There were some inshore fish caught. Sheepshead fishing is good inshore around docks and bridges. The trout fishing is turning on nicely with some really nice size fish and good numbers of fish being caught. The redfish are good as always and there are some scattered reports of flounder starting to show up. The offshore is turning on and a few people did make it out to catch some dolphin, tuna and wahoo. The offshore fishing will continue to get more consistent over the next few weeks.

Tight lines…
Captain Tim Pickett
CharlestonFishing.Com