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The Eye Of The Storm
Hurricane- a tropical storm origin with a counterclockwise circulation reaching 64 knots or more at the center. For those not aware we are entering the height of hurricane season, and most of us have already been preparing by stocking up on storm supplies such as batteries, plywood, and canned goods, we have tuned up the chain saws, and test fired the generators. We have even already formulated a course of action as far as preparing the house for a storm, packing valuables and determining an inland retreat should an evacuation be ordered. But what about that one prized asset we own and use almost every weekend? What are our plans for our boats should a major storm arise? The purpose of this article is to offer a few simple ideas that may help limit the damage done to our boats during a storm.
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Federal Fishery Advisory Panel Seats Open to Applicants
Members of the public are encouraged to submit applications to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for seats currently available on its advisory panels. Working at the grass roots level, advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. The Council has 15 separate advisory panels composed of individuals who are engaged in the harvest of, or are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery or group of fishes to be managed. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, conservationists, scientists, and concerned citizens.
Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based on the frequency of meetings. As those appointments expire, members currently serving on the AP can reapply for their positions. These seats also become open to new applicants. AP members generally meet no more than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings. Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

Information & Education Advisory Panel	1 Open Seat
King and Spanish Mackerel	1 North Carolina Commercial Seat
Advisory Panel	2 Florida Commercial Seats
Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel	Commercial Seats (Targeting Royal Red Shrimp Fishermen)
Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel	1 South Carolina Commercial Seat 1 Georgia Charter/Headboat Seat 1 Non-governmental Agency Representative Seat

If you are interested in serving as a member on the Council's advisory panels, please submit an application to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405. Applications can be obtained by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10, or online at www.safmc.net.
Advisory panel members will be selected during the next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, scheduled for September 17-21, 2007 in N. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Applications must be received by August 21, 2007.

With a low sitting just off the coast and some light north east winds temps have been a little more tolerable this week. Reds and Trout are hitting topwater baits in the early mornings and late afternoons. Finger mullet and bait shrimp are thick in the creeks right now providing a great live bait alternative for the Red and Trout during midday. Flounder are being caught on live finger mullet and mud minnows fished on the bottom. Schools of Spanish and small Blues are working in the harbor and just off the beach and hitting Clarke spoons. Spadefish are on the reefs.
Offshore action has been fair this week. Some nice Kings are being caught around the ledge along with Wahoo and pesky Barracuda. Sail and Blues continue to be active just beyond the ledge.

Tight lines…
Captain Tim Pickett
CharlestonFishing.Com