CCA/SC Red Drum Acoustic Telemetry; Red Snapper Momentum

 To read the feature story in the newspaper click on Post and Courier.

2025 November Multiplies Hunting Options

 For the feature story in the newspaper click on Post and Courier. 

A limit of doves in November is
reason to be thankful

2025 Birding Journal Observations - September / October

Cardinal over Downy woodpecker on Nov. 2

Dry weather has been a theme for September and October, enough to cause most counties to drift into incipient drought, with some relief coming Mid-October due to a coastal rainfall event. Mild temperatures have eased the Lowcountry into Fall, and the dry conditions and lower temps have caused fall foliage to accelerate into red and yellow colors. The colors at the birds feeders have been depleted somewhat due to fall migration leaving the red of cardinals and the blue of jays in control. My ruby-throated hummingbirds left mid-October but in a nice surprise I have kept regular visits from two green painted buntings, with the most recent sighting the morning of November 2. Will they stay all winter?? We shall see.....

To view past Birding Journal Observations from September / October click on 2024 - 2023-  2022- 2021 - 2018- 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009  

Close encounter on Nov. 1 with a mature Bald Eagle

2025 Oyster Roast Season Brings Awareness to Recycle Shell

 To view the feature article click on Post and Courier.

2025 Wood Duck Box Applications Due

 To view the feature story click on Post and Courier.

2025 Surpise Yellowfin Tuna Catch for Father / Daughter Anglers

 To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Post and Courier.

Julia and Billy Gressette at the CBC

2025 Pets On Board / Tali and Bonnie

For the entire story click Scuttlebutt.

2025 Gamekeepers / Summer - Turkey Habits in Summer

To view the story click on Gamekeepers.

2025 Odyssey of Sea Turtles Captivates / Turtle Ladies

To view the article in the Post and Courier click on Charleston Choice.

2025 Carolina Bight Birding Festival / David Sibley

 To view the feature article in the Post and Courier click on Sunday Sports Section.

2025 Birding Journal Observations - July / August

Bobwhite quail on the birdbath on Aug. 6

The summer of 2025 was just a bit different than the normal, so its worth recording that July was excruciating with dry weather and heat indexes consistently above 100-degrees. By the end of June the heat and humidity was nearly 24-hours a day, and then about the last day of July a cool front moved in and heavy clouds lingered for about a week, and the hot spell was broken. August was never as hot as July this year, and that was partly because rain returned to the landscape and the associated clouds kept the temps from boiling over. That rain was the 'new' kind with spotty coverage and slow-moving storms that left some areas swamped and some dry, but overall they served as a drought-buster heading into September.

Without a doubt my most memorable bird sighting for July and August was a bob-white quail. A pair of them just showed up one day and began acting like regular songbirds in the yard. Beautiful plumage, and somewhat rare to see, they were welcome to stay. About two weeks later the female disappeared from the landscape, and I assume she was predated by a hawk. The male quail never stopped his bobwhite whistling after that and every morning not long after 6 AM his bobwhite whistle would greet the day. He never got any replies, but I sure was pulling for him. Then after about two months, he disappeared from the landscape, and I assume he was predated by a hawk. I hope to hear another bobwhite whistle before too long.

Immature royal tern in the Kiawah River on July 31

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on May / June 2025

To view past birding journal observations from July / August click on 2024 -  2023-  2022 -  2021-  2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2009  

2025 Late Summer Fishing Gear Checklist

The last month of summer in the Lowcountry still offers long sun-filled days to provide ample fishing time, but it also brings in a chance for tropical rains. A rain jacket and rubber boots should be added to one’s boat attire for such occasions, and since its still warm, not much else in additional layers is required. The brim of a baseball cap will serve to keep raindrops away from polarized sunglasses that improve your vision when casting light action rods into flooded spartina grass in search of a redfish on the prowl.

Sometimes one can steer the boat clear of the rain, but other times there is no option but to drive straight through. And in the case of coastal low pressure systems when the rain will be constant, it doesn’t mean canceling your trip, because the fish are already wet. Locally-based Huk gear company makes the Pro Series Jacket that is waterproof and breathable, which is the right combination for the steamy and sticky tropical weather season. Made from a stretch nylon for maximum range of motion, it comes with an adjustable hood and a two-way weatherproof front zipper. And when the rain pauses, this top-tier jacket includes an elastic strap system to wear the jacket over your shoulders when not in use.

Making sure you have good footing while on the boat, and in the rain, is the next best thing to keeping dry. The Huk Rogue Wave deck shoes were designed for traction in wet conditions with their Grip-X Slice soles with microchannels to handle wet decks. These slip-on style boots are comfortable enough to wear all day, and offer a lower profile design than the popular pull on rubber boots made by other brands. The outer sole is non-marking and the inside of the shoe has breathable mesh liners. Need to try some shoes on first to know your size? Huk has a store at Tanger Outlets, and these shoes are also on shelves at Bass Pro Shops.

Using a trusted inshore fishing combo like the Penn Battle IV gives anglers confidence when they are fishing long days. Each reel has a carbon fiber drag system and every rod has a cork handle and a graphite composite blank. Penn’s proprietary one-piece stainless steel dura-guides eliminates insert pop outs in the future, which can sideline a rod in an instant, sending it to the rod repair shop. The 7-foot Medium Light rod and the 3000 reel provide a fast-action casting platform to cover the water when fishing shell banks at low tide, and it has enough backbone to handle any large inshore fish including flounder, trout and redfish. A good selection of Penn Battle combos can be found at Haddrell’s Point Tackle.

Bajio sunglasses are becoming the go-to sunglasses for many anglers, and they just claimed the Best Eyewear trophy at the 2025 Icast show. The Palometa frames with grey glass lenses provide a medium-sized fit with a wrap-around style for light-blocking and wind-stoppage. Rubber nose pads for comfort and rubber temple tips for grip are two added features, plus the pre-made keeper holes at the end of each arm make it easy to attach a leash. All Bajio lenses block 100% of UV light and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Finally, keep your fishing tackle secure in a Plano Edge 3700 tackle box with Dri-Loc O-ring watertight seal. The Water Wick divider sections allow anglers to customize for different lure sizes like the 3.5-inch Savage manic shrimp, or the 5-inch Berkley Cull Shad.

To view the feature article in the Post and Courtier click on Tideline. 

2025 Audubon Silver Bluff - Storks and Corks

Lowcountry nature lovers already know of Audubon’s Francis Beidler Forest and boardwalk in Harleyville. But only a few hours away, located along the Savannah River and in close proximity of Aiken, sits the Silver Bluff Sanctuary. This 3,400-acre tract of forest is home to all manner of birds and wildlife near the Savannah River Site. A few fish ponds there are the focus every summer of the annual Storks and Corks fundraiser, with birders flocking to Silver Bluff to share fellowship while watching more than 150 wood storks gathering there.

Woods Storks on Aug. 2, 2025 at Storks and Corks

Audubon speakers summed up their current management plans, including Silver Bluff Manager Brandon Heitkamp, Director of Land Conservation Tim Evans, and S.C. Executive Director Rebecca Haynes. "What’s exciting is that this event is led by our staff and by the local community,” said Haynes. “Storks and Corks is a labor of love for everyone here, and this year was even more special on the eve of our 50th anniversary celebration here on November 1. Which is just more reason to continue investing our time and money here so that this property will be in great shape for future generations to enjoy."

To view the entire feature article in the Post and Courier click on Tideline.

To view past blog entries from Silver Bluff click on 2022 Spring Birding

To view past blog entries from Phinizy Swamp click on 2022

To view past blog entires from Beidler Forest click on 2024 50th Anniversary - 2024 BioBlitz - 2023 Birding By Ear - 2021 Flora and Fauna - 2021 Name That Snake - 2017 Audubon Insectarium - 2016 Prescribed Fire -  2015 Boardwalk Bonanza - 2014 SAMBI Award - 2013 Audubon Aquarium - 2012 Audubon's Aviary Book- 2011 Audubon Magazine - 2009 Wildlands Philanthropy Book  

2025 Carolina Kingfish Classic - Team Pole Dancer Wins

Team Pole Dancer and their 53-pound king

The 7th annual Carolina Kingfish Classic (CKC) is hosted by the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, and a new one-day format means that everyone will fish on Saturday, Aug. 9, and the single heaviest king mackerel will win first place. Loyd Weston is the tournament director and the weighmaster for the 2025 Carolina Kingfish Classic. “The excitement is building with our change of format this year, and our single-engine division provides a competition for smaller boats that want to fish with us,” said Weston. “This is also a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) Tournament, Division Three, so there could be some shake-up of the leaders in that category too."

The weather on Saturday August 9 was rainy and windy for the 27 teams that went fishing, and any five teams weighed-in a king mackerel. Nevertheless, Team Pole Dancer found a 53-pound smoker king in the early AM and weighed in at 2 PM, and were the 2025 CKC Champs when the weigh-in closed at 5 PM. Second place went to Team Long Shot with a 42.4-pounder, third place went to team Blue Pring with a 24.6-pounder, fourth place went to Lady Angler abourd Sea Scaper with a 17.7-pound king, and fifth place went to The Drum with their 14.4-pound king mackerel. Congrats to the Top Five in tough conditions!

To read my feature article in the Post and Courier click on Tideline. To view past entries from CKC click on 2024.

To view past entries from Hooked on Miracles King tourney click on 2025 - 2024 - 2023 - 2016 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

To view past blog entries form the Gov Cup click on 2025 - 2024 - 2023-  2022-  2021- 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

2025 Gamekeepers - Summer / Planting For Ducks

Planning for the next waterfowl season begins with letting the water off of last year’s crops in order to dry out the ground. Getting soil samples ensures the right balance of fertilizer required for whatever the next crop will be. Ordering seed and balancing one’s budget are the next decisions, coming in quick succession. A repetition of planting is a gamekeeper’s friend when it comes to attracting migratory waterfowl, and learning to adjust those plans to the climate conditions each year is a learned skill that will pay dividends when it comes to ducks.

To read this feature article in Gamekeepers Magazine click on Planting For Ducks.

To view past stories from Mossy Oak Gamekeepers click on 2025 Crappie Spring Tactics - 2024 Ducks Around Landmark Lakes - 2024 Mallard DNA - 2024 Quail Habitat Philosophy -  2024 Fence It In -  2024 Reforestation -  2024 Predator Control- 2023 Wild Turkey Decline - 2022 Managing Duck Impoundments - 2021 Regional Wood Duck Study -  Fall 2021- Summer 2021 - Winter 2020- Spring 2020 - Fall 2017- Spring 2016 - Winter 2016 - Fall 2015 - Summer 2015 - Spring 2015 - Winter 2015 - Fall 2014 - Summer 2014 - Spring 2014 - Winter 2013 

2025 Redcliffe Plantation - State Historic Site

Although Redcliffe Plantation has been around since 1859, it underwent some remodeling my Mother Nature in 2024 due to strong winds from Hurricane Helene. Almost the entire row of mature hardwood trees along the property line now lay on the ground dead, and one of only two remaining slave cabins was crushed beneath a fallen oak tree. However the big house built up on a hill weathered the storm just fine, made with quality materials and craftsmanship by a wealthy landowner family that did not need to spare any expense. The historic house is now filled with artifacts and can only be viewed while taking a tour with an S.C. State Parks docent, and offers an informative look into past life at Redcliffe.

To view past blog entries from S.C. State Parks click on Givhans Ferry State Park - Cheraw State Park -  Hickory Knob State Park - Edisto Beach - Huntington Beach - Myrtle Beach - Hampton Plantation - Barnwell / Tornado - Hunting Island

2025 Edisto Billfish - DayMaker Wins; Claytime Wins Series

Daymaker Wins 2025 Edisto Billfish

A charter boat based out of Charleston named Daymaker wins the 2025 Marina at Edisto Billfish Invitational. A 58-foot B & B owned and Captained by Bobby Krivohlavik, they managed to release three blue marlin and seven sailfish, just ahead of second place finisher Showtime with eleven sailfish releases. 

Crowds at 2025 Edisto Billfish

Third Place at Edisto went to Claytime, which also propelled them to the title of Best Billfish Boat for the 2025 S.C. Governor's Cup Series, finishing just ahead of Bull Pen. The Claytime is a 60-foot B & D Sportfisher and overall they released seven blue marlin and 23 sailfish during the 2025 Series.

To view past blog entries from Edisto Billfish click on 2024 - 2023-  2022-  2021- 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

2025 Deveaux Bank Excursion

A sandy spit just off of Seabrook Island and at the mouth of the North Edisto River has been in existence for decades and is now protected as a seabird sanctuary.

July 9 photo of Deveaux bank by Alan Fink

The Seabrook Island Birders have supported shorebird research by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) on their beaches, and they partnered with the Coastal Expeditions Foundation for an educational sunset boat ride to Deveaux Bank on July 9. This trip was scheduled by Capt. Chris Crolley to coincide during a full moon flood tide when the seabirds would be concentrated on high ground.

To view the feature article in the Post and Courier click on Tideline. 

2025 Hooked On Miracles - Team Pole Dancer Wins

2025 Top Ten King Mackerel

The Hooked On Miracles (HOM) King Mackerel Tournament is turning five years old, and the all-volunteer board continues to build a charitable relationship with MUSC's Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. They are building relations with the fishing community too, and gearing up to host their big event from July 17-19, 2025.

Sarah Jones is a board member for Hooked on Miracles. "We started this tournament in 2019, and between the captain’s meeting, sponsor party, fishing day and cleanup, the tournament weekend is a labor of love for all of us,” said Jones. “New for 2025 Hooked On Miracles is funding a coordinator for the new STAR program, or School Transition And Re-entry. STAR helps kids keep up with school work, since cancer patients could be in the hospital for weeks or even months. The STAR program will help procure school supplies as well, and the new coordinator starts on July 14 and she will attend the fishing tournament too.”

Team Benchmark Mortgage Places 
Two Kings in the Top Ten

To read the feature article in The Post and Courier click on Tideline. 

To view past blog entries from Hooked On Miracles click on 2024 - 2023

To view past blog entries from Fishing For Miracles click 2016 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

2025 N.C. Trout Waters Assessment Underway

Green River at damaged pump house

While residents of Western North Carolina continue to recover after the devastation from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, state officials are looking at how the catastrophic storm impacted local fish and wildlife.

Of specific interest is how the mountain trout fisheries are recovering from the torrential amount of rain that fell. It turns out that some of the trout survived the flooding, and their dispersion is fairly good, although overall trout numbers remain down.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) began assessing all trout waters in January 2025 and while most streams were able to be stocked this year, a few public mountain trout waters were not stocked due to a variety of conditions, from changes in the terrain to the accessibility for anglers.

Pacolet River reconstruction July 2025

To view the entire feature story in the Post and Courier click on Tideline. 

To view a past blog entry about the N.C. Fly Fishing click Jackson County or Hazel Creek, Smokies or Rivercourse.

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on SC7 Expedition -  July Saltwater Fishing Report -  Summer Sailstice -  Huk Charleston Cobia Cup - Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic - SC Coastal Fishing Guides / Release Over 20 - June Saltwater Forecast - SC Blue Marlin Invitational - Veterans Catfishing - Mother's Day Gift Guide - SCDNR Director - May '25 Outdoors Calendar -  Shorebird Stewards   April Saltwater Fishing -  Turkey Season Gear - Spring Conservation Calendar -  Edisto Flora and Fauna -  Horseshoe Crab Research -  Bird Banding Conference - ACE Basin Refuge -  2025 SE Wildlife Expo - S.C. Master Naturalist