2013 BTT Lowcountry Tarpon tourney

George Douglas, Capt. Robert Mayer and Spencer Faw

2013 Event Flier

BTT's Dr. Aaron Adams and Dr. Jerry Ault

The fourth annual Lowcountry Tarpon tourney put on by the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT) was fished September 13 and 14 out of Georgetown. Seventeen boats entered the event that is growing in recognition. Over the two days of fishing a total of four tarpon were caught and released by three boats. Congrats to Captain Robert Mayer who guided his crew aboard a 22-foot Scout to release two tarpon on Friday, good enough to win the event. George Douglas and Spencer Faw each released one tarpon when the fish began to bite around mid-day. The first tarpon ate a 12-inch mullet fished on top, and the 80-pound fish was leadered as a legal release after only a five-minute fight. The next tarpon ate a 4-inch mullet on top, and the 140-pound silver king was at the boat for a legal release after a one-hour fight. Mayer kept the tarpon on the line and called for Dr. Jerry Ault to bring and apply a satellite tag to this large specimen. Upon arriving, the tarpon broke off the fishing line, and the best hope for tagging a tarpon during the 2013 tourney was dashed. The first tarpon release of the tourney was handled by organizer Cheech Castellvi, fishing with Jay Nelson and Captain Douglas Miller. The release was completed by 7:30 a.m. and this trio has the distinction of releasing a tarpon in back-to-back years of the tourney. Captain J.R. Waites guided angler Scott Lanzon to a tarpon release on Friday as well, going one for three on hook-ups. With a Northeasterly wind blowing on Saturday as the first cool front of fall settled in, the tarpon bite diminished and no hook-ups were recorded. An awards dinner and raffle was held at Land’s Inn restaurant in Georgetown, and Georgetown Landing Marina served as host for the 2013 tourney.

S.C. Sen. Chip Campsen talks tarpon conservation

This is the same group of conservation minded anglers that helped propose the new tarpon law in S.C.

To view past blog entries from the Lowcountry Tarpon tourney click here.