April 2014 Outdoor Options are Readily Available

Mature bald eagle and immature bald eagle over the Daniel Island Golf Club on April 1

The month of April is bursting at the seams with outdoor options including events scheduled due to our pleasant Spring weather. Whereas other activities are served up by Mother Nature, April 1 marks the beginning of turkey season on state-managed lands across the entire state of South Carolina. Tennis in Charleston, Golf in Hilton Head, Birding on Edisto Island and Criterium Bike Racing in Walterboro are all coming in April.

Some April traditions are unlike any other!!

The first weekend in April brings a double-header of outdoor options in Charleston with the Cooper River Bridge Run and the finals of the Family Circle Cup. You don’t have to race in the Bridge Run to attend the festivities all day long in Marion Square Park. You  can be there simply to support the those who will be racing. The final matches for the Family Circle Cup will be played on Saturday and Sunday at the stadium court on Daniel Island.

The ACE Basin branch of the Quality Deer Management Association will hold their annual conservation banquet at the Walterboro armory on April 11. QDMA found Joe Hamilton lives in Hendersonville and this particular banquet is special to locals who remember when the QDMA organization was based solely in Walterboro. 

April 10 - 13 marks the return of Charleston Race Week - perhaps the largest regatta on the East Coast and always a top notch sailing event.

The Masters is the premiere event in men’s pro golf, and after the first major of the year is concluded at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National, the tour players converge on Hilton Head Island. The RBC Heritage golf tournament runs April 17 – 20 and is as much a social affair as it is a golf tournament. The boats at Harbour Town marina add a coastal flair to the Sea Pines golf course the finishes with Hole No. 18 along Caliboque Sound. The short game is important on this short and narrow golf course, so  players with dramatic shot-making skills will always have a chance to slip on the plaid jacket.

The Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) will hold their annual Spring Migratory Bird Watch, the same day the pro golfers and making birdies down at Hilton Head. EIOLT members will meet at 8 a.m. and join ornithologist Dr. Sid Gauthreaux and biologist Carol Belser to seek out neotropical migratory songbirds. With the daylight cycle lengthening it is a great time to kick the winter blues and get outside!

To view this article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

2014 Family Circle Cup - Terrific Tennis on Tuesday

Venus Williams lines up a winner on Tuesday

Daniela Hantuchova lost this call, but won her match

The 2014 Family Circle Cup features the top player in the world in Serena Williams, but the FCC fans were treated to some great matches during Tuesday before her 7 p.m. opening match. The day began with a 10 a.m. duel on center court between hometown gal Shelby Rogers and WTA-tested Daniela Hantuchova. Rogers came out with the better start and quickly got ahead in the first set, but the hometown crowd was thin early and too quiet. The first set turned when Hantuchova hit a serve down the centerline and though it was called out, she called for the chair umpire to look. While she lost that call, the incident gave her new energy and she came back to win the first set. She began a routine of hopping up and down and practicing her strokes in the air, which somehow translated into better play. Whereas Rogers wanted to match ground stroke for ground stroke, Hantuchova began to mix in some drop shots and play a better all around game. Rogers did hold a lead in the second set at 3 games to 2, but Hantuchova hit a shot that clipped the net and the sideline while at deuce, propelling her to win the game and the match at 7-5, 7-5. Hantuchova is through to the next round to meet Grace Min.

Zhang of China powered to victory on Tuesday - C'Mon!

Meanwhile, over at the Althea Gibson court the 10 a.m. match was still going on between Zhang of China and Hsieh. It was an absolute slugfest that was played under sunny and warm conditions. They went back and forth, evenly matched through two sets with Zhang winning a second set tiebreaker. Then they traded shots until they reached a third and final set tiebreaker. Just then the heat seemed to affect Hsieh who suddenly crouched down and called for a trainer. She bravely toed the line soon after for the tiebreak, but Zhang beat her 7 - 0 to win the match 3-6, 7-6, 7-6. Zhang plays a spirited game and after every winner she pumps her fist and yells - C'MON !!

M.C. Andrew Krasny introduces
singing legend Gladys Knight 

Back at Center Court it was Venus Williams who needed three sets to vanquish Barbora Zahlavova. Williams played her slow and methodical game that she has brought to the Family Circle Cup in previous years, and that fans love her. Some told me that they would forego lunch so that they could support Venus. She needed that support to complete a thrilling third set and win the match 3-6, 6-0, 5-7. Williams next opponent will be Chanele Scheepers.

In other develpments, past Champion and birthday girl (now 30) Sam Stosur needed three sets to advance. In the night match a SHOCKER
came when No. 1 seed Serena Williams was soundly defeated in straight sets.

And to top off a terrific Tuesday, including Chamber of Commerce weather, singing legend Gladys Knight was in the crowd. With her song 'Midnight Train to Georgia' playing in the background, the FCC fans gave her a round of applause and she showed them some love in return by standing and waving. You can watch live tennis on ESPN3 this week and watch scores at Family Circle Cup.


To view past blog entries from the Family Circle Cup click here: 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009

Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report - 4/1/2014

Fishing Report for the Coastal Lowcountry of South Carolina:

Conservationists practice Tag and Release fishing

Charleston Inshore: Scott Hammond at Haddrell's Point West dares to compare this spring with his past recollections and judges by the pollen count alone we have entered a time when the saltwater fishing begins to ramp up! First, the redfish break out of their large winter schools and scatter out in smaller pods of fish, often defined by their size. Meaning, the smaller fish go their way, and the larger fish stick together and head to another location, and they are all seeking structure for the promise of food, but also for safety from marauding dolphins. Trout reports have gradually been on the way up, but that's up from rock bottom, with maybe 5 to 10-specks per trip now. The silver lining is that a few 18 to 22-inch trout have ben in the bag - and with any luck we'll have some Gator Trout to report soon. Flounder reports will remain scattered until the water temp is consistently about 65-degrees, but they will be staging at the inlets waiting for the time to push back into their inshore haunts. Scott is excited about the new Live Target shrimp and Yo-Zuri topwater baits he just got in, so be sure to stop by and ask him about fishing and / or turkey season too. For all the latest seminar information visit the Internet at Haddrell's Point.

Beaufort Inshore: Craig at Buck, Bass and Beyond states that the redfish bite is holding steady along the mud flats and in the tidal creeks. Use mud minnows under a popping cork or on a Carolina rig. Some fish are being caught on plastics like the Zman halo graphic shrimp, saltwater assassin gray ghost and D.O.A. Cal lures in natural colors. The trout are really scarce but a few have been spotted next to deep drop-offs. Only a few flounder are being caught, and most of those are 'by accident.' Craig went with Nathan and Griff on a bow-fishing expedition and can report lights-out shooting that enabled them to limit out on redfish using a Parker crossbow in the 35-pound range. Visit Craig at their indoor archery range in the shop and ask about how to get started in the great sport of bowfishng. For more store information visit Buck, Bass and Beyond.

Read my Bass Pro blog about SKA

Offshore: Craig begins with the black sea bass and sheepshead bite staying hot nearshore, with a few flounder mixed in. Use a Carolina rig baited with oysters, clams or fiddlers. A pro tip is that the main reef structure may not hold all the fish, so remember to fish some satellite pieces too where there has been less fishing pressure. In the bluewater, wahoo are a lock when you can find some 70-degree water temps. Word has it that the wahoo, blackfin tuna, amberjack and bonita can be found on the triple ledge - and an early bird mahi was mixed in with a weedline was. For wahoo, speed-troll a red and black lure, for tuna fish WAY back especially early in the morning, and for reef donkey's just hold on for dear life! The man in the blue suit may make his appearance soon as well - but until then drop a line down for vermillion snapper or triggerfish, since they are both hungry for some squid.

Scott says that YEP it's finally that time, and that trolling reports are on the up-swing with solid reports of blackfin tuna and wahoo coming in from the ledge, especially along the southwest banks and outcrop areas. Cedar plugs and small skirted ballyhoo are your No Fail baits for blackfin, especially when fished 100 to 200-yards behind the boat. Some wahoo will hit this same spread, but switch to high-speed trolling for larger HOO at the ledge using Black Bart Sal Candy lures, Braid speedsters and Iland lures. Scott has ballyhoo by Bionic, Baitmasters and Teaser brand at the ready.

To view past blog entries from the Lowcountry Saltwater Fishing Report click here.

Talkin' Turkey in Georgia's Goin' South

Click for more on this
double-bearded gobbler

Spring 2014 issue

There sure is a lot of talk associated with the spring turkey season. Turkey season opened in Georgia on March 22, and I was fortunate to hunt at Spring Bank Plantation. The Lowcountry's Game Zone 6 season began on March 15, when I attended a special youth turkey hunt. And the rest of S.C. is set to hunt on April 1 - and that's No Joke! Also, the state WMA properties that are open for public turkey hunting will be open for the month of April. Strutting toms and an increase in gobbling activity are all a part of the first two weeks in April, producing more opportunities for sportsmen in both states to get a taste of the REAL March Madness.

To view past blog entries about Georgia's Goin' South click 2013, 2012 or 2011.

2014 Bahamas Billfish Championship - New Fishing Format and President

Big blue marlin at the transom during the 2013 BBC

After completing its 40th season of competitive billfishing in 2013, the Bahamas Billfish Championship (BBC) continues to evolve. The 2014 series will consist of four tournaments equally spread across the months of May and June, with each event focusing on the renowned fishing grounds of the Abacos.

New tourney President and director Jennifer Dudas has been with the BBC for 21 years already, and should bring a steady hand to their long term tradition of quality. “First I want to thank Al Behrendt for producing the Bahamas Billfish Championship for the past 20 years,” said Dudas. “The first-hand knowledge I learned from him, plus my own passion for offshore fishing, will give me the tools to take the BBC to the next level.”

“We will begin a slight format change in 2014 with a reduction in fishing days,” said Dudas. “We will discontinue the practice of a lay day, where competitors choose which day to stay in port during the BBC. So now everyone will be fishing for three days in a row, which will streamline our tournament.” This move also gives businessmen who typically own these sportfishers another day in the office to work.

Second Place at the 2013 BBC goes to Blue Sy from S.C.

One such angler is Greg Smith of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina who will travel to fish in the Bahamas Billfish Challenge opener at Guana Cay on May 7. “We fished this same tournament in 2013 and had a blast,” said Smith, who owns a 56-foot Viking named Blue Sky. “We ended up taking second place and doing pretty well in the calcutta, but the intangibles are what made us decide to come back in 2014.”

The tournament schedule for each event begins with a Captain’s meeting on Wednesday night, followed by three days fishing from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. An awards banquet on Saturday night will recognize the top anglers and serve to round out the tournament scene that anglers, their families and tourists will take part in. The 2014 dates begin in Guana Cay on May 7 – 10, and upon completion of the four events the overall winners will be recognized at the final Saturday awards banquet on June 21.

To view the feature article in the April issue click on All At Sea.

To view past blog entries about fishing on the Blue Sky click here.

Elco Cruisette Still Generates Nautical Memories

My image of the Annalee is on the cover of the March issue

The Electric Launch Company, later shortened to Elco yachts, was in operation from 1893 to 1949 building classic wooden boats. They are known for their handsome interior woodwork and handsome lines. Stepping onto an Elco does provide a tangible connection to boating’s history and makes for a head-turning boat ride too.

            

Vintage Voyages is a boutique business in Beaufort, S.C. using the Elco for sunset cruises, wedding occasions and more. “We specialize in intimate cruising experiences with between two and six people,” said Mare Deckard. “We used to live on Lake Norman near Charlotte, N.C. and loved to sail and powerboat. Then we moved to Beaufort in 1999 so that my husband could run a charter fishing business.”

            

Captain Tim Deckard pilots the Elco when she is chartered and Mare rides along for each cruise as well. “In order for the Captain to remain focused while at the helm, I will take care of all the service duties while underway,” said Mare Deckard. “This includes photography, cleaning afterwards or perhaps decorating the boat for a special occasion. I especially love to dress up the yacht with wedding bells and white lace when we are providing one of our bridal deliveries.”

            

A couple enjoys the Elco Cruisette at sunset

With a max speed of 10-knots after repowering with an electric motor, the Annalee is willing to travel around Beaufort to provide dock-to-dock custom cruises, but they are not suited for long trips. “This is a unique vessel and we are very hands on with her,” said Captain Tim. “She has had only five owners in her history and we only found a handful of companies that offer any insurance for this type of craft.”

            

So what type of experiences can one order up while in Beaufort? How about a sunset cruise under the Dock and Dine model, where the Annalee goes to a restaurant that brings the food to the boat. A small table on the aft is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or maybe even a sunset cocktail. The Annalee does not serve alcohol, but spirits can be brought aboard by approved caterers and restaurants, or customers may bring their own bottle. The Annalee is open-air so dress accordingly for the temperature on the water.

            

To view the feature article in its entirety click on All At Sea.

To view past blog entries on Tall Ships click on Spirit of Carolina - 2009 Charleston Harborfest

To view past blog entries about classic wooden boats click Grace- Aphrodite - Osprey -Windy - Hinckley

Spring Bank Plantation - Opening Day Turkey Hunt

Turkey Rock overlooks the Cave Field

Mature gobbler with longbeard and snood

The terrain in the foothills of North Georgia is quite different from the Lowcountry and so are the turkey hunting tactics. The pre-planning for the March 22 opening day hunt for wild turkey at Spring Bank Plantation included prescribed fire and lots of scouting. Wet weather may have hampered the start to the S.C. turkey season, but the Georgia forecast for longbeard success was more reliable.

            

Spring Bank Manager Lyle McClure and Guide Rusty Gwin

Visiting Spring Bank Plantation in Bartow County I spoke with manager Lyle McClure the afternoon before our hunt. The Georgia Forestry Commission was on site and the quail woods were on fire according to the property’s management plan. “We have plenty of turkey hunts booked for our season which runs until May 15,” said McClure. “I expect the turkeys will move from the north end of our 1800-acres over into this burned section before too long.”

            

“It will be daylight here about 7:20 tomorrow, and I’ll have you meet your guide at 6:30 at the clubhouse,” said McClure. “Rusty Gwin and I go way back in terms of turkey hunting and you’ll be in good hands with him.” I could only agree since he had been my guide for a Spring Bank quail hunt on a previous visit. Rusty Gwin is a full-time firefighter for Bartow County and is a hunting guide on his days off. When Gwin broke out his smart phone and showed me a topographical map of the hunting area and pinpointed that we would begin by setting up on a nearby hilltop, I knew I was in for something completely different.

            

“I roosted a gobbler yesterday evening and he is past the hilltop, so we will set up there and call to him,” said Gwin. “A turkey in this area prefers to use the advantage of height to leverage his keen eyesight, and this is one of the first tactics I learned while turkey hunting with Lyle’s father as a youth.” Despite a near silent ascent of the hilltop and a picturesque set up, that roosted tom gobbled once and left the area quickly that morning. Gwin and I both knew that we were now entering Plan B territory.

            

At daybreak we had heard another tom articulate a triple gobble from his roost tree when the vocalizations from a flock of Canada geese caused him to shock gobble.

Georgia Forestry Comm. on station at Spring Bank Plantation

 With no leaves on the hardwoods due to winter, and with the gobbler at the same level on the adjacent hillside, this added dimension of topography increases the challenge in the chess match between turkey and hunter when learning these foothills. Moving on to the next hilltop in pursuit of our prize, we soon bumped a full strut tom that scurried off over the ridge upon seeing us. Only a quiet confidence kept our spirits up after this second disappointing encounter with a gobbler.

            

Continuing on to the crest of the hilltop, Gwin used his Redhead optics to glass the Cave Field roughly 80-yards below our position. He told me to set up on a nearby tree since he spied a flock of hens, and used his Woodhaven mouth call for a series of yelps. A gobbler answered quickly and began coming towards our position, with Gwin spotting him first and instructing me to be ready. Going in and out of full strut during his approach, the tom hung up at 25-paces. At 8:37 a.m. I closed the deal on my first Georgia turkey hunt, and the gobbler weighed 20-pounds and sported a nine-inch beard.

            

To view this feature article in the newspaper click Colletonian.

To view past blog entries from Spring Bank Plantation click for quail or pheasant.