Fishing has slowed considerably. There are a number of species still in search of the hook, but targeted species are more a hit-and-miss proposition.

At this point, the transition phase has become a dominant factor in fishing success. The recent high winds, rains and storm front that moved through our area last week have forced a new approach. Waters are cloudy and tidal reaches remain unpredictable.

Most efforts of flats fishermen remain futile, however, offshore fishing has provided a mixed bag of species. The same weather patterns that hampered inshore anglers seem to have improved conditions for those over big waters.

Spanish and king mackerel, wahoo, a few large but scattered dolphin and some excellent bottom fishing have been the call over the last few days. As cooler temperatures begin to move through the region, conditions look promising for the Labor Day weekend. A scan of past log entries show similar conditions in the mid 90s. And after the winds and rain, a span of two weeks showed some of the best fishing was yet to come.

EVENTS/MEETINGS

Fallen Members Fishing Invitational, Bluffton MRS 1-B: The annual Bluffton Marine Rescue Squad fishing tournament is set for Sept. 17. The captains meeting will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Sept 16, at the MRS hut, which is located at 38 Confederate Avenue in Bluffton.

The tournament makes a donation to the Waddell Mariculture Center.

For more information on the tournament, call Bobby Heslin at 843-816-0213 or Bill Ludwig at 843-422-5881.

Sea Island Fly Fishers: The Sea Island Fly Fishers will hold a meeting at 6 p.m., Sept. 14, at Bay Street Outfitters in Beaufort. Following a social hour, the program will feature Capt. Tuck Scott speaking on "Match the Hatch (Salt Water)." Scott, the head guide at Bay Street Outfitters, will discuss how fish see prey and why different flys work in different seasons and conditions.

There is no charge and the club welcomes anyone interested in the sport, especially beginners. Future club programs and events will include fly-only tournaments, casting clinics, kayak fishing, wade fishing, picnics, fishing videos and wildlife conservation.

Go to www.flyfishingbeaufort.com for more information, or call Jack Baggette at 843-522-8911.

Beaufort Sportfishing Diving Club: The Beaufort Sportfishing Diving Club's monthly meeting will be held Sept. 8 at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club located off of Meridian Road on Lady's Island. The social begins at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7. The club's Female Angler of the Year, Carol Currin, will be the guest speaker. Her topic will be inshore fishing from a female perspective and what is expected of your fishing partner. Guests are welcomed.

For more information, call Capt. Frank Gibson at 843-522-2020.

CLOSING THOUGHT

Many beginning anglers believe the act of fishing is synonymous with how many fish are caught. These new entries are merely playing a numbers game, a futile quest. For those more tempered, the practice of catch-and-release proves this point.

Today, a new awareness shows the sport to be a matter of quality over quantity. Matching wits with a lesser vertebrate using a fly or artificial lure is unparalled. Fishing a new body of water offers unequaled excitement. And going one on one with a long-sought gamefish is adrenaline ecstasy.

With each new fisherman comes change -- this is a known constant. However, the veteran angler knows, it is the spirit of the quest that truly matters.