Fripp Island tournament brings end to summer season

The 19th annual Fripp Island Kingfish Tournament closed the summer fishing season last weekend, and the fish were cooperating, which made the event that much better.

Captain Tom Ogle and the crew of Carolina Dreaming took top prize with a 22.2-pound kingfish. Second went to Captain Hamp Manning and the Sweet Deal, and third was Captain David Tilton and the Full Tilt.

Captain Bill Turbeville and the crew of 3 Kings had the top Spanish mackerel, an impressive three-pounder taken off Fripp Island.

The next Fripp Island tournament will be Nov. 6-7, the Inshore tournament, followed by the Nov. 27 annual Kids Thanksgiving tournament.

FAMILY FISHING WINNERS

High seas from Hurricane Bill caused the 13th annual Family Fishing Tournament to be moved to Aug. 23. Out of the 13 captains participating, eight of their crews weighed in a total of 24 fish. The winners:

• Black sea bass: Frank Gibson, My Time Out, 1.2 pounds

• Bluefish: Mike Linker, Jean Rae, 1.2 pounds

• Flounder: Mike Linker, Jean Rae, 1.98 pounds

• King mackerel: None

• Sheepshead: Mike Linker, Jean Rae, 4.06 pounds

• Spanish mackerel: Murray Steen, Sole Mate, 2.26 pounds

• Red drum: Bo von Harten, A+B, 4.8 pounds

• Spotted seatrout: Eri Swierkowski, The Ranger, 1.98 pounds

• Barracuda: Frank Gibson, My Time Out, 15.76 pounds

• Fly fishing: David Cargile (bluefish), 0.26 pounds

• Outstanding youth angler: Kane Thorp, My Time Out

• Outstanding female angler: Phyllis Gibson, My Time Out

• Outstanding boat: Jean Rae, Capt. Mike Linker

HHISFC MEETING

The next meeting of the Hilton Head Island Sportfishing Club is Tuesday at the HHI Yacht Club-Palmetto Bay Marina. The scheduled program will be presented by commercial diver Mike Majors and will deal with the lionfish invasion of our coastal waters. Also on the agenda will be Al Stokes from the Waddell Mariculture Center, who will have tips for the adult red drum season.

The program begins at 7 p.m. Guests are welcome and no reservations are needed. For information, call Dave Harter at 843-785-4106.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

As much as I hate to admit it, I have not kept up with the most recent rules and regulation changes prescribed by the SC Department of Natural Rescources. Usually, I scan over those that apply to me and the species I intend to pursue. But things have a way of getting out of control very easily. What was once right is now wrong, what was wrong is now right. Somehow, it all comes down to doing what's right and avoiding fines and penalties. And this is one area where ignorance of the law can cost you privileges -- as well as making your wallet a bit lighter.

I will list a summary of some of the important items. Use this as you would a training aid, and do your homework. Get a copy of the latest rules and regulations and stay on the right side of the law. These changes are for the 2009-10 season.

If you aren't confused by now, you could easily be lost if you read the corrections line by line. For instance, the following is from a recent press release: "The 2009-2010 Rules and Regulations booklet is printed after the legislative session, but prior to some late legislation or regulation changes and is provided for information only. Changes will be publicized as any new legislation is passed. Discrepancies between the booklet and any statute or regulation shall be governed by the statute or regulation." Simply stated, you had better not leave anything to chance.

Here are some key items:

• Under the "Still Hunting" column on the "Marsh Area" row, the following was changed to reflect the year as 2010: During deer hunts and Mar. 1-20, May 2-Aug. 28, 2010 (Thurs. -Sat.)... other hunt times and dates are reflected in similar form... read and review all that apply.

• Size & Catch Limits for Saltwater Fish: This is where things get a bit tricky and are easily taken for granted. Don't make the mistake of being over limit or undersized. Look for these changes:

• Vermillion Snapper -- 5 per person per day (all waters) (recreational) Season: April 1-Oct. 31 (Season Closed: Nov. 1-March 31).

• "Grouper & Tilefish Combinations" has been changed to read: 3 per person per day from this group; no more than 1 Gag or Black Groupers or more than 1 Snowy Grouper or Golden Tilefish may be included in total (state & federal waters).

• "Sea Bass, Grouper & Tilefish" under the Seasons/Restrictions -- May 1-Dec. 31 (Season Closed: Jan. 1-April 30).

• "Sea Bass, Grouper & Tilefish" under the Seasons/Restrictions column on the row of Scamp, Red, Yellowfin & Yellowmouth Groupers, the following was changed: Season: May 1-Dec. 31 (Season Closed: Jan. 1-April 30).

• Under the Seasons/Restrictions column on the row of Coney Grasby, Red Hind, Tiger Groupers, the following was changed: Season: May 1-Dec. 31 (Season Closed: Jan. 1-April 30)

• Under species table -- "Crab & Shellfish Methods & Devices" in the Seasons/Restrictions column on the row of Crab Pots (Traps), the following was changed: No crab trap or pot may be set within 200 yards of a public boat landing or launching area or set so as to be left dry at low tide. (This change was implemented to correct an error in the document.)

OVERLOOKED FACT

Regarding the fishing industry's impact on the economy: South Carolina's natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state's economy.

REMINDER

The 2009 shrimp baiting season opened at noon Friday. The 2009-10 season for harvesting oysters and clams will open Oct. 1.