Want to get better at fishing on the Grand Strand? This unique opportunity could help
Winter has arrived, fishing seminar season is in full swing, and Rayburn Poston, founder and operator of the Student Angler League Tournament Trail, has put one together that is as local as it gets.
Rayburn will have three stages in action at once next Saturday, Feb. 1 at St. James Intermediate School, with the seminars running from 9 a.m. to noon.
Local experts will touch on subjects from the backwaters of the inlets to the bluewater of the Gulf Stream on the saltwater scene, plus all aspects of bass fishing on area rivers and lakes.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to prepare yourself for the fishing season by learning from some of the best people in the area about how to fish precisely our area,” said Poston. “And the guys will be available all day if you want to grab them and talk to them. It’s almost like a meet and greet.”
Following are details of the seminars set for all three stages:
- Estuary/Inshore: 9 a.m.: Mike Eady and Johnny Wigfall, www.yakoutdoorguides.com, Artificial Lures. 9:30 a.m.: Chris Edmonds, www.tailsupmb.com, Red Drum. 10 a.m.: Chris Ossman, www.finecatchcharters.com, Trout. 11 a.m.: Dan Connolly, www.ofishalexpeditions.com, Black Drum. 11:30 a.m.: Adam Goodwin, www.tidechaser.net, Flounder. Noon: Jason Burton and Nick Wofford, www.mifcfishingcharters.com, Paradise Reef Fishing.
- Ocean/Offshore: 9 a.m.: Al Ciorciara, www.bragandreleasefishing.com, Snapper and Triggerfish. 9:30 a.m.: Jay Baisch, www.fishthinkguide.com, Nearshore Sheepshead. 10 a.m.: Lee Thomas, Fish On Charters, Trolling For Dolphin and Tuna. 11 a.m.: Chris Reagan, www.mifcfishingcharters.com, Offshore Grouper. 11:30 a.m.: Tommy Werner, www.murrellsinletoutlawfishing.com, Nearshore Trolling For Kings. Noon: Chuck Lewis, Murrells Inlet Outpost, Trolling For Wahoo.
- Bass: 9 a.m.: Rickey Wood, Coastal Carolina Bass Team, Crankbaits. 9:30 a.m.: Caleb Hartley, www.carolinahookandline.com, Fishing Transition Points With Soft Plastics. 10 a.m.: Andrew Young, FLW Professional, Hard Jerkbaits. 11 a.m.: Phantom Outdoors, www.phantomoutdoors.com, Jigs. 11:30 a.m.: Cole Drummond w/Capt. Englis Glover and Tony Carter, Cole Drummond Fishing, Off Water Tournament Prep. Noon: Drummond, Glover, Carter, Bass Fishing.
The local captains and experts are donating their time and fishing expertise to benefit Rayburn’s SALTT, which features divisions for red drum and largemouth bass with middle and high school anglers competing in each event throughout the school year.
Tickets are $20 each with students admitted free of charge. College students should bring ID. St. James Intermediate School is located at 9641 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach.
Aside from the seminars, the event will feature a silent auction and numerous raffle packages.
“We’re giving away over $500 in prizes just to the kids that are going to be in the bass session,” said Poston. “Your (admission) ticket doubles as a raffle ticket for a charter trip with Capt. Jason Burton (of Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters).”
For more information, contact Poston at 843-902-4274.
Flounder
Regional and state-wide studies conducted in 2019 indicated a significant decline in the population of flounder in the Southeast from North Carolina to Florida. Thus, anglers are expecting stricter regulations to be approved on the popular flatfish in South Carolina along with North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Exactly when any new regulations will be put in place has yet to be determined.
Currently, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources staff are considering management options to decrease the number of flounder removed from the population. The limits on flounder in South Carolina waters currently are 10 per person per day with a boat limit of 20 per day, with a 15-inch minimum size limit.
Anglers who target flounder are encouraged to provide input by participating in an online survey. The survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2V2VRV5.
Look for more details on the developing flounder situation in upcoming columns.