McClellanville Outdoors

Winter Fishing in the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge

2009-01-08T19:27:00Z

When the weather turns cold the fishing doesn't stop. For me the hard part is finding time to get out on the water since it gets dark at 6:00, it doesn't leave time for afternoon trips. I have managed to get out a few times. All reports are that trout fishing is great when you find the schools. A sunny day with high tide starting to fall, fish over oyster rocks. They will bite gulp shrimp under a cork, or throw a grub.

When the water is cold, the reds school up. On the last trip, we saw a school about 1/4 mile long. They are very sluggish though. They only thing they would bite was live minnows. Even if you have mud minnows it is hard to get them to bite.

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Francis Marion National Forest Clean Up

2009-01-08T18:58:00Z

Volunteers are needed for clean up of the Francis Marion National Forest, as part of Palmetto Pride Clean Up Day. Interested participants are asked to meet at 5821 Hwy 17 N in Awendaw at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center. Registration is from 8-9 am on February 7, 2009.

For more information call 877-725-7733.

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Recent Articles in the Post and Courier

2008-11-22T16:15:00Z

There has been good news about the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest lately. We all could use some good news for a change. There are a lot of folks working hard to protect the area and they should be commended. Here are some articles that were recently published in the Post and Courier.

A recent article in the Post and Courier: Banner Year for Sea Turtles

"The Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which usually holds the most nests in the state, had its second best season with 1,431 nests." Click here for more

Another recent Post and Courier Article: Two Deals to Protect Wildlife Habitat

"The Nature Conservancy has announced two deals protecting 2,260 acres of delicate forest and wetland habitats near the Francis Marion National Forest, the Santee Coastal Reserve and the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. " Click here for more

Sponsored by W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Hiking in the Francis Marion National Forest

2008-11-10T17:08:00Z

Now that it is fall and the we have cooler temperatures, it is a great time to hike in the Francis Marion National Forest. The leaves are changing, the snakes are hibernating, and there is plenty of wildlife to see. We took the kids and a good time just looking at the leaves, wild turkeys and other sites.

There is no hunting on Sunday, so that is when you will want to hike, or launch your kayak. Click here for a map.

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Ghosts in the Francis Marion National Forest

2008-10-28T16:17:00Z

It is almost Halloween, and I saw a recent article in the Berkeley Independent on Ghosts in the Francis Marion National Forest. It had me thinking of local ghost stories. I have heard a number of stories of the lighthouse keeper murdering his wife, and she haunts the Cape Romain Lighthouse.

I have camped there and didn't witness anything strange, but it is pretty spooky at night. As a teenager, we made a trip to the St. James Shantee Episcopal Church (Old Brick Church). I don't recommend this today, due to vandalism in the past, they frown on night time visitors.

We drove out and tried to scare each other sneaking around the church in the dark. When we got in the car to leave, it wouldn't start. It was a long walk back in the cold and darkness of Old Georgetown Rd. It turned out to be the alternator. I don't know if ghosts were punishing us for trespassing on this historic site, or if it was just a coincidence, but we didn't ever tempt fate again.

Malcolm
Sponsored by W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

The Josh Thomas Memorial CreekSlam Fishing Tournament Results

2008-10-07T16:58:00Z

On October 4th, 2008, Archibald Rutledge Academy held their 17th Annual Fishing Tournament, the Josh Thomas Memorial CreekSlam. It was a perfect day for fishing, light winds and mild temperatures. We had a record number of anglers, with over 200 people fishing in 85 boats. The fish were plentiful, so there were some big Trout and Flounder weighed in along with a number of 23" spot tails.

The results were as follows:

First place went to the father/son team of Steve and Bailey Chapman of Goose Creek. They weighed in a CreekSlam with the largest flounder at 4.8 lbs (one of two they brought in). There was a tie for first that was decided by total weight. Team Chapman won the tie breaker by total weight of 11.24 lbs. First prize was $2250.00

Everyone was excited that second place went to the tournament founder and the father of Josh Thomas, Dr. Joe Thomas who was fishing with his daughter Sally Thomas, his brother James Thomas of Denmark and Paul Guess of Denmark. They weighed in a CreekSlam with the first place spot tail at 5.32 lbs, (and a small flounder caught by Sally). Team Thomas had a total weight of 7.87 lbs. Second place prize was $1350.00.

Third place went to Bobby Tucker and Bill Shirer both of Georgetown. Third place prize was $900.

The first Josh Thomas "Big Fish" award, for a youth angler that weighs in the largest fish went to Richard Bazen. He caught and weighed in a 23" spot tail that weighed 5.30 lbs. He was awarded a plaque, $100, and new rod and reel combo provided by Haddrell's Point. The award was prensented by the Thomas family pictued below.

Archibald Rutledge Academy thanks everyone that participated, volunteered, sponsored and donated door prizes for making this the most successful year yet. We hope to see you all again next year.

Thanks to our generous sponsors:


W.P. Baldwin & Associates McClellanville Real Estate	CCE, Inc. Consulting Engineers www.ccecharleston.com
Bulls Bay Supply A Genuine one stop General Store	Carolina Seafood Retail Seafood Market
Family Medical Transport	Lowcounrty Medical Associates www.LMAMD.com
Prothro Chevrolet The Heartbeat of McClellanville www.prothrochevy.com	Pinckney Street Surf & Creek
	Berkeley Electric Cooperative

Article on the McClellanville/Awendaw area

2008-09-23T02:09:00Z

I came across some recent articles about the McClellanville and Awendaw areas. Here are some links:

Education opportunities at the Awendaw Raptor Center

National Trails Day in the Francis

Upcoming events at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Center

Letter from James McClellan on Preserving Natural Resources

Article on the state of Commercial Shrimping Industry

Shrimp Baiting

Fishing enthusiast check out www.charlestonfishing.com

If you see any articles or news feel free to share them with me.

Thanks,
Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Fee Free day in Francis Marion National Forest

2008-09-20T02:19:00Z

To celebrate National Public Lands Day, the Francis Marion National Forest will be fee free on both September 27th and 28th, 2008.

In an announcement, Forest Service Jerome Thomas said, "We want to thank those that support our national forest. We hope this fee-free day will encourage Americans to take advantage of their public lands for exercise and outdoor recreation pursuits, not only on these fee-free days, but also throughout the year."

The national forests in South Carolina stretch across the state from Walhalla to McClellanville and offer a variety of nature-based recreational opportunities such as hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV and dirt bike trail riding, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking or birding.

For more information about recreational opportunities on the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms .

Oystering in the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge

2008-08-25T18:43:00Z

With the hot temperatures, you wouldn't think it was almost time for oyster season again, but the season should be opening up around September 16th this year. As the fall temperatures drop, it will feel more like the time for oyster roasts. You can go to one of the seafood markets in McClellanville and get fresh local oysters soon. Carolina Seafood market (843) 887-3845 and Bulls Bay Seafood (843) 887-3519. If you want the experience of gathering oysters yourself, there are several public shell fish grounds in the Cape Romain Refuge. A saltwater fishing license is required to gather any shellfish. There is a limit of 2 bushels per person per day with a total limit of 6 per boat. Recreational use is limited to 2 times in a 7 day period (total of 4 bushels per person per week). Click here for a map of public shell fish beds. Beds are subject to closure at any time due to heavy rainfall or other potential contamination, so call (843) 953-0150 to check for status of public beds.
	Be sure not to gather oysters or clams on private leases. These shell fish are property of commercial fishermen that often spend considerable amounts of time and money planting and cultivating the leases as there only source of income. If you don't want to do the work for yourself, you can get someone else to cater your oyster roast. Walter Wrixon of Coastal Caterers specializes in putting on oyster roasts and Lowcounrty boils. Go to www.OysterRoasts.com for more info.
When you are done, be sure to recycle the shells. It helps the helps provide surface for new oyster beds insuring that they will be there next year. Click here for a maps of shell recycling locations.

Malcolm

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Birding in the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge

2008-08-21T01:51:00Z

The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge is a great place for Birders. You can take you boat or kayak out and explore on your own or try a guided trip like with Coastal Expeditions. There are birding groups like the Cape Romain Bird Observatory that have planned birding events along the coast of South Carolina.

You can see Wood Storks, Pelicans, Ducks, Terns, Oystercatchers, King Fishers, Herons, Loons, Gulls, Egrets and many different species. I saw a scissor tailed kite flying over Jeremy Creek this week, and not long ago saw a Bald Eagle down near the Santee River.

SCDNR goes to great links to preserve the nesting areas of the birds on the barrier islands. Because of this there is no camping allowed, and no dogs should be brought to the beach. Bring your binoculars and camera and respect the protected areas.

Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Aerial Photos of the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge

2008-07-07T21:32:00Z

My good friend Dr. Jerry Sexton, of Athena Technologies recently sent me some aerial photos of Cape Romain. He is a geologist and sedimentologist. He took these pictures during a geology lecture he was putting on. It was done at an extra low tide, so you can really see the shoals and sand bars.
Cape Island, you can see the lighthouse in the center of the picture.

Sandy Point at the mouth of Five Fathom Creek looking back toward McClellanville.

Prices Inlet, you can really see the tricky shoals.

Great shot of our secret surf fishing spot. Can't say where it is, but there are some huge spot tails there.

Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville, SC Real Estate

Dolphin Watching, (but don't feed them)

2008-06-21T19:27:00Z

I am probably going to get in trouble for encouraging folks to watch the dolphins, but we had one of the most interesting boat trips recently. On our way back from the beach, riding along Five Fathom Creek, we noticed a large group of dolphin playing. When we stopped to watch, several of them approached the boat. The would roll over and surface right beside the boat. My son's first reaction was to take his shoes off, because he was going to jump over and ride it. When I told him he couldn't do that, he explained that Baker (his friend) told him that it was ok.

We didn't ride them, we just watched them play for a few minutes. I have a video on my phone if I can figure out how to upload it.

I should say, that you should really not feed them. As the dolphins associate humans with food (which is why they approached us), they come close to boats and run the risk of be run over or getting caught in fishing lines.

Malcolm

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Catching Blue Crabs

2008-05-17T15:31:00Z

Using hand lines on the Broadmarsh Community Dock.	One of my favorite childhood memories was when the weather was warm enough, Aunt Mary would give us a couple of balls of twine, weighs, chicken necks and a dip net so we could head down to the Bonner's dock to catch blue crabs. This is one of the easiest and cheapest outdoor fishing activity to get started in. There are three ways to catch them. The lowest tech is a hand line of twine with a weigh (2 oz sinker). Tie a chicken neck to the end. Drop the hand line off a dock and let sit for a minute. Slowly pull the line up, if a crab is on the line you will feel it pulling. Use a dip net to scoop the crab up when the line reaches the surface. It takes a while to catch enough to eat, so keep the crabs in the shade and maybe even drape wet spanish moss or a wet towel over them.
A drop net is the next step up in crab technology. These nets are simply weighted and baited like a hand line, but don't require a dip net. Also it is less likely you will loose a crab while pulling the line up. Drop nets should be pulled up quickly to keep the crab from crawling out.	.
	For the advanced crabber you can buy a crab pot like the ones used by commercial fisherman. You can have one for personal use without a permit. The pot is baited and placed in a creek either tied to a dock or using a float. The trap is left overnight and then pulled up, emptied, and rebaited for the next day. Pots should not be left for extended periods of time, crabs will be trapped and die if left too long. This can be very effective, but it isn't as much fun as a hand line.
When you get home, simply bring a pot of water to a boil, add Old Bay if you like and place the live crabs in the pot until they turn orange. Spread some paper on a table and start crackin. Be careful handling crabs, a pinch from a blue crab will easily draw blood and they do not let go. If you want to hire a charter to take you crabbing try Capt Walt, wrixon@tds.net or 887-3149. He also does beach and fishing trips and caters. Also check out the Awendaw Blue Crab Festival every summer in Awendaw, SC, between McClellanville and Mt Pleasant.

First Fishing Trip of the Spring

2008-05-09T01:10:00Z

Was finally able to get out and test the fishing. I had heard that people were doing well catching black drum, some reds, and if you can find the schools of trout you could do well.

It has been such a windy spring, finding a sheltered spot was the biggest challange. We landed a few small reds, but the catch of the day was when I decided to switch from live shrimp to a DOA shrip on a float. I was taking the third sting ray of the day of my line when I laid my other rod down, with the DOA dangling in the water. A trout swam up to the boat and grabbed it. My only trout of the day.

Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Casting for Shrimp

2008-04-22T01:45:00Z

Whether you are trying to fill your freezer with shrimp, or just catch bait, sucessfully throwing a cast net is a must. My son, Morrison turned 9 on Sunday and his Papa gave him a cast net for his birthday. We put the boat in the water and went out in search of a spot sheltered from the wind.

It is impossible to try explain the steps of throwing a net, but essentially you hold the majority of the net in one hand, grip the weight line in your mouth, then hold the weight line with the other hand, then spin and throw it out over the water so it opens up and sinks as wide as possible.

This was just a practice trip for us, but Morrison did well. After a few flops, he had a couple of nice throws that opened up. He didn't load the boat, but with a little more practice, we will be ready to catch bait for fishing this spring, and shrimping in the fall.

Malcolm

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin and Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

2008 McClellanville Creek Tournament

2008-04-10T02:02:00Z

October 4, 2008
Archibald Rutledge Academy presents:

McClellanville, SC's 17th Annual Inshore Fishing Tournament

Entry fee $45/angler
50% of the entry fees are returned as prizes.
All proceeds go to Archibald Rutledge Academy.

Archibald Rutledge Academy lost a dear member of its family this year. Josh Thomas was an incredible young man and a senior at Archibald Rutledge Academy. He was the valedictorian of his class and was preparing to attend Presbyterian College. Josh was an avid fisherman and often fished with his father Dr. Joe Thomas, one of this tournaments original organizers. Archibald Rutledge Academy would like to dedicate this tournament that Josh enjoyed participating in year after year, in his memory as "The Josh Thomas Memorial Creek Slam Tournament."

Josh M. Thomas Youth Big Fish Award will be giving to the angler
under the age of 17 that weighs in the largest legal fish of any species excluding
rays and sharks. Fish must be caught and landed unassisted by youth angler.

Register early and receive a free T-Shirt
Deadline extended to September 27^th

Forms are available to download:

Entry Form
Tournament Rules

Sponsorship Form
Merchandise Order Form
(Order this years tshirt or raffle ticket even if you aren't fishing)

The tournament starts at sunrise, 7:13 AM. Low tide is at 5:12 AM, so we start fishing the incoming tide. High tide is at 11:38 AM. Last year we had 76 boats and first place took home $1990. We are also a little earlier this year, October 4th, which will help everyone with the elusive flounder. The allowable fishing area is bounded on the north by the South Santee River and the South by the Isle of Plams connector bridge. Each boat fishes as a team, and weighs in the largest of each species. All fish must meet the South Carolina rules and regulations for sizes and limits.

Charter Fishing Trip Raffle
We are also raffling a Charter Fishing Trip with Aggressor Sport Fishing.
This is a trip for up to 6 aboard the 61', 2100 HP Aggressor that fishes out of Shem Creek
in Mt. Pleasant. The trip is to be taken between August 1 and December 1, 2009.
For information on ASF go to: www.AgressorSportFishing.com
Tickets are $20 each and only 120 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be
held at the Tournament Weigh-in on Oct. 4th, 2008, you need not be present to win.
For a ticket use the merchandise order form above or email me at malcolm@wpbaldwin.com.

Thanks to our generous sponsors:


W.P. Baldwin & Associates McClellanville Real Estate	CCE, Inc. Consulting Engineers www.ccecharleston.com
Bulls Bay Supply A Genuine one stop General Store	Carolina Seafood Retail Seafood Market
Family Medical Transport	Lowcounrty Medical Associates www.LMAMD.com
Prothro Chevrolet The Heartbeat of McClellanville www.prothrochevy.com	Pinckney Street Surf & Creek
	Berkeley Electric Cooperative

South Carolina Fishing Regulations

Call Malcolm Baldwin for sponsorship and entry information:
(843) 697-4340, or email malcolm@wpbaldwin.com

Camping in the Francis Marion National Forest

2008-04-01T00:10:00Z

There are several different camping opportunities in the Francis Marion National Forest. If you don't really want rough it, the Buck Hall Landing site is for you. There is a bath house with hot showers and flush toilets. There are 14 camper hook-up sites with camp pads, fire rings, picnic tables and 5 tent sites. The camp ground is on the Intracoastal Waterway and there is an on-site boat ramp. It is a beautiful setting with great access to fishing and shrimping in the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge.

There are several primative camping sites including the Elmwood Camp ground, 8 miles north of McClellanville on Hwy 17, turn left onto Rutledge Rd, and 4 miles on the left. This site serves as a DNR check station during hunting season. There is water and toilets available. This site is used by hunters during hunting the season. Also available is the Honey Hill site. This is located at the base of the old look out tower that is no longer in use, approximately 8 miles west of McClellanville on Hwy 45. This site is near the motorized trails.

Malcolm

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

The Cape Romain Lighthouses

2008-03-17T02:20:00Z

An interesting landmark in the Refuge is the site of the Cape Romain lighthouses. They are located on Racoon Key about 5 miles by boat from McClellanville. The 65' tall original lighthouse was built in 1820. It was replaced in 1858 by a new taller (150') lighthouse. There were several residences on the island that are no longer there. The light was automated in 1937 before being were decomissioned in 1947.

Both towers remain. The towers were in disrepair for years, and the taller tower has a significant lean to it. They were recently been stabilzed, but are still not open to the public. You can access the island by boat to explore the site but not enter the towers. Cape Romain Marine offers tours to the island.

Here some interesting pictures Rett Graham McClellan sent me. The first is of the smaller tower from the top of the second tower.

The second is another view from the top of the taller tower.

The third is an interesting shot of the larger tower itself.

Growing up there were a number of stories of murder, ghosts and mystery, so much that I have no idea what is true and what is legend, but it is an impressive place regardless.

Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Turkey Hunting in the Francis Marion National Forest

2008-03-14T02:18:00Z

The Spring 2008 turkey season in Game Zone 6 (includes Charleston and Berkeley Counties) runs from March 15-May 1 on private lands and in the Francis Marion Wildlife Management Area is open from April 1-May 1.
Turkey tags are required and there is a bag limit of 2 in WMA and 5 on private lands. There are a nuumber of restrictions on weapons, where to hunt, what to shoot and how to do it. For complete detail about the Spring 2008 Turkey Season, down load the turkey hunt brochure from SCDNR.

Malcolm

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Hampton Plantation State Park

2008-03-10T01:34:00Z

A few miles up Hwy 17 from McClellanville, just off of the South Santee River on Wambaw Creek is the Hampton Plantation State Park. The original mansion built in 1735 remains. This 274 acre plantation was purchased from the Rutledge Family in 1971 and turned into a state park. There is a lot to see on site. There are picnic and bathroom facilities as well as trails to walk (click for map) including a walk through the old gardens with incredible camellias, azaleas, & live oaks.

The house is open for tours and is set up as an educational tool to teach not only about life in the plantation era, but also about the lives of the emancipated families that went on to settle in the immediate area. The home was a colonial era rice plantation. More recently it was home to South Carolina Poet Lauriette Archibald Rutledge.

Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Catching Red Drum

2008-03-07T19:55:00Z

For my money the most fun you can have on the water is fishing for Spot tails (Red Drum). There are many different approaches you can take, fishing the flats, casting a grub, fishing the edge of the marsh with live bait on a float, or surf fishing.

Fishing the flats is a little like hunting and fishing combined. I am terrible at it, but the idea is to pole through the marsh flats at high tide. The Spot tails eat crabs in the marsh, so they usually have their tails sticking up out of the water while they dive for crabs. When you see that, cast a DOA crab in front of them. I have never had a lot of luck, but it gets your adrenaline going chasing fish through the marsh.

Surf fishing will usually produce the largest catch. In my limited experience, I have had the best luck with live finger mullet, the bigger the bait the bigger the catch. Shrimp work as well, but it seems to attract more sharks and catfish. For tackle, use fish finder with a sliding 2 ounce weight on 25 lb test line. Dick and I fished the Red Octorber Surf Tourney last year and won the aggregate length prize with our top three fish 40", 32" and 30". That was definately my best day in the surf.

For the most sure fire method, go in almost any creek anywhere near a drain or oyster rock. I prefer incoming tide just as it hits the marsh and fishing the bank with a float rig. Again shrimp or finger mullet work best. Cast as close to the marsh as possible. There are many different methods, and most better than mine. I am just a novice in perpetual training. The fish below was a picture I captured wtih my cell phone this fall (top quality photography).

I was fishing with my son on the banks of the "secret spot" when my son (Morrison, 8) hooked something that almost pulled him over the stern. He fought it for a minute, but it ran to the marsh and cut the line. I quickly re-rigged and put him back on the same spot and immediately got a hit. I let him fight for a second, and then
landed it for him, 32" and FAT (too big to keep, but fun to catch.)

Malcolm

Sponsored by
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Kayaking and Canoeing Wambaw Swamp Wilderness Area

2008-03-07T17:07:00Z

Explore a pristine Wilderness Area with Old Growth Cypress in a sub-tropical forest just minutes from McClellanville. See elusive and shy alligators, neo-tropical migrating songbirds, swallow-tailed kites and more in a cool, shaded blackwater environment. 2 hr, 3 hr, or full day tours or rentals.....

www.natureadventuresoutfitters.com or call 843-928-3316 or 800-673-0679

Contributed by:
Nature Adventures Kayak, Canoe and
Hiking Outfitters, Inc.
"Providing Nature Tours for the
Preservation of the Environment"
www.natureadventuresoutfitters.com
843-928-3316 or 800-673-0679

Driftwood Hunting

2008-03-05T00:25:00Z

It was a sunny day on Saturday, but a little too windy for the boat. I decided to take the kids to the walk the banks of the waterway and look for driftwood or what ever has washed up. We drove out to Mouzon's Bluff and walked down the bank to the shell beach that follows the base of the bluff. It was a nice walk down the bank, a little windy, but warm. Baker caught this fiddler and avoided getting bit.

We found some interesting pieces that will work great for making a sign for my wifes new gift shop, along with this large piece that will work for a bench. I took several small boards that I found and put together this birdfeeder.

If you go by boat there are some real interesting pieces washed up on some of the small islands along the waterway. It is a great source of material for an artist with a little vision.

Malcolm

Sponsored by:
W.P. Baldwin & Associates
McClellanville Real Estate

Trip to the Georgetown Hole

2008-03-02T23:33:00Z

I'm normally an inshore angler, but last fall, when Dr. Joe had an opening on his annual trip aboard the Aggressor II out of Shem Creek in Mt. Pleasant, I decided to test the limits of my stomach.

The Aggressor II is kind of like taking a limosine fishing, so even my weak stomach was able to handle the trip out to Georgetown Hole. Once I really woke up and had something to eat, I was ready to fish.

The Georgetown Hole is an area that warm waters from the Gulf Stream follow the shelf and circular currents are created by a steep canyon. This spot is only about 60 miles off the coast of McClellanville. We left out of Mt. Pleasant, so it was a little further, but we made pretty good time.

We had a good day landing 27 dolphin and 2.5 tuna (a shark got half of one). The crew was great and kept us on fish all day and made quick work of cleaning the fish when we got in.

The real winner of the day was a small wren, a long way from where it is supposed to be. Exhausted he was happy to see something he could light on. He came and landed on the boat. It sat on Wade's shoulder for a while and then rode the whole wayback to shore with us.

Good trip, thanks for the opportunity Doc.

Malcolm

Sponsored by W.P. Baldwin
McClellanville Real Estate

Battery Warren

2008-02-29T02:26:00Z

A couple of weekends back my brother Aaron and I took the kids for a ride on the South Santee River. The water levels are low from the drought so we thought we would take a ride and see what we could see.

We put in at McConnell's Landing (see map,landing is on Forest Rd 204F). Even with the water levels low, it is a scenic ride. The South Santee has high bluffs with the Forest on one side and the delta on the other.

We made a few stops to check out the lime stone outcrops that are exposed at low water. They were like white shelves at the base of the bluff. We also made a stop at Battery Warren. The old civil war earthen fort is a great place to stop and let the kids explore and maybe picnic. There is a trail and informational displays.

We kept to the river, but paddlers might try the Echaw Canoe Trail from McConnell's Landing, up the Santee, to Echaw Creek, to Pitch Landing.

Malcolm

Sponsored by: W.P. Baldwin

Mustard Fried Venison

2008-02-25T17:45:00Z

Deer season is over and you have a freezer full of meat, so I am going to share my favorite recipe with you, enjoy:

Mustard Fried Venison

Cut a venison loin into medallions. Sprinkle liberally with Lawry’s season salt and Lemon Pepper. Add 3-4 tablespoons of yellow mustard and stir until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.

Dredge in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry in hot skillet. When done cooking the medallions, pour off excess oil and make a gravy using evaporated milk.

Serve with mashed potatoes.

Dick

Sponsored by:
WP Baldwin & Associates Real Estate

Recreational Opportunities in the Francis Marion National Forest

2008-02-25T00:52:00Z

The Francis Marion National Forest is open to the public for camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, trail riding for horses and ATV’s and there is even an shooting range. To make sure no one is riding where others are hunting, it is heavily managed. Go to the Forest Service website for details.

Camping: Buck Hall, Elmwood and Honey Hill Recreational Areas. Elmwood and Honey Hill are primitive with limited facilities, while Buck Hall has motor home hook ups, bath houses, electrical connections, bathrooms, and a boat landing.

Canoeing: Chicken Creek, Echaw Creek and Wambaw Creek Canoe Trails.

Picnicking: Canal, Huger, Honey Hill and Buck Hall Recreational Areas

Rifle Ranges:
Boggy Head- Just north of Moncks Corner on US Highway 17-A, turn right onto SC Highway 402. Drive 15 miles to SC Highway 41. Turn left and continue 9 miles to the rifle range entrance on the right. is closed some mornings and 1^st and 3^rd Tuesdays for cleaning.

Twin Ponds- From Charleston, take U.S. Highway 17 North for about 25 miles to Steed Creek Road (SC Route 133-S). Turn left and drive 2 miles to Willow Hall Road (F.S. Road 204). Turn right and go 1 mile to the rifle range entrance on the left. It is closed some mornings and 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays for cleaning.

Trails: Horses are allowed on Jericho and Tuxbury Horse Trails

Motorized vehicles are limited to the Wambaw Cycle Trail

Only hiking and mountain biking are allowed on the Awendaw Passage/Palmetto Trail, South Tibwin Trail, and Swamp Fox National Recreation Trail.

Battery Warren is an earthen Civil War Fort. There is an interpretive trail along the banks of the Santee River.

Hunting: See the hunting and fishing regulations manual for time tables, locations, and license applications for hunting and fishing within the Francis Marion National Forest.

More information is available at the Francis Marion National Forest Website & Sewee Visitors Center Website.

Sponsored by:
WP Baldwin Real Estate

Recreational Opportunities in the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge

2008-02-24T15:54:00Z

The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge is a preserve of over 100,000 acres of marsh, creeks and barrier islands. There are countless recreational opportunities. The map below shows the system of creeks and bays that make the Cape Romain Refuge a place you could explore and enjoy over and over again.

Fishing: Red drum, Trout, Flounder, Bonnethead Sharks are all plentiful in the creeks or surf. There are also close wrecks and bottom for offshore fishing opportunities.
WP Baldwin sponsors two annaual fall fishing tournaments, the Red October Surf Fishing Tournament and the McClellanville Creek Tournament. Both are open to anyone and offer cash prizes and raise money for local charities.
There are Three public boat landings. The Moore's Landing and the landing at Buck Hall Camp Ground are pay per launch, McClellanville sells weekly or yearly passes. Several guides serve the area:
Ben Floyd 843-670-3123 or visit www.CharlestonFishFinder.com
George Gallager 843-696-6000

Birding: Over 277 species of birds have been recorded in this preserve. The barrier islands and beaches provide protected nesting for various shore birds and make observation and photography good all year round.

Beaches: Miles of remote beaches only accessible by boat make a great place to shell and explore or just enjoy the beach away from the normal beach crowds.

Tours:
Coastal Expeditions
Nature Adventure Outfitters

Catering:
Coastal Caterers
Pinckney Street Kitchen: (843) 887-4001

Sponsored by:
WP Baldwin Real Estate