20 minute read
DNR Fishing Survey Results
GADNR Coastal Resources Division sponsored a survey of licensed Georgia resident anglers and saltwater fi shing guides in 2017. Here are some of the results of the survey. To see the full report, visit: www.coastalgadnr.org/AnglerAndGuideSurvey
# of completed angler surveys 1,965
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(43% from coastal counties)
# of completed guide surveys 82
(out of 134)
Why Do We Fish?
Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Activities
Off shore Satisfaction Anglers: 58% Guides: 48%
Where Do We Fish?
Satisfaction with Coastal Resources & Regulations
Average # of days fi shed: 25
#1 Reason for 13% dissatisfi ed residents: Regulations too strict #1 Reason for 39% dissatisfi ed guides: Regulations not strict enough
April
17 Tuesday Talk - Pollinators
Port Royal Sound Foundation Tuesday 5:30 - 7 p.m. 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie, S.C. Nancy Fernandez, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will be talking about pollinators with a focus on the status of the monarch butterfl y. Sarah Walbert (843) 645-7774 swalbert@portroyalsoundfoundation.org
21 Boater Safety Course
GADNR Resource Rangers and Chatham County Marine Patrol Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Savannah Mall Community Meeting Room, Savannah, Ga. Anyone born after 01-01-1998 must have a Boater Safety ID Card to operate a vessel of any kind in Georgia waters. Register at www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (912) 264-7237
21 Gray's Reef Southeast Regional MATE ROV Competition
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Chatham County Aquatic Center, 7240 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah, Ga. The competition challenges students to build and operate ROVs, applying physics, math, science and engineering skills to solve problems in the marine environment. Jody Patterson (912) 598-2431 jody.patterson@noaa.gov
28 14th Annual Tybee Turtle Trot 5K Beach Run
Tybee Island Marine Science Center Saturday 8 a.m. Tybee Pier and Pavilion, Tybee Island, Ga. Kick-off coastal Georgia’s sea turtle nesting season with a 5K fundraiser for Tybee’s Sea Turtle Project. Music, refreshments, and a post-race sea turtle release! Brenda Marion (912) 786-5917 brenda@tybeemarinescience.org
28 Eco-boat Cruise
Port Royal Sound Foundation Saturday 11 a.m. 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie, S.C. Cruise along the Chechessee river with Captain Amber aboard Spartina. Be on the lookout for wildlife as you learn about the unique ecosystem they call home. Sarah Walbert (843) 645-7774 swalbert@portroyalsoundfoundation.org
29 Sunset Cruise to Little St. Simons Island
Altamaha Riverkeeper Sunday 4:30 - 8 p.m. Hampton River Marina, St. Simons Island, Ga. Come support the Altamaha Riverkeeper on a beautiful sunset cruise to Little St Simons. Enjoy great scenery, a naturalist tour, great company, and updates on coastal issues. (855) 902-4040 www.altamahariverkeeper.org
May
3 Lowcountry Community Golf Challenge
Port Royal Sound Foundation Thursday 9 a.m. Spring Island, S.C. 3rd Annual PRSF Lowcountry Community Golf Challenge at the Spring Island Golf Club “Old Tabby Links”. Golf, food & beverages, auction and BBQ. Alicia Powell (843) 645-7774 apowell@portroyalsoundfoundation.org
5 Creatures of the Night
Port Royal Sound Foundation Saturday 1 - 2 p.m. 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie, S.C. Nancy Owen will teach us about some of the Lowcountry’s nocturnal creatures and the adaptations that enable them to hunt in the dark. Sarah Walbert (843) 645-7774 swalbert@portroyalsoundfoundation.org
5 Fish Detectives
UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Saturday 9 - 11 a.m. 30 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, Ga. Investigate diff erent types of fi sh and observe fi sh behavior before trying out a fun fi sh craft called Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fi sh printing. Kayla Clark (912) 598-3345 kayla270@uga.edu
6 Dolphin Research Participation Training
The Dolphin Project Sunday 1 - 3 p.m. Richmond Hill Library, Richmond Hill, Ga. You're invited to learn about our neighbors- the wild, estuarine Bottlenose dolphins. The second part of the program has additional information about the dolphins and is also training for participation in Photo-ID research surveys. Peach Hubbard thedolphinproject@gmail.com www.thedolphinproject.org
12 Paddlefest
Savannah Riverkeeper Saturday 9 a.m. Augusta, Ga. Paddlefest is back with a whole new plan: 10 winding miles on the Savannah River, plus an afterparty at Lock & Dam Park with music, vendors and cook off . (706) 826-8991 www.savannahriverkeeper.org
12 WIFM Annual Island Style Fundraiser
Wilmington Island Farmer's Market Saturday 6:30 - 10 p.m. Coach's Corner, 3016 Victory Drive, Savannah, Ga. Celebrate island style with live music by Wassaw Sound, cash bar, raffl e, & silent auction. Ticket holders will receive a plate of delicious dinner and dessert! wifarmersmarket@aol.com or www.wifarmersmarket.org
15 Evening at Skidaway - Open Lab Night
UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography Tuesday 6:15 p.m. UGA SkIO, 10 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, Ga. Enjoy refreshments and learn about marine research by visiting Skidaway Institute researchers in their labs. Free. Michael Sullivan (912) 598-2325 mike.sullivan@skio.uga.edu
16 Horseshoe Crab Encounters
UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Wednesday 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 30 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, Ga. Travel to a barrier island and witness horseshoe crabs coming inshore to spawn! Work with educators taking measurements of horseshoe crabs and more! Kayla Clark (912) 598-3345 kayla270@uga.edu
18/19 Coastal Stewards Workshop - Landscaping for Stormwater
UGA Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant Friday 5 - 8 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 715 Bay Street, Brunswick, Ga. Discover how stormwater runoff impacts Georgia’s waterways. Participants will learn how to design a rain garden for their property! Kayla Clark (912) 598-3345 kayla270@uga.edu
18 Making Waves: Collective Perception on Pollution of our Waterways
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum Friday 6 - 8 p.m. reception, show ongoing through August 26 41 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Savannah, Ga. In an attempt to address the devastating eff ects of water pollution, Ships of the Sea and twelve Savannah artists have joined together to create this exhibit. www.shipsofthesea.org (912) 232-1511
19/20 Savannah River Classic Fishing Tournament
Lower Savannah River Alliance and Savannah Riverkeeper Saturday nnd Sunday LSRA Center, 12049 Burtons Ferry Way, Allendale, S.C. There is a Captain's Dinner on 5/19/18, we'll have entries for boat, bank, and youth anglers. With cash prizes and good times for all who enter. Jacob Oblander (912) 454-8048 jacob@savannahriverkeeper.org
26 Eco-boat Cruise
Port Royal Sound Foundation Saturday 11 a.m. 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie, S.C. Cruise along the Chechessee river with Captain Amber aboard Spartina. Be on the lookout for wildlife as you learn about the unique ecosystem they call home. Sarah Walbert (843) 645-7774 swalbert@portroyalsoundfoundation.org
Talking the Talk alk
By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill
Man, here we are moving into spring like a runaway train, re we are moving into spring like a runaway train, and that means it’s that time to throw-off the boat cover and fi re up s that time to throw-off the boat cover and fi re up old Betsy. Each spring I’ve done an article dedicated to getting the pring I’ve done an article dedicated to getting the boat and trailer together for your boating season. This season I’m together for your boating season. This season I’m going to stray away from that routine and talk about talk. way from that routine and talk about talk.
Don’t let the picture fool you, even though that’s a radio I’m he picture fool you, even though that’s a radio I’m not planning on making that my topic. What is a radio? Simple. on making that my topic. What is a radio? Simple. It’s a device for communicating. With any of these devices, or communicating. With any of these devices, it’s important to be clear and concise. It’s important to nt to be clear and concise. It’s important to do so the same way on our vessels, which brings me to me way on our vessels, which brings me to the gist of my point. my point.
I’ve found through the years that many people und through the years that many people do not communicate very well. Even those of us ommunicate very well. Even those of us who are intelligent and articulate can sometimes intelligent and articulate can sometimes lack the execution or forethought required in e execution or forethought required in communicating eff ectively.unicating eff ectively.
Being former military, communication and ing former military, communication and time have been integral factors in my life, from a have been integral factors in my life, from a young age. If you’re so inclined, you can use this ng age. If you’re so inclined, you can use this as a reference! reference!
Let’s start with time. When planning a boat Let’s start with time. When planning a boat outing and you have friends or family meeting ting and you have friends or family meeting you at a dock or boat launch area, be sure the ou at a dock or boat launch area, be sure the meeting time is conveyed and both parties meeting time is conveyed and both parties understand the agreed upon time. I’ve understand the agreed upon time. I’ve witnessed many occasions when a party witnessed many occasions when a party is running late, setting off a ripple eff ect is running late, setting off a ripple eff ect that carries the mood for the entire that carries the mood for the entire trip. As the captain of your vessel, trip. As the captain of your vessel, take responsibility for the eff ect take responsibility for the eff ect you have on those around you, not you have on those around you, not just within your party. If you’re just within your party. If you’re picking your party up at a marina picking your party up at a marina and they’re running late, don’t and they’re running late, don’t sit and tie up the often limited sit and tie up the often limited dock space. Many marinas have dock space. Many marinas have limited space at their fuel docks, limited space at their fuel docks, so that area should be impacted so that area should be impacted as little as possible. Having run as little as possible. Having run a marina for a few years I’ve a marina for a few years I’ve seen this happen time and again. seen this happen time and again. Same thing applies to the limited hing applies to the limited area around boat ramps. So basically t ramps. So basically what I’m saying is, if you have to wait and see that have to wait and see that others need to use the space, be courteous. Move your boat rteous. Move your boat out into the creek and sit at idle while you wait, or move to an unoccupied it or move to an unoccupied space and tie off a line, but move out of the loading and unloading area. d unloading area.
Now, let’s get into the meat: the actual communication between individuals aboard the boat.
As a professional boat captain, I fi nd that a good mate can make a bad captain look good, but the reverse is true, a bad mate can make a good captain look horrible or inept. The easiest way to avoid looking like bad (or lost tempers) is to discuss what you’re going to do with whoever is handling lines for you. Talk about what the wind and currents are doing and how you’ll be maneuvering, what your thoughts are from behind the wheel and what their responsibilities are as a line handler. This will accomplish several things. It cuts your aggravation factor down, keeps you from damaging the boat and most importantly can prevent you from possibly hurting anyone. I have seen horrible exchanges between from p husbands and wives that started with a simple miscommunication while husbands and w coming in to dock. coming in to On the water we deal with several factors while trying to On the water we d speak with someone, such as trying to talk over an engine, speak with someone, such as t y or wind on a blustery day, or running at high speeds. or wind on a blustery day, or runni Remember captains, be sure your commands are heard and Remember captains, be sure your commands are recognized, either through verbal confi rmation (which is best), recognized, either through verbal confi rmation (which is best) or a thumbs-up, head nod or some form of acknowledgement. or a thumbs-up, head nod or some form of acknowledgement Don’t just say “I plan on coming to the dock at full speed, then Don’t just say “I plan on coming to the dock at full speed, then when I get to three feet off , I’m going to go hard into reverse and when I get to three feet off , I’m going to go hard into reverse an you need to dive off and secure a line.” you need to dive off and secure a line.” In your mind you may understand the evolution that’s about In your mind you may understand the evolution that’s abo to take place, but if you’re not completely clear about it, your mate to take place, but if you’re not completely clear about it, your m may miss a detail or two, and could very likely end up may miss a detail or two, and could very likely en injured. injured. I depart and return to a dock multiple I depart and return to a dock mu times per day running a tour boat. I times per day running a tour work with the same mates almost work with the same mates daily, but I still make it a point daily, but I still make it before we dock to make sure we before we dock to make BOTH know what is about to BOTH know what is occur. Docking is the time when occur. Docking is the t there’s the greatest chance of there’s the greatest injury. injury. Captains, listen to your mate as well. Captains, listen to your ma Sometimes he, or she, can have a better perspective Sometimes he, or she, can have a bette and serve as your eyes, especially when you have and serve as your eyes, especially w limited visibility. limited visibility. The things I’ve discussed here are the basics, but The things I’ve discussed here are I hope it makes you think for a moment and take I hope it makes you think for a m to heart the importance of communication. Failed to heart the importance of comm communication can ruin an entire outing or even result communication can ruin an entire ou in injury, but strong communication can keep the day in injury, but strong communication going smoothly! going smoothly! As always take care, be safe, cause like Captain Ron says, As always take care, be safe, cause li “If it’s gonna to happen, it’s gonna happen out there!” “If it’s gonna to happen, it’s gonna hap Until next time, I'll see y'all on the w Until next time, I'll see y'all on the water!
6 Modena Isl. Drive
MODENA ISLAND This exclusive waterfront luxury home was redesigned and increased in size in 2015 and is located in a gated community. From the matching Savannah Grey Brick fireplaces to the exquisite, gourmet kitchen, no upgrade was forgotten. Just under 6800 square feet allows private space for all. Guest quarters on the first floor open majestically to a pool, fire pit and expansive waterfront views. The master suite with two closets is on the main floor and just one floor up is a media room, 3 BRs, 2 BAs and an office. Almost every room boasts a view. Entertain with formal flair or have drinks by the pool. $2,150,000
2807 3rd Street
110 Robin Road THUNDERBOLT
Lots of original details from 1930 home with high end finishes. Kitchen and baths are all redone. Koi pond, hot tub, lush landscaping for entertaining. Near the kitchen a tiered organic garden that will keep you in fresh vegetables and fruit. Detached garage is perfect for hobbies. Wonderful park across the street. Walk to restaurants or the waterfront. Close to downtown and the islands.
$332,000
VERNONBURG
Perfect home situated on 1.5 acres with beautiful marsh and deep water views. Amazing master suite on the main floor with luxurious bath and huge closet. Two additonal bedrooms on this floor plus two BRs and baths upstairs. Very open floor plan featuring living room, great room, office, dining room, breakfast area and fantastic kitchen. Beautiful hardwood and porcelain floors. Lovely patio. You will fall in love. $699,500
REDUCED
49 Tidewater Road ISLE OF HOPE
New construction on Isle of Hope. Located on a corner lot in desirable area. Great room with fireplace and built in book shelves. Two master suites, one down and one up. Third bedroom and huge bonus room upstairs. Jack-n-Jill bath allows access and privacy for all. Lovely side porch off of the kitchen. Swing on the fantastic front porch and watch the world go by. $469,000
EASTRIDGE
This wonderful waterfront home is waiting for your family. Lg master w/sunroom. Second on suite BR. Third bedroom and office. FR open to kitchen w/ breakfast area. Formal LR/DR. Separate utility room. All new tile floors throughout the house. Patio off sunroom. Wait ’til you see the cabana!! Entertaining at its best. Private dock on Mercer Inlet. Floating dock. This island is for you. Close to anywhere but lots of privacy. Golf cart approved community. $449,000
6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222
Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927
lyn@coldwellbanker.com
BUCKHEAD
Live on the nicest street in Buckhead. 3 Bedrooms plus a bonus room with bath that could be a 4th bedroom. Split plan with 3 bedrooms downstairs. Renovated kitchen with granite counters, huge sink, under counter lighting and breakfast area. Spacious master bedroom with trey ceiling and patio access. Lovely deck with gazebo overlooking private back yard. $332,700
214 McLaughlin Court
BURNSIDE ISLAND
Deep waterfront on a special island. This community is amazing. 150’ on deep water canal with roofed dock house, floating dock. Single story open floorplan with multiple living spaces. LR, sunroom, Bonus, DR, office. 3BR, 2 BA. Huge utility room allows fantastic potential for a bonus suite. $599,000 REDUCED
422 Hunt Drive
WILSHIRE
This sweet ranch home is located in a good area and has been totally redone. New bamboo floors throughout, stainless appliances, tank less water heater, granite counters. New roof 1 yr. old Both baths updated. Crown Moulding added throughout. Large backyard with two detached sheds, one with electricity.
$165,000
8 San Anton
BURNSIDE ISLAND
Located on a deepwater canal with fantastic covered dock in a great area. Perfect for multi-generational living. 2 BR, 2 BA on ground floor with efficiency kitchen, playroom and living room. Separate 1 BR, 1 BA apartment. Main living area has 4 BR and 2 BA, soaring pine ceilings, and hardwood flooring. Huge great room, dining room, very open floor plan. $569,000 REDUCED
