Release Over 20 program benefits from Cast It Forward

If you are looking for an opportunity to learn from the best, the upcoming Cast It Forward Benefiting Release Over 20 is a golden opportunity. Release Over 20 (releaseover20.org) is a national initiative to encourage recreational anglers to voluntarily release all spotted seatrout, southern flounder, and sheepshead over 20 inches to help conserve local fisheries.

The event, sponsored by The Post and Courier, will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29 at Firefly Distillery, located at 4201 Spruill Avenue in North Charleston. General admission tickets are $30, with youth 12 and under admitted free.

The headline speakers at this year's event are Charleston native Tia Clark and Flats Class TV host C.A. Richardson.

Clark started Casual Crabbing with Tia in 2017 and teaches individuals and groups in the art of crabbing in the Lowcountry. Her program has been recognized as one of the top Airbnb experiences in the country.

Richardson, who spoke at last year's inaugural Cast It Forward event, is a full-time fishing guide in addition to his duties host Flats Class TV. He specializes in light tackle, artificial lures and shallow water fishing.

Capt. C.A. Richardson of Flats Class TV will return to this year's Cast It Forward program scheduled April 29. Tommy Braswell photo

Programs, including Q&A sessions with the speakers, will be held throughout the day. Scheduled events include:

• Conversations on Conservation, featuring Matt Perkinson of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Scott Whitaker of Coastal Conservation Association SC, and Andrew Wunderley of Charleston Waterkeeper.

• Women on the Water, featuring Tanya Dowdy, Kelsey Dick, Pamela Corwin, BeBe Dalton Harrison and Tia Clark.

• Trout Talks with Matt Chipperfield and Justin Carter.

• Level Up Your Boat Sandwich with Chef Ty.

• Sheepshead Tips and Tricks with Christian Connley of Make Time for Fishing.

There also will be booths and demonstrations, including the SCDNR's Touch Tank, Knot Tying and activities for youth and adults; Project Healing Waters on How to tie a fly; and numerous food trucks.

Dave Fladd, founder and president of Release Over 20, said last year's Cast It Forward program helped add legitimacy to the organization and raised enough money to cover operating expenses for the volunteer-based organization.

"Our operating expenses go back to our participants. Cast It Forward allowed us to achieve our missions for the year," said Fladd, who is co-founder with Ralph Phillips of North Charleston-based Eye Strike Fishing.

Fladd's favorite fishing target is the spotted seatrout. He thought an upper slot limit might be a way to improve the coastal South Carolina fishery but learned that wasn't likely to occur. So he decided to invoke his own slot limit and set 20 inches as the standard. He chose that number after learning that a 20-inch spotted seatrout (aka speckled trout) was capable of releasing approximately 20 million eggs during the spawning season that runs from May through September in South Carolina. He concedes that it is unlikely that a single trout will spawn 20 million more during a single season, but the numbers still could make a major difference. These large spawners are still swimming and not in a cooler.

Trout fishing enthusiasts from other states heard of his initiative and the program has spread throughout the species range.

Fladd said Virginia anglers lead the way in releasing trout measuring 20 inches or longer, followed by Texas and Florida. He said South Carolina ranks sixth, but there is a good reason.

"In Virginia, those fish grow bigger faster. If we were to accept trout here that were 17 inches and longer, we would have a lot more entries. A 20-inch trout is relatively rare here in South Carolina, but pretty common in Virginia, Texas and Florida," Fladd said.

He added that Release Over 20 has added representatives from other states who can be the eyes and ears and keep any eye on the needs in their areas.

"Release Over 20 is a way for individual anglers to make a difference," Fladd said. "You don't have to wait for state regulations. If you see the increased fishing pressure in your area and want to do something about it, you can start following Release Over 20."

Marine Resources open house

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources' Marine Resources Center on James Island will hold at Open House from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 22 in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Activities include: tours aboard the research vessel Palmetto; observation tanks with live marine animals; fishing and casting basics for kids; kids activities and prizes; and almost 50 other marine science, boating and fishing booths.

Parking for the Open House is only at James Island Charter High School with shuttles to the Marine Resources Center. The last shuttle will leave James Island Charter High School at 3 p.m. There is no admission charge, and food and drinks will be available for purchase at the Marine Resources Center. The event will be held rain or shine. Only service animals are permitted.

Sports

10-year-old Colleton County youth a turkey-calling national champ

By Tommy Braswell Special to The Post and Courier

Brody Bates Youth Redfish

The Brody Bates Youth Redfish Open will be fished April 22 out of Buck Hall Recreation Area. The High School Division is for grades 9-12 while the Middle School Division is for grades 5-8. Teams can consist of one or two anglers.

The tournament is put on by the Student Angler League Tournament Trail and participants can register at salttfishing.com. The entry deadline is April 17 and space is limited to 50 boats.

Student anglers will fish for more than $5,000 in cash and prizes and scholarship money will be awarded. During the tournament's three-year history, more than $60,000 in scholarships have been awarded with $26,000 presented to last year's contestants.

'Big Ed' Sheepshead Tournament

The Charleston Inshore Anglers' 30th annual "Big Ed" Sheepshead Tournament will be fished April 29, with the weigh-in from 4-5 p.m. that day at American Legion Post 147, located at 968 Folly Road.

Registration and captain's meeting for the tournament will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 27 at American Legion Post 147. The entry fee is $40, active military $30. First place, based on 140 entries, will pay $1,000.