Dear Charleston Angler,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Your support as a sponsor has been a key factor in the resounding success of the 15th Annual Lowcountry Anglers inshore fishing tournament which was held at the Charleston Maritime Center on June 12th.

Our tournament’s success ultimately depends upon the support of the community and sponsors, like you, who contribute goods, services, and other donations.

The proceeds from our tournament will again benefit Camp Good Times, a program for autistic children. Camp Good Times of Charleston gives children with autism a chance to go to summer camp with other, non-autistic children in a safe, enjoyable and competent environment.

Camp Good Times of Charleston is a non-profit organization and operates with the help of people like you.

On behalf of the Lowcountry Anglers and Camp Good Times of Charleston, thank you, again for being one of our sponsors. We really appreciate your support.

Sincerely,

Jim McNay

Tournament Director

Twenty-five anglers competed for the largest tarpon on fly June 21 – 25, 2010 from the Lorelei, Islamorada, Florida Keys.  This is the forty-seventh anniversary of the Gold Cup.  Tarpon are measured with the weight calculated by a formula. Thirty one weight fish, a minimum of 70 pounds were caught and released, and 146 tarpon a minimum of 4 feet were also caught and released.

The Grand Champion angler is Thane Morgan, of Amarillo, Texas, fishing with Captain Craig Brewer. Thane and Craig caught 3 weight fish and 18 releases for a total of 7168 points. First runner-up angler is Tom Siska of Old Saddlebrook, NJ, fishing with Captain Glenn Flutie. Tom caught 4 weight fish and 10 releases for a total of 6521 points. Second runner-up angler is two time past Grand Champion David Dalu of Charleston, South Carolina, fishing with Captain Scott Collins, catching 4 weight fish and 13 releases for a total of 6302 points. The largest tarpon, 144.5 pounds, and the most released tarpon, 18, were caught by the team of Morgan and Brewer. High Point New Angler is Camp Walker, of Vero Beach, fishing with Captain Tad Burke, releasing 7 tarpon and one weight fish. Trophies are sculptures by Roger Fowler and Jorge Martinez.  Fowler’s sculptures can be seen on his website fowlersculpture.com.

Morgan and Brewer will have their names engraved on the Gold Cup Tarpon Tournament perpetual trophy on display at the Worldwide Sportsman in Islamorada. Morgan will join such legendary anglers as five-time grand champions Glenn Flutie and Andy Mill, four-time champion Billy Pate, three-time champions Sandy Moret, Eizo Marahashi and Jimmy Bell Jr., and a list of winners that includes baseball great Ted Williams.

Brewer will join some of the pioneering guides of backcountry fly fishing whose names are
engraved on the trophy, including Jimmy Albright, Cecil Keith, Hank Brown, Nat Ragland, Jack Brothers and Stu Apte. More importantly Captain Craig Brewer, after 23 years of guiding anglers in the Gold Cup, will proudly have his name engraved on the same trophy as his father, legendary Captain Jim Brewer who was Guide to Grand Champion in the 1974 Gold Cup.

Morgan win earns him an invitation to the prestigious IGFA Inshore Tournament of Champions to be held in Islamorada July 2011 directed by Florida Keys Outfitters.

The 48^th Gold Cup tournament will be June 20 – 24, 2011. For more information contact Charlotte Ambrogio 305 942-0428 or csasun@aol.com by email csasun@aol.com.  Visit our web site www.goldcuptt.com. The proceeds of this event go to Voices for Children a Monroe County charity.

Thane Morgan                                Captain Craig Brewer

Thane Morgan                                        Captain Craig Brewer

Photos by Captain Steve Friedman

Tell the fish to say, “Cheese!”

Costa hosts Big Fish photo contest, chance to win fishing trip of a lifetime with

National Geographic Channel’s Chris Fischer

Daytona Beach, Fla. – June 21, 2010 – They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  In Costa’s case, a picture could be worth a chance to win a trip to go fishing with legendary oceanic explorer and star of National Geographic Channel’s Expedition Great White Chris Fischer.

Now through Aug. 13, 2010, Costa will host the Big Fish photo contest, where contestants can upload photos of their biggest catch at www.costabigfish.com, and fans vote on the best picture.  The grand prize – a fishing trip of a lifetime with Fischer – will be awarded to the angler whose photo received the most votes.

Fischer’s series, “Expedition Great White”, airs on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on National Geographic Channel.  Each episode follows Fischer and his Ocean crew as they catch and release 4,000 pound great white sharks off the Pacific coast in conjunction with a scientific tagging research program.  The transmitted tag data and other research collected from the sharks help provide important information about the species.

“Chris Fischer could be considered this generation’s version of Jacque Cousteau because of the incredible oceanic scientific research he’s helping to support,” said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa Sunglasses.  “The chance to go fishing with him and hear his stories is an amazing opportunity we wanted to share with our fans.”

There is no purchase necessary to enter Costa’s Big Fish photo contest.  Photo entries must be submitted by midnight on Aug. 13.  Fans can place their vote for favorite photo through the Costa web site at www.costabigfish.com

About Costa™

As the leading manufacturer of the world’s clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology and unparalleled fit and durability.  Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa creates what has been referred to as the highest quality, best performing sunglasses on the planet for outdoor enthusiasts.

For Costa, conservation is all about sustainable fishing.  Many fisheries that should be vibrant and healthy are all but devoid of native fish because they have fallen victim to poor fishing practices, unregulated development, lack of watershed protection or all of the above. Costa works with partners around the world to help increase awareness and influence policy so that both the fish and fishermen of tomorrow will have healthy waters to enjoy.  Costa encourages others to help in any way they can.

For more information, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s web site at www.costadelmar.com. Join the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costadelmar.com, on Twitter @CostaSunglasses, or on The Watery Rave blog.

Media contact

Liza Jones, 864.672.9615 (office), 864.270.0722 (cell)

liza@fullcirclepr.com

“Habitat Today equals Fish for Tomorrow”

**Calling all CCA SC Members and Volunteers**

YOUR help is needed in this crucial oyster restoration event!

Working with the SC DNR’s SCORE Program, volunteers are needed to assist in this summer’s habitat restoration project at

Daniel Island
Wednesday June 16
1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
(101 River Landing Rd.)

Oyster reefs benefit our coast by:

providing critical habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs, and many more organisms
Improving water quality
help fight shore erosion

Volunteers need to be prepared to get muddy and wet….but in a good way!
Sturdy shoes or boots are needed (sandals, crocs, or flip flops are NOT recommended). You’re promised to go away with a feeling that you made a difference today!

Gloves, bug spray, and drinks will be provided!

The enhancement of marine habitat along our enviable coast is imperative to the future of our marine resources; and to YOUR continued good fishing! Please consider giving one day to a sport and a resource that provides you and your friends and family with so much benefit.

To participate, simply contact

Gary Keisler
Topwater Action Volunteer Coordinator
(843) 696-6724
gkeisler@homesc.com

Earlier today CCA Louisiana Executive Director David Cresson was asked to provide testimony before the House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife concerning the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf. His comments touched on a wide range of topics from the economic and up-ending of lives to the work that lies ahead. He did an outstanding job and I would encourage each of you to take a moment and read his full testimony by clicking here.

Tremendous challenges face both the citizens and the natural resources of that region and it will take an equally tremendous effort from anglers and sportsmen across the country to help in the recovery. CCA has an entire portion of our CCA Newsroom devoted to information concerning the oil spill to keep members, volunteers, and the general public updated on this unprecedented event.

Well it’s been a few weeks since our May tournament and we had a great turnout for those that couldn’t make it.  We had 19 boats participate and nearly 80 people attend the captain’s meeting.  As for the results of the tournament, there were numerous redfish weighed, a few flounder and no trout!  The winning flounder was a 2.17-pound fish caught by Captain Steve Cook and Robbie Bell ($166).  All of the redfish were under 2 pounds until the last ten minutes of weigh-in when Captain Trey Hiott and team presented a 2.8-pound redfish that took the prize ($166).  Since there were no legal trout caught, there was no prize for that category nor the inshore slam.  Those funds and trophies (fishing rods) will be used for the next Inshore Slam tournament, October 8 & 9.  Pictures from the tournament will be put on our facebook page soon!  Attached are a couple that I received today from our photographer.

Next Thursday, June 10^th, at 6:30pm we will be having our monthly meeting at Groucho’s Deli in West Ashley (across from Moe’s near the old Boater’s World store).  For those that have never been it’s a great way to learn something new about fishing, meet other anglers, and win a door prize.  All who attend will be put in a drawing for a single door prize.  We usually get there a little early to eat and hang out.  This month, Captain Rich Harris from Reel Deal Charters is back to give a brief seminar on fishing for bull reds… you know, the trophies that we can’t keep but are great for pictures?  He might even tell you where the “Grillage” is located!  Last fall he came and gave us some great tips for catching Sheepshead.  So come join us and bring your family.

Don’t forget to support our sponsors.  Without them we cannot put on free tournaments.  Here is the list of sponsors that contributed either a cash donation or a prize donation.  I encourage you to contact and use their services!  And be sure to tell them thank you for supporting the CFA:

Strickland Marine Insurance – 795-1000

Crowfield Family Dentistry – 572-8009

Palmetto Custom Compounding – 723-5343

Ledford’s Termite & Pest Control – 766-8298

Van’s Tree Service – 766-7000

Seel’s Outboard West Ashley – 556-2742

West Marine West Ashley – 571-0123

Charleston Marine – 225-2628

Charleston Angler – 571-3899

Santee, SC The Santee Lions Club’s held their annual Blind Fishing Day at Millcreek Marina & Campground  May 8, 2010. District Governor Joyce Haskell congratulates  Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Guide, Boat Captain Bill Saltzman and Charleston, SC angler Michael “Stretch” Stapleton  (rt) with his 1st Place 32 lb.winning big  Catfish!

Alexandria, VA – May 13, 2010 – The FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association, through its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Restoration Center, has $1 million available for marine and anadromous sportfish habitat restoration projects in the coastal United States, the Great Lakes region and the U.S. Caribbean territories. These grants will be awarded to community-based, on-the-ground projects to restore marine, estuarine and riparian habitats including salt marshes, mangrove forests and freshwater habitats important to anadromous fish species such as salmon and striped bass that spawn in freshwater and migrate to the sea. Projects in the Great Lakes must restore habitat for diadromous sportfish such as lake sturgeon, walleye and brook trout in the Great Lakes and applicable tributaries.

The FishAmerica Foundation will accept grant proposals up through June 7, 2010. Grants of up to $75,000 each will be awarded in October 2010. For those applicants affected by the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill, FishAmerica will accept proposals through June 21, 2010. While FishAmerica and NOAA recognize the need to maintain flexibility in the way projects impacted by the April oil spill are carried out, funding cannot be provided through this proposal process for direct oil spill mitigation or clean-up. However, other modifications to the project, such as delayed implementation, may be considered.

“We understand that many organizations along the Gulf coast who would normally be preparing their applications at this time instead have to prepare for the potential impacts of the oil spill,” said FishAmerica Foundation Executive Director Johanna Laderman. “We want ensure they have the opportunity to do both.”

Eligible applicants include community-based nonprofit organizations, such as local sporting clubs and conservation associations, as well as state and local agencies. Applicants are encouraged to partner with NOAA’s regional offices and other staff to develop and implement the restoration projects. The announcement and full grant package information are available at www.fishamerica.org.

Since 1998, FishAmerica’s partnership with the NOAA Restoration Center has funded more than 280 projects, turning almost $6 million in funding into more than $13 million in on-the-ground funding for vital fisheries habitat restoration across 25 coastal states.

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The FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association, is dedicated to keeping our fish and waters healthy. FishAmerica unites the sportfishing industry with conservation groups, government agencies, fishing tournaments, corporations and charitable foundations, investing in fisheries conservation and research across the country. FishAmerica’s matching grants empower citizen conservationists in their own communities. Since 1983, FishAmerica has invested more than $11 million in 1,000 fisheries conservation and research projects nationwide.

April 30, 2010 – Alexandria, Va. – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), in response to the oil spill caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico this week, announced that it is calling upon federal and state officials to act swiftly and diligently to mitigate the effects of the oil spill, which continues to release thousands of barrels of oil a day. The spill poses a severe threat to the Gulf of Mexico’s marine fishery resources and sportfishing industry.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the 11 crew members who lost their lives during the Deepwater Horizon explosion,” ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman said. “On behalf of the ASA Board of Directors and staff, we express our sincere condolences on this tragic loss.”

Nussman further said, “Recreational fishing contributes $41 billion dollars in economic output in the Gulf Coast region annually and supports over 300,000 jobs. A disaster of this magnitude will certainly significantly impact the ability of anglers to get out on the water and for businesses to thrive,” Nussman said. “While the impact on recreational fisheries and wildlife is impossible to gauge at this time, everything must be done to clean up this massive spill and measures must be put in place to ensure that something like this does not happen again.”

The Gulf of Mexico is one of the most popular areas for recreational fishing in the United States with nearly six million saltwater anglers taking over 45 million fishing trips each year, fishing for red drum, spotted seatrout, sheepshead and red snapper among others. The oil spill has the potential to impact the nearly 2,300 tackle shops in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and the West Coast of Florida. Recreational fishing serves as the economic backbone for many coastal communities surrounding the Gulf of Mexico.

Nussman concluded, “The sportfishing industry is dependent upon healthy and abundant fisheries resources, and this massive spill seriously threatens the Gulf ecosystem and the thousands of businesses that are dependent upon its health. We urge local, state and federal officials to do everything in their power to mitigate the damage from this disaster to marine and coastal habitat to help maintain and rebuild healthy fish populations.”

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The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 60 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.