South Carolina Kayak Fishing

September 2011 Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge

2011-09-06T20:38:00.001-04:00

Here is the photo Identifier for the September Challenge!!

August with the words Rick is Slack written on it will work too! Sorry guys I am a little behind in posting these!

I will post up the prize soon!
Get out there and fish!!

If you are new to our challenges, here are the rules!

The Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge will run from April to October 2011!

Check out Sunrift Adventures online at www.sunrift.com

Challenge Details:

Sunrift Adventures is bringing South Carolina Kayak Fishing a unique and fun spring/summer challenge series. Catch the most "inches" of fish and win great some great prizes. Each month the prize will change and the anglers accumulated inches will be reset to zero, starting the challenge all over again.

This is an Online Catch - Measure - Photo - Release Challenge

The use of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY to document all entries will be the only accepted method for recording fish.

Photo Details:

-Each photo must clearly show length and have the monthly photo identifier in the picture!

-Each contestant will submit their pictures on the Sunrift Challenge Forum located on the SC Kayak Fishing Website. You must have a valid username and password to log in ( IT'S FREE ). You also must have a photo host ( Photobucket, Flicker, etc..) and copy and paste the link to your pics ( ALSO FREE!) Click Here for help with uploading pics.

-Each submitted digital picture of a fish must be made in or on your kayak/canoe with the measuring device and Identifier in the photo.

-Each photo must also clearly show the length of the fish. Length is determined from the forward most point of the fish to the natural un-pinched top of the tail. Fractions will be rounded down to the nearest 1/4 inch. Submitted fish measuring the same length must have distinctive differences in appearance or be subject to disqualification by the challenge officials. In the event of a tie, the entry checked in the earliest will be declared the winner. The officials will be responsible to review all photos to verify qualification and determine place winners.

-You are free to submit multiple pictures of different angles of the same fish to clearly show its length. Don't forget the photo identifier.

The following species and quantity of fish will be legal for measurement in the challenge:

Striped Bass - 1 per month

Black Bass Family- 1 per month

Catfish - 1 per month

Panfish - 2 per month

Sea Trout - 1 per month

Redfish - 1 per month

You may re-submit photos of the same species "to replace" a smaller fish previously submitted. We encourage you to submit your photos as soon as possible in order to keep our leader board up to date.

August 2011 Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge

2011-08-15T20:31:00.000-04:00

Here is the photo Identifier for the AUGUST Challenge!!

July with the words Rick is Slack written on it will work too! Sorry guys I am a little behind in posting these!

I will post up the prize soon!
Get out there and fish!!

If you are new to our challenges, here are the rules!

The Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge will run from April to October 2011!

Check out Sunrift Adventures online at www.sunrift.com

Challenge Details:

This is an Online Catch - Measure - Photo - Release Challenge

The use of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY to document all entries will be the only accepted method for recording fish.

Photo Details:

-Each photo must clearly show length and have the monthly photo identifier in the picture!

-Each submitted digital picture of a fish must be made in or on your kayak/canoe with the measuring device and Identifier in the photo.

-You are free to submit multiple pictures of different angles of the same fish to clearly show its length. Don't forget the photo identifier.

The following species and quantity of fish will be legal for measurement in the challenge:

Striped Bass - 1 per month

Black Bass Family- 1 per month

Catfish - 1 per month

Panfish - 2 per month

Sea Trout - 1 per month

Redfish - 1 per month

You may re-submit photos of the same species "to replace" a smaller fish previously submitted. We encourage you to submit your photos as soon as possible in order to keep our leader board up to date.

Upcoming Events at SUNRIFT Adventures

2011-07-19T20:53:00.000-04:00

Kayak Fishing Clinic

July 23rd

Join Sunrift and All Rivers South's Dave Williams for an informal introduction to kayak fishing. Dave will be in the store all day Saturday to talk about local hotspots, outfitting your kayak, and the best boats for fishing. Sunrift will have plenty of boats on hand to display creative ways to outfit your boat.

Jocassee Clean up Day

JULY 30 2011

Help keep Jocassee beautiful. Volunteer at Devil's Fork State Park on Saturday, July 30th. Volunteers will work and play from 9-5, cleaning up on foot, in kayaks, and while scuba diving. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.

Click Here for More Info

SUP DEMO July 20th

SUP JULY 20 2011

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is all the rage this year. Stop by the store today to check out our brand new boards. We will devote the July 20th evening demo to Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Reservations required. 864-834-3019

Sunrift Adventures May and June Challenge WINNERS!!

2011-07-02T15:13:00.000-04:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Lost@Sea for winning the MAY Challenge and the Harmony Safety Kit!

AND

to BFTRED for winning the JUNE Challenge and AT FishStix Paddle!!

JULY Challenge identifier is below!

Prize will be confirmed soon!

JULY 2011 Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge

2011-07-02T14:14:00.001-04:00

Here is the photo Identifier for the JULY Challenge!!

Prize will be a Kayak Essentials Package! A bilge pump, whistles, paddle float, and sponge! All Necessities!!!
Get out there and fish!!

If you are new to our challenges, here are the rules!

The Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge will run from April to October 2011!

Check out Sunrift Adventures online at www.sunrift.com

Challenge Details:

This is an Online Catch - Measure - Photo - Release Challenge

The use of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY to document all entries will be the only accepted method for recording fish.

Photo Details:

-Each photo must clearly show length and have the monthly photo identifier in the picture!

-Each submitted digital picture of a fish must be made in or on your kayak/canoe with the measuring device and Identifier in the photo.

-You are free to submit multiple pictures of different angles of the same fish to clearly show its length. Don't forget the photo identifier.

The following species and quantity of fish will be legal for measurement in the challenge:

Striped Bass - 1 per month

Black Bass Family- 1 per month

Catfish - 1 per month

Panfish - 2 per month

Sea Trout - 1 per month

Redfish - 1 per month

You may re-submit photos of the same species "to replace" a smaller fish previously submitted. We encourage you to submit your photos as soon as possible in order to keep our leader board up to date.

TOTAL LENGTH OF ALL FISH WINS!

Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

2011 Sunrift Adventures Angling Challenge June 2011

2011-06-10T21:58:00.001-04:00

Here is the photo Identifier for the June Challenge!!

The prize will be an AT Fish Stix Paddle!

Click Here for more info on the AT FishStix!

Since I was late in getting this up, I will also accept the May Identifier with the words "Rick Is Slack" written on it!! Sorry! Hope you all are having fun out there with these challenges! Thanks Sunrift for the sponsorship this summer!!

If you are new to our challenges, here are the rules!

The Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge will run from April to October 2011!

Check out Sunrift Adventures online at www.sunrift.com

Challenge Details:

This is an Online Catch - Measure - Photo - Release Challenge

The use of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY to document all entries will be the only accepted method for recording fish.

Photo Details:

-Each photo must clearly show length and have the monthly photo identifier in the picture!

-Each submitted digital picture of a fish must be made in or on your kayak/canoe with the measuring device and Identifier in the photo.

-You are free to submit multiple pictures of different angles of the same fish to clearly show its length. Don't forget the photo identifier.

The following species and quantity of fish will be legal for measurement in the challenge:

Striped Bass - 1 per month

Black Bass Family- 1 per month

Catfish - 1 per month

Panfish - 2 per month

Sea Trout - 1 per month

Redfish - 1 per month

You may re-submit photos of the same species "to replace" a smaller fish previously submitted. We encourage you to submit your photos as soon as possible in order to keep our leader board up to date.

TOTAL LENGTH OF ALL FISH WINS!

Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

CONGRATS LOST@SEA!! Winner of April Challenge

2011-05-06T21:43:00.000-04:00

Here are the results of the April Sunrift Angling Challenge!

Fishook - 88.75 inches
Yakman - 98.5 inches
TooBusy - 29 inches
Lucky13 - 20.5 inches
Spinners - 12 inches
BFTRED 95.75 inches
Dodge1 - 20 inches
Brian - 41.5 inches
Lost@Sea - 98.75 inches

YES the winner is LOST@SEA by a QUARTER OF AN INCH!!! See how those upgrades matter! Always upgrade your pics if you catch a bigger one!

Click here to see more pics from the April angling challenge from the forum!

2011 Sunrift Adventures Angling Challenge MAY 2011

2011-05-02T21:50:00.000-04:00

Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

The Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge will run from April to October 2011!

Check out Sunrift Adventures online at www.sunrift.com

Challenge Details:

This is an Online Catch - Measure - Photo - Release Challenge

The use of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY to document all entries will be the only accepted method for recording fish.

Photo Details:

-Each photo must clearly show length and have the monthly photo identifier in the picture!

-Each submitted digital picture of a fish must be made in or on your kayak/canoe with the measuring device and Identifier in the photo.

-You are free to submit multiple pictures of different angles of the same fish to clearly show its length. Don't forget the photo identifier.

The following species and quantity of fish will be legal for measurement in the challenge:

Striped Bass - 1 per month

Black Bass Family- 1 per month

Catfish - 1 per month

Panfish - 2 per month

Sea Trout - 1 per month

Redfish - 1 per month

You may re-submit photos of the same species "to replace" a smaller fish previously submitted. We encourage you to submit your photos as soon as possible in order to keep our leader board up to date.

TOTAL LENGTH OF ALL FISH WINS!

Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

MAY Identifier

Prize Harmony Safety Kit

High Volume Bilge Pump, bilge sponge, Blade Aid paddle float, paddle leash, & Fox 40 Safety Whistle

APRIL 2011 Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge

2011-03-25T21:59:00.000-04:00

Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

The Sunrift Adventures Online Angling Challenge will run from April to October 2011!

Check out Sunrift Adventures online at www.sunrift.com

Challenge Details:

This is an Online Catch - Measure - Photo - Release Challenge

The use of DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY to document all entries will be the only accepted method for recording fish.

Photo Details:

-Each photo must clearly show length and have the monthly photo identifier in the picture!

-Each submitted digital picture of a fish must be made in or on your kayak/canoe with the measuring device and Identifier in the photo.

-You are free to submit multiple pictures of different angles of the same fish to clearly show its length. Don't forget the photo identifier.

The following species and quantity of fish will be legal for measurement in the challenge:

Striped Bass - 1 per month

Black Bass Family- 1 per month

Catfish - 1 per month

Panfish - 2 per month

Sea Trout - 1 per month

Redfish - 1 per month

You may re-submit photos of the same species "to replace" a smaller fish previously submitted. We encourage you to submit your photos as soon as possible in order to keep our leader board up to date.

TOTAL LENGTH OF ALL FISH WINS!

Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

APRIL Identifier

Prize ASTRAL NOVA PFD

WOW!!!! Now that's a Redfish!

2011-02-17T15:35:00.002-05:00

Congrats to Lost@Sea for landing this awesome redfish from his kayak on 2/17/2011!

45.25 Inches!

Lost@Sea is competing in the Winter Triple Online Fishing Challenge! Check out more of his and other anglers submitted pictures on the SC Kayak Fishing Forum!

Want Lost@Sea to take you fishing? Book a trip at Kayak Fish SC !

Still Looking for your Coosa?

2011-02-10T11:47:00.001-05:00

These boats are in high demand and are difficult to find. Sunrift Adventures has one Olive Jackson Coosa Elite in stock right now! $1000

If you have been looking for this boat and are ready to buy, better give them a call today and get it. It won't last long! They do have more on the way if you miss out on this one!

Sunrift also has one in their rental fleet if you are looking to try this boat out before you buy!

Sunrift Adventures - A Jackson Kayak Preferred Dealer

One Center Street
Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690-0000
Phone: (864) 834-3019
Fax: (864) 834-2679
Email: sunrift@sunrift.com
Web: www.sunrift.com

Chasing Striped Bass on the Fly - Guided Trips with Piedmont Angling

2011-01-21T10:06:00.004-05:00

It was a rainy and cold Monday night and I really wanted to get the kids to bed, grab a cold beverage, and browse fishing websites in the comfort of my home until bedtime. Sounds good right! Tonight though I was going to venture out to my local Trout Unlimited meeting here in Greenville, SC to hear a local guide speak on chasing striped bass with a fly rod in southern warm water rivers and lakes. That's right.....a warm water fly fishing lesson at a Trout Unlimited meeting. That's one thing I love about the Mountain Bridge Chapter, they have a variety of speakers that are not just about chasing the beloved trout in cold water streams.

The guide's name is Buck Ernst and he is based out of a small town between Athens, GA and Lake Hartwell. He has an interesting past in that he spent many years riding Rodeo professionally, and traveling the country doing so. An avid fisherman as well, his fly gear was always in the truck ready to wet a line no matter where his travels took him. After his bull riding career ended, he settled back near his hometown to begin a career of chasing striper and taking clients on these action packed trips with him.

Buck has so much knowledge about the biology and behavior of Striped and Hybrid Bass, that it gives him an extreme advantage in his fishing. It's amazing to me how there is so much information to study in order to get to know these fish and what techniques are best to catch them. Having guides with this knowledge that are willing to share is crucial in increasing your own knowledge of the fish.

Buck's guide service is Piedmont Angling and he specializes on Lake Hartwell and the Oconee and Broad Rivers in Georgia. He uses a 20 ft Bay boat in the lakes and a jet boat to get you to the fish in the rivers. Used only as a mode of transportation in the rivers, the jet boat is usually beached and the angler wades in search of their "hawg" striper. A kayak is another craft that can navigate the shoals and other things that prohibit a prop propelled boat from getting to these fish.

I am glad that I ventured out on that cold and rainy evening. I'm for sure going to call on Buck to teach me a few things about striper and landing a "big 'un" on the fly. He can take a maximum of two anglers so find a buddy to share the experience with. After seeing the pictures in his presentation, I can for sure say that it would make for some good stories around future campfires for you. Enjoy some of these pics and give Buck a call today to set up a trip!

Introduction to Kayak Fishing - Charleston Boat Show

2011-01-18T10:55:00.001-05:00

Join Kayak Angler and Guide Tommy "TooBusy" Samuels this Saturday (1-22) from 11:45-12:30 at the Charleston Boat Show for a Introduction to Kayak Fishing Seminar!

About Tommy:

Tommy Samuels, aka Too Busy, a lifetime fisherman and kayaker with years of paddling experience. He specializes in kayak fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder in the many coastal creeks and marshes in the Charleston, SC area. If freshwater is more your style, he also guides for trophy stripers in Lake Moultrie.

He is a Pro Staff member of Kayak Bass Fishing, Wilderness System's Kayaks, Adventure Technology Paddles, as well as an endorsed guide with Columbia Sportswear and Okuma Fishing, and Pure Fishing Select Angler.

Tommy is also a member of the South Carolina Outdoor Press Association and writes kayak fishing articles for Coastal Angler Magazine.

2011 Online Fishing Challenges

2011-01-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

It's the start of a brand new year and we are all getting organized and making resolutions that may or may not make it past the month of February! As with most of you, one of my resolutions for 2011 is to FISH MORE, and one of the ways I plan on staying true to my promise is by participating in monthly Online Fishing Challenges.

The Winter Triple Challenge is going on right now for the members of the SCKF forums and Sunrift Adventures has agreed to sponsor a spring/summer edition of the Challenge. Watch the forums for more details on that soon! Another popular website, Kayak Bass Fishing's Challenge Series, gives the angler a chance to compete for some great prizes on a national stage.

These unique monthly fishing challenges gives you a way to enter into a fishing competition for prizes, while letting you fish on any water at any time, throughout a specified time frame (usually a month). Fish are scored by their length, and in some of the challenges, smaller species will receive a multiplier to allow them to compete with the larger species. The format for submitting fish for judging is the popular Catch-Measure-Photo-Release format.

An example of a photo submission in the Winter Triple Challenge

Other than your kayak and fishing equipment you will need an approved measuring device, digital camera, and the unique photo identifier for the particular challenge. This identifier is released the day the challenge starts as this gives the challenge administrators a way to make sure the fish was caught within the specified time frame. Click HERE for the blog post from Skinny Water Culture on tips for photographing your catch.

GOOD LUCK to all of you in 2011. I'll be sure to report on my progress as well as feature some of the winners from these challenges!

I think I am going to have to do better than this, but you never know if you don't participate!

2010-12-30T23:48:00.001-05:00

Wishing you Tight Lines and Big Fish in 2011!

Happy New Year

from South Carolina Kayak Fishing!

2010-12-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

from

South Carolina Kayak Fishing!

The New Jackson Coosa

2010-12-16T17:01:00.005-05:00

There is a new kayak on the market that has the kayak fishing community buzzing with excitement. Professional Kayak Angler Drew Gregory teamed up with Jackson Kayak to develop a new boat specifically for kayak anglers, called the Jackson Kayak Coosa. This boat seems to have it all including a Sit On Top design, the stability to stand and fish, and a comfortable seat that is adjustable to a high or low setting! I look forward to paddling this boat at the next demo day ( or if any friend of mine who has one lets me borrow theirs first!)

Below is a list of Preferred Jackson Kayak Dealers in SC. Be sure to check out the Coosa at one of their Demo Days this spring and summer!

Sunrift Adventures - A Jackson Kayak Preferred Dealer

One Center Street
Travelers Rest, South Carolina 29690-0000
Phone: (864) 834-3019
Fax: (864) 834-2679
Email: sunrift@sunrift.com
Web: www.sunrift.com

Coastal Expeditions - A Jackson Kayak Preferred Dealer

514 B Mill Street
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29464
Phone: 843-884-7684
Web: http://www.coastalexpeditions.com/

River Runner Outdoor Center - A Jackson Kayak Preferred Dealer

905 Gervais St
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Phone: 801-773-0353
Web: www.riverrunner.us

Photographing your catch for CPR tournaments - Shinny Water Culture

2010-12-13T14:19:00.003-05:00

With all the Online Challenges and Tournaments taking place these days I thought it would be appropriate to share this article that appeared on the Skinny Water Culture blog last week.

Good Luck to everyone fishing the Online Challenges. Go Fish! Have Fun! Win Great Gear!

Click HERE to go to the current SC Kayak Fishing Online Challenges in the Forum!

Photographing your catch for CPR tournaments

by: Skinny Water Culture

I have been involved kayak catch, photo, and release (CPR) tournaments for the last couple of years, and in that time I have personally been penalized length from a catch, been bumped down a place or two, and even had fish disqualified due to a bad picture. Sometimes it was a big price I paid, but with every mistake there was a lesson learned that has prevented me from committing costly errors again.

During weigh-ins I have heard many similar stories from others where they pay a big price for a small mistake, many of which happen when taking the scoring picture. Taking pictures of your catch when kayak fishing makes things even more difficult because you are very close to your catch which can easily flop out of the boat at any moment.

In a recent tournament I was able to photograph Chris Ravello going through the process of taking pictures of his scoring catch and wanted to share it you. Chris is a experienced tournament fisherman which is evident in his picture taking.

In the below picture you will see that Chris makes sure to have the measuring device in a readily accessible location where he can reach it without taking a hand off of his catch. He then places the fish on the board and places his token in a location where it will be clearly visible in the picture. The last thing Chris does is get his camera (all this is done without taking a hand off of the catch).

In the following picture Chris pushes the redfish toward the end of the board making sure that the nose is touching the end and the tail is lightly pinched. Chris then puts the camera overhead and takes a picture.

Click Here to read the rest of the article on the Skinny Water Culture Blog!

Introduction to Fly Casting

2010-12-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

If your going to be in Charleston this weekend and are interested in learning to cast a fly rod, stop by The Charleston Angler in Summerville! Ken is an accomplished Fly Fisherman and Kayak Angler. You can read his blog here...The Redfish Chronicles

Livin' on the Edge

2010-12-06T14:21:00.005-05:00

I thought this was an interesting article to pass along from SC Outdoor Writer / Kayak Fisherman Larry Ross.

Hunting and Fishing the "Edges" - L. Woodrow Ross

Unfortunately, the images above are all that some hunters see when they are pursuing wild game or fish. There are some tactics that will make you more successful.

My late father-in-law said that he never found a recipe for preparing a meal from tracks. He had a point. Just like the unsuccessful hunter on TV that said he would have to eat "Tag Soup".

If you're not bagging game consistently, you are using the wrong tactics or you're in the wrong place. You need to analyze what you're doing wrong and make some corrections.

Most game animals and even fish are found much of the time in "Transition Zones" or "Edges". For example, when hunting deer, look for habitat where several types of vegetation or terrain meet. This could be mature forest where it meets a cut-over or a field. Fields with weeds and shrubs around the perimeter that meet woodlands are examples.

These places provide cover. In the off-season, you may observe deer feeding in fields or food plots, but when the season opens, much of this activity is nocturnal. You will be more successful if you find "Staging" areas around the perimeter of these food plots. The deer will move into these areas before dawn prior to moving to bedding areas and also prior to dusk before moving into the open field.

Fish are also creatures of the edge. They will hold in areas......

Click here to read more!

Safe and SOUND...A Kayak Safety Essential

2010-12-02T21:58:00.002-05:00

"All boats less than 39.4 feet must carry an efficient sound producing device. Every vessel from 39.4 to 65.6 feet must carry a whistle and a bell." - SC Dept of Natural Resources

So it really is a rule and regulation for our small personal watercraft and smart one at that. Having an efficient sound producing device can be very valuable at a time of distress. Many kayakers I have met carry the small compressed air horns, but another simple clip on accessory in addition to that should be a must on your gear list.

A good loud safety / emergency whistle.

If you're looking for a new whistle, I would suggest these that are on sale at "The Fishy Kid".

These whistles are made by Whistles for Life and are very convenient to clip to your PFD. Grab a few...one for you and one to pass along to a Kayak Fishing Buddy.

The Fishy Kid is an organization here in SC that is dedicated to encourage Fishing and outdoor activities in parents and our future generations. Check 'em out....they have some fun things they offer for the little angler you may be trying to encourage!

South Carolina Kayak Fishing - New Format

2010-12-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

photo credit: K.Bergmann

Welcome to the new Online Format for South Carolina Kayak Fishing!

I wanted to take the SC Kayak Fishing homepage to a blog type format for a while now, and finally have learned enough to launch it! This format will allow us to share interesting articles and other information about Kayak Fishing easily. It also gives us an opportunity to link up our social media outlets and makes updating the content more efficient.

The forums and online community have not changed and can be accessed by clicking the link on the top right of the page. I hope that this new format will give you a better place to learn about and share the sport of kayak fishing.

Happy Paddling and Tight Lines!