I live in Goose Creek and have recently came into something I can finally take on the water. It’s a Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 obvioulsy for freshwater but can be taken into saltwater (which i prefer) with a good cleaning afterwards. I’m game for going anywhere, but for those quick trips after work and weekends, the Cooper River is going to be my best bet. I have looked at either putting in at Bushy Park or the small landing in Marrington Plantation (yes I have DoD Access), depending on whether I want to go fresh or salt. Enough with the small talk, here is my question:
I know that in this section of the Cooper, from Bushy Park to past the DH, you must keep moving or you will eventually get a visit by the MP gunboats. But, there are so many good creeks to fish like Goose Creek, Yellowhouse Creek, etc… that are in the zone. Can you stay moving till you get to those places or will you still get a visit? Just curious if anyone on here is knowledgeable about this rules and regs of these creeks and I appreciate any info on this subject. I’m usually one of those it’s easier to apologize than ask permission kind of guys, but in the case of a gun boat that is out the window. Thanks in advance.
A bad day fishin’ is better than a good day at work!
Why would anyone want to live anywhere besides the Lowcountry in South Carolina?
I am not sure of the exact rules but I have never had any problems pulling up into any of the places you mentioned to fish. On the other hand I have heard of people that get run out every time they try. Maybe it just depends on their mood that day! Good luck, there are Definatly plenty of fish up that way. Oh, and if you didn’t already know, the bushey park landing is VERY shallow at low tide. Try to catch it two hours on either side of low.
In the main channel, as long as you’re keeping a steady course and speed they won’t even give you a second look. (well, they probably are, but you won’t know it.) All the side creeks are outside of the “Restricted Area” and you can fish those no problem. I’ve fished literally on the back side of the “Restricted Area” sign in front of NPTU (the “submarines”). The security boats will definitely watch you, but if you pay attention to the signs and aren’t doing anything suspicious (ie, slow down and pull out cameras, drive straight at a pier, load your rocket launcher, etc) they won’t give you any trouble. And if you do get into the wrong area, they will let you know in a professional manner, don’t worry.
Only exception I can think of is Goose Creek, which actually runs through the lower end of the NWS. Not exactly sure on that one, it is posted on the sides of the channel but I know people who fish there. I’ve never tried myself.
and like knotforsail said, pay attention to the tide at the landing! even a boat like yours may have trouble on low tides these days. It’s pretty miserable.
Yes, you are correct Wolfie, Goose Creek runs through the NWS, and this is the one that strikes me as strange. If you follow Goose Creek from the Cooper upstream, you will go through the heart of the NWS, then under the train tracks on the north side of Yeamans Hall Club, then under N. Rhett Ave., and eventually to the Goose Creek Reservoir Dam. While driving on N. Rhett, you will see that a lot of people who live on Yeaman’s Hall Rd. in Hanahan have boats and I doubt they just have them to wander in Goose Creek. If anyone on here lives up that way or knows anyone who does, maybe they might know.
A bad day fishin’ is better than a good day at work!
Why would anyone want to live anywhere besides the Lowcountry in South Carolina?
you can definitely transit Goose Creek, just not sure about the stopping. I have seen tailing redfish on those flats from the Grace Hopper Bridge on the NWS while driving to work and I would love to know if I can fish there!