DNR on ft johnson

Saltwater Inshore Discussion
1

What’s the deal with the DNR on ft johnson? Can I drive up there and fish off the banks bc I’ve been on the water out there and seen people on the banks fishing and on bikes riding around. Wouldn’t mind putting the kayak in there either…not to mention go inside and shoot the breeze with the man about this trout situation bc I still throw them back but all i hear is everyone keeping them. Last I heard was the statement about the low #s and voluntary release. Did i miss something?

2

I got a ticket for "Trespassing To Fish for fishing on the rocks. I wouldn’t risk it again.

yella bote
black motor

3

I was taking a lunch break about 6 years ago there and decided to chunk a grub from the bank. I didn’t get a ticket like Rap, but almost did. I played polite and dumb…

4

low numbers will remain the same till next year when they start spawning again, voluntary release was through beginning of sept to coincide with the end of 2011 spawning season. with the numbers of 1yr old trout that survived last year as babies, and barring another abnormally cold winter, i hope for a good season next year. i still release most of mine, just personal preference (rather eat a red, sheep, flounder or black drum)

as for the fort, stay safe and fish from a boat.

5

Is a 1 year old trout keeper size?

6

i think when they’re 12 months old they’re usually about 10-12" but some can already spawn.

to be fair, they’re now an average of about 1.5 years old if they were born last year… spawning goes from may to sept, so call it a july peak and those fish should be just getting to legal size now.

7

You can walk around and ride bikes out there but for safety reasons no one is supposed to be fishing off the rocks out front. That said I have seen people wading around behind the C of C lab.

8

Thanks for the info, especially with the trout.

9

so, the avg ladies will be ready in a little under 2 years (nowish), the avg fellas will be ready next year.

science!

adapted from http://saltwaterfishing.sc.gov/pdf/SpottedSeaTrout.pdf

10

thanks mhebbard, all i could find was age/length keys from florida and the gulf when i looked quickly yesterday