Any one else feel like St.Jude is pushing us out of fishing spots over at Otter Isl.they keep pushing the cages closer and closer to the bank over at Otter and now have the whole left side of the bank cut off to fish. I was over there this weekend and the cages were up against the bank all the way down the side of Otter. Does their permit allow them to be that close, they have cut off access to several drains is that allowed? who do you call to complain? I have no problem with their use of the public waters for their private use but when they are denying me of areas I would like to fish I do not think it’s right. I have ask them to move them out away from the bank and was told that they would not move them. I’ve got hung up in their in the anchor ropes two times and thought I was going to have cut up my anchor line to get loose. How do the rest of you feel about this subject?
That’s interesting, because I’ve seen the oyster harvesters fishing the left side of the entrance of Otter Island behind the crates when they’re not collecting them, etc. they’re based out of Bennett’s point from my understanding due to seeing their boat there on multiple occasions and working behind the shop. I agree that they shouldn’t be spreading out their crates all the way across the channel and almost prohibiting other recreational fishermen from fishing that whole creek due to how skinny the water gets coming from the small entrance off of the S Edisto. Anybody else agree or disagree?
its their lease.
quote:
Originally posted by Edisto82its their lease.
their lease is a matter of public record with SC DHEC OCRM- the cages are supposed to be far enough off the bank to not impede access.
I have given removal quotes to a few of the oyster farms( they must have the removal plan to get permitted) and have looked at the plans and drawings for their leases.
Call the local OCRM office and ask for the enforcement person.
I made the call. they came and they were to advise to St. Jude to move the cages and this is to happen by this Friday.will see what happens and will post on Monday. The whole bank is lined up with cages no way to access the prime fishing area. I bet when I hit area on Saturday the (**() cages will be where they were on this pass weekend, anyone want to take my bet?
scott butler
You got a grapple and a big motor?
250 horses and will check with my log crew and get the Grapel
scott butler
That should do it! Good luck.
was fishing a creek way up from otter off whale Branch and saw where they had these oyster cage things. Didn’t know what they were until I asked a few people. Maybe they will help enhance fishing by giving an artificial reef and feeding area? But I can see your point in them blocking a creek. Might make some good area to troll by pitching some grubs?
“Why Bruce?”
Fred 67 I hope the guys in whale Branch didn’t stack the cages up against the bank like they did at Otter I’ve fishing this area for years and they just move in and take control. My understanding is that they must be 50’ off at low tide this not what it is at Otter. The First big tide the cages get moved and then they move them in closer to get into shallower water to keep them from being wash around, I think more thought should have gone into this permitting of public resources. All I know is after 12 Phone calls they moved one set of cages more calls tomorrow I hope will move them off the bank.
scott butler