Hello. My name is Andy Hubler. I noticed on your website that there is an upcoming board of directors meeting on December 14th. I’m not sure if this is open to the public, but I hope that this letter will initiate a further discussion of what many feel is an inadequate decision Santee Cooper has made. This decision I am referring to is the bait permit being issued on the Santee Cooper lakes, specifically Lake Moultrie.
I am 31yrs old and have been fishing the lakes for 27yrs. My father and grandfather fished the lakes as well. Many of our most memorable moments have been spent in the boat with them. I learned many lessons about fishing, but more importantly I learned about life from them. Now, as I look at my 14 month old daughter I wonder if I will be able to have that opportunity with her.
I know, blah,blah,blah, so let me get to my point. After 9/11, there was a call to protect our country from terrorists. Many of my liberties have been stripped away to keep us “safe”. The one I want to discuss with you is the ability to fish in front of the dam at Lake Moultrie. Following 9/11, buoys were placed from the west side of the finger pier on the lock side and extended around to the dike on the east side of the hydros. This area was considered off limits to everyone. Later on, several commercial baiters approached Santee Cooper and spoke of their livelihood and the economic impact to themselves, fish guides, and the economic impact generated by the tourism. I believe an agreement was reached to issue “bait permits”, since most of the bait is caught from March-June. It seems simple, but by human nature individuals “tested” the waters by fishing in them. Regardless of whether fishing day or night, hot or cold, rainy or sunny, it was apparent that the guards didn’t enforce the “rule”. The rule didn’t get enforced until this year. It sounds simple, but this is where “we” don’t understand.
Just my humble opinion but I think your letter will backfire as it is written.
You get more flies with sugar than you do with vinegar.
I see a 1000 ft stay back rule coming…
I agree something needs to be done and attending a board meeting will certainly get you in the limelight but I think the letter needs to be written with evidence, not mere speculation and stone throwing.
Again just my humble opinion, no offense intended.
Fishing on the bottom is like having sex with the lights turned off. It feels good… but I wanna see it.
Lights On!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of dust with a rod in one hand and a beer in the other,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming…
Smily, I agree with what you are saying, but we have tried “sugar”, and it has got us yelled at and wrongly accused. It makes no sense the way it is now. Fishermen fishing close to the dam does not make the dam less safe, especially when it is ok for bait guys to tie up to the hydro area, out of plain sight. If this results in a “stay back 1000’” sign, that will be fine, as long as it goes for everyone. No, I would not like it, but it would make more sense than the present rule…
“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150God is GOOD!! ALL the time!!</font id=“blue”>
I know you are frutrated Lynn, but a lesson I have learned the hard way is, you have be in the correct forum to presnt your debate. Presenting the debate at the dam wall, will only cause more trouble as the folks there are merely messengers “Dont kill the messenger”.
If you go on the attack at the “wall”, the messenger will probably go back to HQ and paint an ugly picture to the board, probably even construe the facts. “a one sided story” so to speak. If that happens, then you are already losing when you do get to talk to HQ.
I think you will get a response from the board , but I think it will be to the point, present the criteria or rationale that the restriction is based upon. It will be be professional, compassionate and even provide a contact for further communication. It will not respond to the the rant of the email.
I highly recommend building your case by providing examples, factual evidence, identify compromises. Always provide a way for them to find common ground. If not they will surley flex their muscles, implement the golden rule and shut down the dialogue.
I know this sounds like I am against but truly, I am not. I have participated in civil suits and consider myself pretty good at debate. Never go to battle with a half loaded gun.
Good luck!
Fishing on the bottom is like having sex with the lights turned off. It feels good… but I wanna see it.
Lights On!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of dust with a rod in one hand and a beer in the other,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming…
I understand fully what you are saying. I have not had words with anyone at the wall, unless they came out yelling at me like I was a child or a dog. I have told all the guards and LEOs that I respect the fact that they are just doing their job and what they are told to do. I only have a problem with some of the ones that think it is ok to scold me when I have done nothing wrong. I have not once trolled inside the buoys, or fished in any manner, this “season”. We are in the process of contacting people further up the ladder. You are right, the ones guarding the dam against fisherterroristsmen are not the ones to debate with. We don’t! Maybe you could help us with our “battle”. I, for one, am not the best writer or debater! We could use all the help possible!!
“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150God is GOOD!! ALL the time!!</font id=“blue”>
Lynn
The letter wriiten by Andy doesn’t get to the point in a clear and concise manner. Well intended i’m sure but if i was reading it i wouldn’t understand what the person wanted or what the real issue is.
The point and the problem is the following.
The point:
Since 9/11 a security measure has been enforced at the dam to prevent boaters and fisherman from coming to close to the dam.
Activity on the lake side can be observed by the guards while on shift using a camera system installed for that purpose.
They randomly placed bouys marking what they consider the security zone. Then placed a sign on the wall instructing boaters to stay outside said bouys unless involved in lock operations which of course requires them to proceed along the wall into the open lock.
OK makes some sense! But certainly doesn’t really prevent what ever the security risk was assumed to be. As these boats present the same risk as any boat catching bait or fishing within the vicinity of the dam.
The problem:
The people have been fishing and catching bait in this area for a great numbers of years. It seems that due to water flow or because of the lights bait fish congregate in very close proximity to the ■■■■. Also at certain times of year the striper tend to do the same most probably feeding on the bait fish. If you want to fish or catch bait you go where the bait is at any given time. The commercial and recreational bait fisherman protested the closer and got a concession.
They would be able to take there boat registration to the Santee HQ security division fill out some paperwork and recieve a bait fishing permit which they would affix to their boat. Then when a guard would come out to check they would give the bait permit number to them and drive on with what they were doing. Some people would fish in this area and would be run off by the guards. The the smart ones went down and got a bait permit and then were allowed to be there.
This year the issue has gotten confused and bait permits are either no longer issued or its s
Rick, thanks for your input! That’s what we need, real suggestions. Anyone and everyone is welcome to give us suggestions, or better yet, email or call theirselves. Not everyone can transfer what they are thinking to paper. I, for one, stink at writing. I also get frustrated when I think of this mess. That is a fault of mine. Anyway, we appreciate all the comments made, and as a group, we may get something done!
“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150God is GOOD!! ALL the time!!</font id=“blue”>
They also need to realize that our presence, however small, out there around the dam, is a good thing. I mean, if I saw, what I thought was a terrorist, getting ready to ram his boat into the dam, I can either try to stop him, or get ready to surf to the cooper on my KW. I know that is really a moot point, but you never know…
It may be a false sense of security(I know it really is), but I have had guards tell me that they liked for us to be out there, and it made them feel a little bit better. Obviously, there is only so much we, or anyone can do if someone has already made it to the water…
“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150God is GOOD!! ALL the time!!</font id=“blue”>
no worries lynn… good thing you weren’t fishing on the 10th you might have been rolled up
Utility to Test Security Response at SC Dam | wltx.com Nov 10, 2009 … Utility to Test Security Response at SC Dam … electric utility, and law enforcement agencies at the Pinopolis Dam near Moncks Corner. … www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=80571&catid=2 - Cached - Similar
it does seem however that there is alot of confusion on what the current policy is and for what reason it is now being enforced.
I sure would like to see the current policy and instructions to the guards. Is it a Santee issue, DNR, homeland security or other.
If we knew exactly what it was a possible alternative for the good of all could be proposed. Its a big lake and plenty of oportunity to catch fish elsewhere would be my response if i had resposibility for the current policy. That however doesn’t address why bait fisherman obtained an exception to the rule. There are plenty of places to catch bait as well? Why don’t you obtain a copy of the current rule,law or policy and post it here then we all can shoot holes in it like a turky shoot and come up with a coherent arguement and solution.
I will try to find it myself as well.
“Destiny” 35ft
Contender and “Scintilla” 20ft Keywest, Manning SC
Let me ask this question… Sense THE STRIPER SEASON OPENED THIS {WINTER}YEAR, 09’…HAS ANYONESEEN A “BAIT BOAT” INSIDE THE BOUYS??? I know I haven’t…
Lynn??
Sense the guard is taking down and “confirming” PERMIT #'s…There must be a log, RIGHT…??
That may be a question to ask at the meeting…If this area is directed as a “bait permit only” AREA…HOW MANY PEOPLE IS IT SERVING?? 1-2-3 commercial boats??? Are these people supplying the entire state??? I think not…
Just try and get live bait on Lake Moultrie…
I’m in FULL SUPPORT of an additional fee for the PERMIT TO FISH INSIDE THE BOUYS…
Notice I said, FISH inside the bouys…
Its kind of like> paying extra for A BETTER SEAT…
The point and the problem is the following.
The point:
Since 9/11 a security measure has been enforced at the dam to prevent boaters and fisherman from coming to close to the dam.
Activity on the lake side can be observed by the guards while on shift using a camera system installed for that purpose…
Well done!
Fishing on the bottom is like having sex with the lights turned off. It feels good… but I wanna see it.
Lights On!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of dust with a rod in one hand and a beer in the other,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming…
Appreciate all the input. I thought long and hard about how to type the letter and after numerous rough drafts (that’s right, rough drafts), I opted for my personal version. I feel that there is no reason to sit around and shoot holes in a swiss cheese policy. Surely, the security @ Santee Cooper put alot of thought in all the decisions that have been made, especially in regards to this terrorism issue. I have spoken to numerous “officials” at Santee Cooper who have given me policy issues, etc. I can give the specs of the dam, buoys location, and numerous other curent dam policies. Fisherman, including Lynn, myself, and numerous others can give personal accounts of the rules on both sides of the lake in regards to rule enforcement and harassment. I feel being technical, rather personal, is the way to go. I mean, aren’t the fisherman getting discriminated against? Truthfully,(the only way), the only way something will be changed is by contacted our politicians and pleading our case. That’s it, plain and simple. Santee Cooper is not going to amend that ruling again unless a politician can get it changed. In the event that something should ever happen, they don’t want that blood on their hands. They are already in violation of federal law with the permit to my understanding. So, if the buoys are extended out to 500ft(as many lakes are) rather than the current 210ft, then so be it. If a boat gets checked everytime they use the lock, then so be it. If commercial baiters can’t get bait in that area and guides can’t get herring to guide with, so be it. It will all trickle down. Should I become a guide and then complain that my business is going to suffur in these extreme times because I cannot fish the area? We can go round and round about all of this, but I’m just glad to see the attention it is receiving. On the plus, if the harrassment I received last night in an indicator, then Santee Cooper will be hiring very soon. They will need alot more guards to protect the dikes and everything else. Our
Back to civilization from the mountains and wanted to post a link to contact your politicians about anything, especially the bait permit situation on Lake Moultrie. It’s kind of a pain as you have to cut and paste a letter to each person, but it’s worth it (maybe 30 minutes for everyone). Here’s the link: www.conservativeusa.org/mega-cong.htm
Man, I forgot how great, beautiful, and relaxing the mountains are! Anyways, I’m charged back up and will be back fishing Tuesday night with public enemy #1. Now, write a letter or 12!!!
Key West 21’6" BayReef
225 Honda
Tightlines and God Bless
Thanks Andy, I’ll do my best to send them my opinion. Lynn’s was a little long winded for my taste.
We did manage 1 keeper on friday night with 4 other hits. Lynn showed up abut 10:00. Waves were 3 ft. with a 3 second interval. Sporty to say the least. Call me anytime you need some crew.
Thanks Andy, I’ll do my best to send them my opinion. Lynn’s was a little long winded for my taste.
We did manage 1 keeper on friday night with 4 other hits. Lynn showed up abut 10:00. Waves were 3 ft. with a 3 second interval. Sporty to say the least. Call me anytime you need some crew.
If your not fishin your not livin!
Actually, that was Andy’s email, and I thought it was appropriate for the angle he was taking…
I’m still trying to get mine completed…
I do not want to leave anything out!!
“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150God is GOOD!! ALL the time!!
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
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Hey lynn, My bad. Andys the long winded bait catching terorist!
If your not fishin your not livin!
It’s all good!!
I prefer to be the striper catching terrorist…
“Miss Amanda”
-KeyWest
-Bluewater 2020CC
-Yammy F-150God is GOOD!! ALL the time!!
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
</font id=“blue”>
I received a letter from Sanford’s office the other day. It was pretty surprising. The information was from the head of DNR and states all the stuff we have already mentioned. Santee Cooper is already reaching out to the fishing community with the bait permit idea. Nothing will be done. On another note, there are a few things left that “we” will try to do to get everyone’s attention even more. Extra batteries, zillion power spotlights, and YouTube could make things much more interesting…
Key West 21’6" BayReef
225 Honda
Tightlines and God Bless
Fishing on the bottom is like having sex with the lights turned off. It feels good… but I wanna see it.
Lights On!
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of dust with a rod in one hand and a beer in the other,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming…
