In summer of 2008 MyFish.com and Mote Marine organized a Genetic Tarpon Study along South Carolina’s coast line. While Mote has collected a wealth of tarpon data in Florida waters the opportunity to obtain DNA from South Carolina fish opened a whole new data source. Carole Niedig with Mote Marine stated, “It’s a starting point from which we hope to obtain further SC Tarpon samples to genetically track the different migration patterns of the population”. Samples are collected by a simple non-intrusive jaw scrape on the hinge of the jaw via a small scrub pad. Once the scrub pad turns silver, it’s placed in a collection vial along with the catch details and returned to Haddrell’s Point Tackle.
MyFish.com has placed 30 tarpon DNA kits at both Haddrell’s Point Tackle locations however, more kits can be provided if required. “We tested the waters last year and received great support with multiple samples collected from Captains J.R.Waits & Josh Utsey as well as anglers Graham Able and Charles Condon. Cantey Smith welcomed the distribution of the tarpon kits at his annual tarpon tournament in July”, said Capt Todd Stamps of MyFish.com. The local support is simply nothing short of being “all in”. This year’s study involves seven new supporters – Guy Harvey’s Ocean Foundation, CCA SC, Yeti Coolers, Angling Technologies, lowcountryoutdoors.com, Homewaters Clothing and Fins Fishing Line.
These supporters have allowed MyFish.com and Mote to provide a raffle for those that both collected a tarpon sample and / or logged their fishing trips on MyFish.com’s Angler Logbook. Collect 1 or 2 samples and your name will go into a drawing for either a Homewaters Clothing Polo Shirt of your choice or a 1lb spool of 10 lb green Fins Fishing braided line. Collect 3 or more samples and a Limited Edition autographed Guy Harvey Tarpon print may be yours. For CCA SC members that collect a sample your name will also be in a drawing for a Yeti 15qt Roadie.
CharlestonFishing.Com, Haddrell’s Point Tackle & MyFish.com will offer a 35