Beaufort, S.C. Set to Launch First Annual Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament Promoting Conservation

Beaufort, S.C. Welcomes First Annual Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament

Beaufort, South Carolina, is about to reel in some excitement as the first annual Inshore Slam fishing tournament kicks off this Friday! Organized by the Port Royal Sound Foundation, this innovative event aims to promote conservation while getting the fishing community involved through a unique concept known as citizen science.

Launch Date and Features

The tournament spans ten days, starting September 27th and wrapping up on October 6th. What’s particularly cool is that it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned angler or just dipping your toes in the water—everyone is welcome to participate. You don’t even need a boat! Feel free to fish from a dock, take a stroll to the beach, or launch your line at a boat landing. You can choose to fish for just one day, several days, or for the entirety of the tournament, depending on your schedule.

Chris Kehrer, part of the Port Royal Sound team, emphasizes the flexibility of the event, stating, “You can fish one day, you can fish six, you can fish the full ten. This really gives everybody the opportunity, you know, people that are working and they only have the weekends to fish, people that have odds and end jobs.”

Fishing Made Easy with Technology

The tournament will utilize the MyCatch app, a handy tool that allows participants to keep track of what fish they’re catching and where. While the focus is primarily on popular species like redfish, flounder, and spotted sea trout, the good news is that any fish caught counts! Yes, even the little ones! The data collected from this tournament will be sent to fisheries biologists at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), helping them gain insights into local fish populations and their habitats.

“We’re working with a Canadian group called the Anglers Atlas,” mentioned Courtney Kimmel, the Research Coordinator at the Port Royal Sound Maritime Center. The MyCatch app allows you to take a picture of your catch, which is geotagged. Don’t worry—while your general location is recorded, specific ‘secret’ fishing spots will remain confidential. “At the end of the day, it gets masked, and that data gets made available to researchers to figure out what’s going on in that particular body of water,” Kimmel added.

A Focus on Conservation

This tournament isn’t just about the thrill of fishing; it’s also a significant conservation effort. Kehrer explained that the Port Royal Sound area is a “vast tidal estuarine body of water,” making it challenging for any single group to collect quality data. The Inshore Slam gives everyone a chance to contribute, providing a comprehensive understanding of the local fisheries.

Presented by Beaufort Boat and Dock Supply, the tournament will feature an Awards Dinner catered by The Salty Dog. With over $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs, participants will definitely have an added incentive to showcase their fishing skills!

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in joining the fun, be sure to check out the MyCatch app, which will be available to use throughout the tournament and beyond. For more information on how to register or to learn more about the event, visit the Port Royal Sound Foundation’s website.

So, grab your gear and get ready to cast for conservation in the beautiful waters of Beaufort! Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this tournament promises to be a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while making a positive impact on the local ecology.