South Carolina Department of Natural Resources released 400,000 Redbreast Sunfish in the Edisto River today. Redbreast are similiar size and shape to common freshwater Bream Sunfish. However they thrive in rivers not lakes and are easily identified by the bright red color. They are easily caught on almost any live bait or artificial bait such as beetle spins. I grew up using crickets so that will always be my first choice. Even though they are relatively small they put up a good fight on light tackle or cane poles. You will want to use a cork to keep the bait off the bottom and moving.
The Redbreast will will be released at T.W. Messervy Boat Landing in Dorchester County. This section of river is just
south of Givhans State Park between Hwy 61 and Hwy 17A. It is a very undeveloped area of the Edisto River just upriver from the MeadWestvaco's 78,000 acre East Edisto tracts. They are beginning their 50 year development plan for this area. It will be one of the largest planned developments on the East Coast in decades. It is located near the ACE Basin Natural Wildlife Refuge which emcompasses over 350,000 acres along the Edisto, Ashepoo, and Combahee River Systems.
SCDNR hopes this release will the first of many to help reach the goal of 1.4 million Redbreast in the Edisto River. Funds came from the sale of SC fishing licenses and Sport Fish Restoration money collected through excise tax on fishing and boating equipment. Like most government agencies SCDNR has endured huge budget cuts but has some how managed to make ends meet without closing public WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas). Their budget was cut from $32 million to $14 million. Support SC's Natural Resources by letting your local politicans know that wildlife funding is important to the citizens and visitors of South Carolina. Please "Like" my Facebook Page to keep up with all Edisto news, current events, and real estate listings.
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