Author: scbfaadmin

By: Matthew Goins

For a guy who grew up on the coast of South Carolina and began casting lines and captaining boats at a young age, fishing and boating are a natural way of life for Sen. Stephen Goldfinch (R – Georgetown).

As a senator, during a time of historic economic growth in the Palmetto State, the avid sportsman has discovered the need for balance between economic growth and preserving natural resources. “I appreciate the growth and support boating and fishing give our communities,” said Goldfinch. “However, I also struggle with it at times because I live in and represent the highest growth area of the state, and it puts pressure on our resources.”

Whether balancing economic growth and ecological efforts or balancing fishing regulations and guaranteeing access for anglers, Goldfinch has been a key legislator in several industry-focused legislative initiatives, especially flounder and red snapper regulations.

In the previous session, flounder limits were a controversial and hostile issue for the fishing industry that created a divide across the state and in Columbia. Commercial fishing groups and DNR believed the flounder population was declining; therefore, the state needed to either limit recreational catches or move to a moratorium.

After adopting changes from the conference committee, the state legislature passed H.3957, which allows for five flounders per person and 10 per boat, helping stop excessive gigging. “I believe what we have done works and gives everyone an opportunity for a legal fish which I am proud of,” said Goldfinch.

Red Snapper was another species that the legislature addressed, with efforts led by Goldfinch and Sen. Chip Campsen (R-Charleston). The two Lowcountry senators and avid anglers adopted legislation that would create a red snapper season within state waters to control the overpopulation of the species. In May, Gov. Henry McMaster signed S.980, which allows anglers to keep two red snappers over 20 inches per day. “These fish are moving inshore a little further by the day, and if we don’t start catching them, keeping them, and quite honestly killing them, then they’re going to kill our red drum, speckled trout, and black sea bass,” said Goldfinch.

In the next session, Goldfinch hopes to see the legislature work with DNR to end the taxation of outboard motors. Currently, South Carolina is one of only six states that still impose the tax. As a boat owner himself, Goldfinch believes the excessive registration and taxes on boats with multiple outboard engines make boat ownership more burdensome for many South Carolinians.

Despite the heavy partisanship on other issues in the statehouse, boating and fishing are two industries that unite lawmakers because of the heavy participation and economic impact. “There’s nothing partisan about boating and fishing,” said Goldfinch. “Everybody wants to enjoy the water, whether boating or fishing.”

Goldfinch credits SCBFA for being crucial in raising awareness of the state’s boating and fishing industry while providing insight on the issues at hand. “It’s helpful to have a trade association there to pin your ear and educate you about the issues at hand while also offering solutions,” said Goldfinch.

He urges South Carolinians to “never take for granted what we have. At the growth we are experiencing, our natural resources could look very different than they do now.”

In addition to serving in the State Senate, Goldfinch co-hosts the Trilogy Outdoors podcast, where he and Capt. Englis Glover discuss the outdoors and “anything that deals with fins, fur, and feathers.” The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

By: Matthew Goins

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, people around the state hit the water in record numbers to free themselves from various confines and indulge in the state’s growing outdoor recreation industry and natural beauty. One of those South Carolinians was avid outdoorsman and state legislator Rep. Russell Ott (D-Orangeburg). “If you are looking for a positive to come out of the pandemic, it would certainly be that people were able to get on the water and realize the natural beauty our state has to offer,” said Ott.

As the state experienced a heavy increase in boating during the pandemic, Ott discovered the many hassles of age-old registration requirements and the lack of common-sense, industry-focused safety laws, which led him to help charter reform in the House and become a supporter of SCBFA efforts. “I don’t think there is anyone better to talk to when you are trying to craft boating and fishing laws than those involved in the industry,” said Ott.

As a boat owner and Sportsmen’s Caucus member, he worked closely with SCDNR to develop a way where boaters and anglers can have proof of registration electronically, a bill Gov. McMaster signed into law last April.

Ott applauds the collaborative effort of the General Assembly and DNR, which SCBFA helped spark and lead. “We have done a good job of working with DNR to listen to our boaters and anglers across the state and respond to what they are experiencing by crafting laws that make sense,” said Ott.

Although the boating and fishing industries took great strides legislatively, Ott believes the biggest accomplishment was the awareness raised throughout the state.

“The biggest accomplishment is the amount of attention drawn toward the industries,” said Ott. “A lot of credit is owed to SCBFA for leading those efforts.”

He believes boating and fishing are etched in the state’s history and hopes the state legislature will work to preserve and expand them.

“South Carolina is home to many boat manufacturers and fishing suppliers, which is fantastic. We must continue to determine ways to support them to ensure they can continue to profit, operate, provide jobs, and produce the products that so many South Carolinians love and desire,” said Ott.

While there should be a balance between conservation efforts and economic development, he believes preservation must be at the forefront.

“So many people are moving to the state because of its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities it provides,” said Ott. “The focus must always be on preservation while also making sure people are able to enjoy the outdoors.”

In the next legislative session, he hopes the House and Senate can reach a resolution on boater safety laws due to the heavy rise in boating and fishing. “The numbers we are seeing make it more incumbent upon us to ensure we do everything we can to keep everyone safe while enjoying time on the water,” said Ott.

For Ott, family memories on the water drive him to advocate for the boating and fishing industries to ensure more South Carolinians have the same opportunities for generations to come.

“If you care about the outdoors and want to continue to see the industry prosper in this state, then you have to get involved because it can be gone in the blink of an eye,” said Ott.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently announced new appointments to the Regional Fishery Management Councils (RFMC), including South Carolina’s Gary Borland, who will serve on the South Atlantic Council. Each fishery management council seat includes nominations from each state’s governor for the Secretary’s consideration.

The appointment provides a stronger voice for the recreational fishing community to ensure proper conservation and management of the vital fisheries along our coast and balance with other represented stakeholders on the Council.

“The recreational fishing community has been in need of a greater voice on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council,” said SCBFA Chairman Chris Butler. “Borland’s appointment is a huge step in the right direction of ensuring a balance in the governance of our fisheries.”

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regulates many sought-after species in federal waters, including red snapper. This year’s recreational red snapper season for federal waters in the South Atlantic — that’s from North Carolina through the Florida Keys, three to 200 miles off the coast — was limited to two days — July 8 and 9. While the commercial season is from June 11 and runs through when the annual catch limit (ACL) is reached, or January 1, 2023.

By: Matthew Goins

In the famous 1984 film Ghost Busters, the notable theme song has the catchy line “Who you gonna call?” For automotive dealers in South Carolina, the force would be the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, often referred to as SCADA. As a longtime car dealer in Beaufort, South Carolina, Chris Butler relied heavily on the assistance and advocacy of the industry-based trade association. However, in 2001, when he transitioned into the boating industry, Butler discovered that though it was a big industry, its voice was small. 

“We needed everyone in the industry to understand that we need a collective voice to get things done,” said Butler. 

The channel for change came in the spring of 2020 when Butler received a call from a former College Fishing National Champion, College Fishing All-American, and communications professional, Gettys Brannon.   

With first-hand experience in the industry and awareness of its potential, Butler joined Brannon in leading the efforts to launch SCBFA. As a result of his accolades and success in the boating industry, Butler was easily elected chairman by his peers.

“Leadership is one of those things where you want to see everyone row the boat in the same direction,” said Butler. “The other part is recognizing and understanding what a pitfall for the organization could be, what hill is worth climbing, and what issues we are facing.”

Amid SCBFA’s launch, the world was shut down due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. As a public health precaution, the state shut down lakes and marinas, impacting many of Butler’s customers. 

“The state shutdown boat landings and access points for weeks with no dealer being notified or asked,” said Butler. “Only the wealthy people who lived on lakes or marinas could put their boat in the water, causing a disadvantage for the average, everyday boat owner.”

The inequality and inconsistency of restrictions fueled Butler to call on fellow partners in the industry to join the efforts. “That was the driving call that we used to talk to manufacturers and dealers during this mass chaos,” said Butler. “If the South Carolina Boating and Fishing Alliance had been established, we could have provided a voice of industry insight for state leaders during that time — though the state did the best with what information they had.” Butler credited Governor Henry McMaster with boating restrictions being one of the first lifted during the coronavirus response.

Though the industry thrives on the water, the connections at the statehouse and across the industry allowed the Alliance to garner support from the global leaders in boating and fishing tackle manufacturing who call South Carolina home. The mission was “to be a positive influence for the protection and growth of South Carolina’s boating and fishing industry through advocacy, education and stewardship.”

Butler wanted to see the Alliance engage in a “monster fight” in hopes of a “monster win.” “We were either going to stop a bill that would damage the industry or advance a bill that would impact the industry for the better,” said Butler. 

The victory came when the “30 by 30” legislation died in committee. Though the legislation was part of a national movement by environmental groups to protect 30% of all U.S. water and land by 2030, the bill posed a threat to the state’s outdoor recreation industry by restricting public access to bodies of water and land around the state.  

Other notable legislative accomplishments were developing electronic registration and allowing electronic licensing with SCDNR, reforming flounder regulations, decreasing manufacturer property tax, capping watercraft motor taxes, advocating for recreational fishing representation on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, and starting the conversation for historic conservation funding, with the Conservation Enhancement Act. 

In Butler’s view, the legislative efforts have been an eye-opener for many state leaders. “The effect we have had with legislators in such a short amount of time is remarkable. We probably came on quicker than any group like ours due to the strong voice we have,” said Butler. “People are starting to understand how big this industry truly is.”

Despite the many legislative accomplishments that continue to advance the industry, there is still much to be done. Butler believes the three greatest issues are outboard motor titles and taxes, property tax reform, and expanding access.

South Carolina is one of six states that continues to issue titles on outboard motors. Despite some seeing it as an income generator, it only provides .05% of overall revenue in counties like Beaufort. An auditor in Beaufort County told Butler, “It’s .05% of revenue but 80% of my problems.”

With a dealership located in Charleston, Butler is aware of the lack of access points compared to other areas along the coast. Expanded access is an issue he hopes the Alliance can be a leader for in the future. “Charleston is in desperate need of new landings. This is an area where state, city, and county governments must work together,” said Butler.

In addition to legislative efforts, Butler is proud of the strides the Alliance has taken to partner with technical colleges around the state to educate the industry’s future workforce.

“Boating and fishing are such important industries to South Carolina that we don’t want it to be  limited by the pool of people in the labor force,” said Butler. “We want to help manufacturers get people trained and to work because there are good-paying jobs and longevity in this industry.”

Though SCBFA has received heavy support from dealers and manufacturers around the state, Butler wants the organization to enhance its grassroots efforts to connect with everyday anglers and boat owners. Currently, one in 10 South Carolinians own a boat, and there are more than 725,000 fishing licenses distributed every year. “We have brought in the manufacturers and the dealers. Our next step is to travel the state and talk to your everyday angler and boat owner,” said Butler.

Future generations are what drive Butler to advocate for the industry. He hopes South Carolinians realize “we live in a great state with a great culture and great people. SCBFA wants to continue that for generations to come.” 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — With heavy traffic on waterways this Independence Day weekend, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be providing courtesy boat inspections at various public landings across the state. These efforts come with new boating laws being enforced.

If boats are not compliant with state requirements, boaters will not be issued a ticket and will be able to address the issue before hitting the water.

“While SCBFA promotes boating and fishing, safety is always at the forefront,” said SCBFA CEO Gettys Brannon. “From our launch, we have strived to educate South Carolinians on the importance of boater safety and we are fortunate to have the hardworking officers at SCDNR making our waterways safer.”

Inspection locations for July 3 – July 4:

July 3:
• Anderson Co: Riverfork Boat Ramp – Lake Hartwell; 2 p.m to 4 p.m
• Beaufort Co: Battery Creek Landing (Parris Island) – Battery Creek; 10 a.m. to noon
• Charleston Co: Wappoo Cut – ICW; 10 a.m. to noon
• Charleston Co: Buck Hall Landing – ICW; 10 a.m. to noon
• Georgetown Co: Carroll A. Campbell Landing – Sampit River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Horry Co: New Peach Tree Landing – Waccamaw River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Kershaw Co: Buck Hill Landing – Lake Wateree; 10 a.m. to noon
• Laurens Co: Riverfork Public Landing – Lake Greenwood; 10 a.m. to noon
• Lexington Co: Lake Murray Dam – Lake Murray; 9 a.m. to noon
• McCormick Co: Dorn Landing – Lake Thurmond; 10 a.m. to noon

July 4:
• Beaufort Co: Lemon Island Landing (Edgar Glenn) – Chechesse River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Berkeley Co: Cypress Gardens Landing (Dunham Creek); 10 a.m. to noon
• Charleston Co: Remleys Point Landing – Wando River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Greenwood Co: Parque Estatal Greenwood – Lake Greenwood; 10 a.m. to noon
• Horry Co: Hwy 22 Bridge (Behind Bass Pro Shop) – ICW; 10 a.m. to noon
• Marion Co: Galivants Ferry Landing – Little Pee Dee; 10 a.m. to noon
• Newberry Co: Billy Dreher Island – Lake Murray; 9 a.m. to noon
• Oconee Co: South Cove Park – Lake Keowee; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Pickens Co: Twelve Mile Park – Lake Hartwell; 10 a.m. to noon
• Spartanburg Co: Main Ramp – Lake Bowen; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• York Co: Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie; 10 a.m. to noon

For any issues or to report a boating issue, the SCDNR 24-hour hotline is 1-800-922-5431.

For more information on boating safety, you can call the SCDNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit: dnr.sc.gov

COLUMBIA, S.C. — With heavy traffic on waterways this Independence Day weekend, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will be providing courtesy boat inspections at various public landings across the state. These efforts come with new boating laws being enforced.

If boats are not compliant with state requirements, boaters will not be issued a ticket and will be able to address the issue before hitting the water.

“While SCBFA promotes boating and fishing, safety is always at the forefront,” said SCBFA CEO Gettys Brannon. “From our launch, we have strived to educate South Carolinians on the importance of boater safety and we are fortunate to have the hardworking officers at SCDNR making our waterways safer.”

Inspection locations for July 3 – July 4:

July 3:
• Anderson Co: Riverfork Boat Ramp – Lake Hartwell; 2 p.m to 4 p.m
• Beaufort Co: Battery Creek Landing (Parris Island) – Battery Creek; 10 a.m. to noon
• Charleston Co: Wappoo Cut – ICW; 10 a.m. to noon
• Charleston Co: Buck Hall Landing – ICW; 10 a.m. to noon
• Georgetown Co: Carroll A. Campbell Landing – Sampit River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Horry Co: New Peach Tree Landing – Waccamaw River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Kershaw Co: Buck Hill Landing – Lake Wateree; 10 a.m. to noon
• Laurens Co: Riverfork Public Landing – Lake Greenwood; 10 a.m. to noon
• Lexington Co: Lake Murray Dam – Lake Murray; 9 a.m. to noon
• McCormick Co: Dorn Landing – Lake Thurmond; 10 a.m. to noon

July 4:
• Beaufort Co: Lemon Island Landing (Edgar Glenn) – Chechesse River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Berkeley Co: Cypress Gardens Landing (Dunham Creek); 10 a.m. to noon
• Charleston Co: Remleys Point Landing – Wando River; 10 a.m. to noon
• Greenwood Co: Parque Estatal Greenwood – Lake Greenwood; 10 a.m. to noon
• Horry Co: Hwy 22 Bridge (Behind Bass Pro Shop) – ICW; 10 a.m. to noon
• Marion Co: Galivants Ferry Landing – Little Pee Dee; 10 a.m. to noon
• Newberry Co: Billy Dreher Island – Lake Murray; 9 a.m. to noon
• Oconee Co: South Cove Park – Lake Keowee; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Pickens Co: Twelve Mile Park – Lake Hartwell; 10 a.m. to noon
• Spartanburg Co: Main Ramp – Lake Bowen; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• York Co: Ebenezer Park Landing – Lake Wylie; 10 a.m. to noon

For any issues or to report a boating issue, the SCDNR 24-hour hotline is 1-800-922-5431.

For more information on boating safety, you can call the SCDNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301 or visit: www.dnr.sc.gov/boating/safety

By: Matthew Goins

For Sen. Chip Campsen (R-Isle of Palms), boating and fishing are engraved in his family’s heritage for generations, making him an outspoken advocate for two of the state’s top industries.

If you want to tour Ft. Sumter in Charleston, you must take a boat to the small island in the Charleston Harbor. Since 1961, two generations of the Campsen family has owned and operated Ft. Sumter Tours, with Sen. Campsen serving as the company’s president. “Boating and fishing have been a huge part of my life and my family’s life for multiple generations,” said Campsen.

The family’s love for boating dates to the mid-1800s when Campsen’s great-great-grandfather, John Campsen, served as the captain of a German trade ship which brought him to Charleston, where he would later settle. Since then, the family has had generations of men serving as captains in various capacities, making boating a source of income and pleasure.
“I am a partaker of these resources and activities,” said Campsen. “It’s important that the boating and fishing industries remain vibrant and available for generations.”

Campsen’s experience and expertise make him one of the top voices for the industries in the state legislature. “Most members aren’t aware of how significant the presence of boat and fishing tackle manufacturers are in South Carolina,” said Campsen. “Our state out punts its coverage by a long shot compared to other states.”

Campsen believes much of the industries’ success is due to the efforts of advocacy groups, such as SCBFA. “SCBFA heightened awareness,” said Campsen. “Though some members don’t care about boating or fishing, they care about economic development and supporting our business. When we have a lot of momentum in a particular industry, we must support it and help it.”

As chairman of the Senate Fish Game and Forestry Committee, Campsen has strived to balance economic and environmental efforts for our state, which is where the private sector has played a vital role.

In February, Sen. Campsen introduced the S.C. Conservation Enhancement Act. Though the bill did not pass, it sparked bipartisan support to improve conservation efforts around the state for the sake of economic development.

“It’s crystal clear that conservation is good for economic development, and there must be a balance between the two,” said Campsen.

The bill would have increased the number of resources and funding for the S.C. Conservation Bank, added other key state agency leaders as exhibition members, and allocated money from the sales tax of outdoor sporting goods gear to improve public lands owned by the state.

“In South Carolina, we have a big tent approach to conservation,” said Campsen. We’ve done more for conservation through private efforts than probably any other state in the nation.”

A significant conservation issue along the coast is abandoned boats due to their threat to boaters, anglers, and marine life.

In conjunction with Representative Spencer Wetmore (D-Folly Beach) in the House, the two legislators filed contingent bills to address abandoned watercraft in waterways along the coast.

“Abandoned boats become a big pollution problem when they sink or refuel,” said Campsen. “They are a hazard to navigation and unsightly, as well.”

In May, Gov. Henry McMaster signed H.3865, enabling municipalities to require a permit for boats anchored for an extended period. “I specifically designed it so that it would not affect a family that wants to spend July 4th weekend out in the inlet on a houseboat,” said Campsen. “The bill gives the local government an ability to keep a boat from transitioning into an abandoned boat because if the boat remains there for an extended period without moving, they can make it move and not reissue the permit.”

SCBFA worked closely with Campsen to expand No Wake Zones on lakes around the state. Campsen authored the Senate version of the bill and worked closely with the House to find a solution before the height of boating season. “We went back and forth with the House and finally reached a solution that would protect people’s quality of life and docks without harming the boating industry,” said Campsen. “SCBFA was very important and helpful in making that happen at the state and federal level.”

Tax reform was a major topic in this spring’s legislative session, with both bodies introducing major tax cuts for South Carolinians. A joint conference committee recently passed historic tax reform, which cut the manufacturers’ property tax rate from 9% to 6%. “This would be a huge benefit to the boat manufacturers around the state,” said Campsen.

In addition to legislation that would advance the boating industry, Campsen also helped author legislation that would enhance the state’s fishing industry, particularly the red snapper population. Red snappers are much more frequent within federal waters (greater than three miles offshore) than in-state waters. Gov. McMaster signed S.980, which Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R-Georgetown) authored and Campsen sponsored. The law establishes a limit on the daily possession of red snapper to two – with no closed season. “We passed a bill within the area of jurisdiction we have with red snapper already showing up within the three-mile limit, despite some saying that’s not the case, due to how the population has grown dramatically,” said Campsen.

Despite heavy success this session, Campsen believes there is still much to be done to advance the two industries next session, especially boater safety. The Senate unanimously passed a law that required a boater safety certificate. However, the bill died after reaching the House.

“Times have changed, and the waterways are more congested,” said Campsen. “There are many people who don’t come from a culture where everyone knows how to boat and fish because it was a way of life and generational.” SCBFA supported Campsen’s bill because of its industry-led and industry-focused approach.

Campsen is proud to see how far the boating and fishing industries have come and encourages all South Carolinians to explore the many opportunities it offers. “You are partaking in an activity with a rich heritage,” said Campsen. “To fully appreciate and participate in this heritage takes a lot of skill and training. It’s a lifelong pursuit.”