Generator ban?

[BOLAV]

I've been told Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, and Litchfield as of Jan. 1,2010 generators are not alloyed for gigging. Also the limit has changed for gigging only to 10 fish per person or 20 per boat.Has anyone else seen info on this?

[blackwaterkatz]

I copied this from the SC Code of Laws: http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t50c005.htm

SECTION 50-5-2017. Flounder Population Study Program; catch limits.

(A) There is established the Flounder Population Study Program to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The program shall study the effects of flounder catch limits and the prohibition of artificial illumination powered by generators on flounder of the species Paralichthys dentatus, commonly known as the summer flounder, located in the waters of Murrells Inlet Estuary, Pawleys Island Estuary, and the creeks of Litchfield flowing into Pawleys Island Estuary. For purposes of this section, "gigging" means using a rod with one or multiple prongs to spear a fish.

(B) During the term of the program in the area defined in subsection (A):

(1) the lawful flounder gigging and fishing catch limit is ten per day for any individual, not to exceed twenty flounder in any one day on any boat;

(2) it is unlawful to use any type of artificial illumination powered by generator while gigging or fishing for flounder from a boat or while wading in the water.

(C) The program shall run for five years, beginning January 1, 2010, and ending December 31, 2015.

(D) The Department of Natural Resources must compile its findings and submit the report to the General Assembly by March 16, 2016.

[bentrod]

"it is unlawful to use any type of artificial illumination powered by generator while gigging or fishing for flounder from a boat or while wading in the water."


To me, that isn't very clear. Do they mean an actual generator or something that stores power (battery) also. I wonder if it's legal to use lights powered by a marine battery? My buddy made his lights out of car headlights, pvc pipe, and a marine battery.

[BigTex]

You can use batteries, no generators. I was told the main problem was people complaining that generators were keeping them up at night. Pure BS in my opinion. Why is this study just in a residential place? The fine people of PI attempted to turn the public boat landings into private boat landings a few years ago. I called their town hall to ask if it was true and I guess the secretary thought I was a resident of the island because she told me they believed the landings should be just for residents and then asked if I agreed. I told her what I thought of her beliefs and she hung the phone up on me. I used to go fishing off the beach there at night but they have signs up that say you have to be out of the parking lot by either 10 or 11 PM. I hate that because we used to do good their at night but after being hassled by the law it was not worth it. I now have a boat and I will just use the landing and do whatever I want at night there now. I have said it a million times and I will say it again, the people of PI will not be happy until there is a private gate up- that will never happen.

[BOLAV]

Thanks for the info. I run a small honda generator that you can barely hear so noise is not a problem on my end. I think the new law is bs.I can switch to batteries, it's not a big deal. I just liked the convenience of using the generator and not having to keep batteries charged.By the way I was in Murrells Inlet Saturday night gigging and those night clubs on the water front had the whole inlet rocking.Not a problem for me just saying...

[BigTex]

I know what you mean. My cousin uses the same generator you are talking about and they are super quiet. I use batteries anyway because there are some places I use my styrofoam float to put my battery in and walk and gig.

[salty1]

I've been trying to keep track of the "generator ban" and I'm having a hard time understanding it. What does a "Fish study' have to do with a generator? I have yet to see anything that ties those together. It's pretty obvious that some legislator or "lawmaker", who owns a house in Garden City/PI, has enough pull to get this bill passed. I understand that it is disrespectful to run a noisy generator near a house at 2:00 in the morning, but there are many places to gig that would not affect residents. Maybe just restrict certain areas? I think this law is BS as well.
Anyhow, now I have to find some good lighting that won't run a battery down too quick. Can anyone give me some ideas?

[scoutdoo]

April 8, 2010
Governor signs new Pawley’s Inlet/Murrells Inlet flounder regulations

Changes to flounder regulations in regard to the Pawley’s Inlet/Murrells Inlet region of Georgetown County were recently signed into law. The daily bag limit for flounder is now 10 per person per day and 20 per boat per day in all inland waters from Pawley’s Inlet north to the northern terminus of Main Creek at Garden City Beach.

The new regulations also prohibit the use of artificial illumination produced by motor fuel powered generators while gigging or fishing for flounder in all inland waters from Pawley’s Inlet north to the northern terminus of Main Creek at Garden City Beach