Adult-youth fishing opens

Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area, located near Cordesville in Berkeley County, opens to adult-youth public fishing March 3.

This is the sixth year of adult-youth public fishing on Bonneau Ferry. This adult-youth only fishing area provides a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy nature in a peaceful and less crowded environment than many other waterways.

Fishing on Bonneau Ferry WMA will be allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during daylight hours only from March 3 through Oct. 31. The exception to this schedule is that the area is closed on Saturday mornings in April until 11 a.m. for youth turkey hunts and closed all day during scheduled deer hunts in the fall. Check the rules and regulations brochure for specific hunt dates at: www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html.

In order to fish on the area, a youth (17 years or younger) must be actively fishing and must be accompanied by no more than two adults at least 18 years of age. Adults are not allowed to fish unless they are accompanied by a youth.

Boats will be allowed; however, they may be operated only under the power of an electric motor or by paddling.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

Areas to fish include Quarterman Lake, the largest reservoir on the property at nearly 100 acres, and several smaller ponds like Nimitz and Rice Hope Lake. Anglers may simply park their vehicle on the side of the road and fish from the bank, or launch a small boat with electric motor or paddles if they desire more adventure.

Creel limits per person per day are as follows: two largemouth bass; 10 panfish (crappie, bluegill, redear, pumpkinseed, redbreast). There are no size restrictions.

Participants are reminded to pay attention to areas and roads that are closed to vehicles. Signs reminding participants of these regulations are posted at the main entrance. Maps showing lake and pond locations can be obtained at the kiosk at the main entrance.

For more information, call the Dennis Wildlife Center in Bonneau at (843) 761-8820 or (843) 825-3388 Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.