SC NFC Hosts Redeye Bass Fly Fishing Workshop

While NFC is focused on fish not fishing, and very careful not to get too involved in the latter, we understand that fisherman play an important role in regard to fish conservation, and fishing is sometimes the best way to reach them.

In early summer 2023, the South Carolina chapter of NFC partnered with SC Department of Natural Resources and Chattooga River Fly Shop to host the first ever Redeye Bass Fly Fishing Workshop in the state. The intention was to make anglers aware of the states lesser known species of bass, in hopes that they will become advocates for the preservation.

Approximately 20 anglers attended the workshop which included a presentation on redeye bass by SC NFC Chair Will Mundhenke. Topics included the threat posed by hybridization with nonnative bass, genetic work being done to determine what is where, and an overview about bass in relation to other native fish.

SC NFC Vice Chair Scott Keener gave a fly tying demonstration with support from CRFS who donated the materials. They focused on Sam's One Bug, a favorite of dedicated redeye bass anglers. Later in the day, members of SC NNF, CRFS staff, and employees of SCDNR guided anglers on the water.

SC NFC hopes to make this an annual event to help increase knowledge about and support for SC’s wild native fish. Special thanks to SCDNR and Chattooga River Fly Shop for making this event possible.