Jocassee Trout Club Meeting Minutes

September 13^th  2007

7pm – 9pm FATZ Café in Easley

1. Jimmy Williams opened the meeting.
2. There was further discussion concerning what the JTC can do to assist the DNR in managing the trout on Lake Jocassee
   1. Limits were discussed.  Shay proposed a slot limit.  Jimmy stated that Dan Rankin had the authority to change limits, but that to change the season would require an act from the SC State Legislature.  Jimmy Williams proposed that the JTC recommend to Dan Rankin the following limit change:  Increase the size limit from 15 to 16 inches, decrease the number of fish from allowed to be kept from 5 to 3.  A vote was taken and the proposal passed.  Jim Mayer dissented stating that changing the size limit would not be effective since there is minimal enforcement of these regulations on the lake.  Additionally the JTC would pass the idea of a slot limit on to Dan Rankin.  Shay Whidstrum will research slot limits and present a proposal to the JTC.
   2. Jimmy Williams brought up that Dan Rankin stated that Lake Jocassee was the only lake in the southeast that was managed for trout.  Various members brought up that both Tennessee and Georgia manage lakes for trout.  Shay Whidstrum will make contact with Georgia and Tennessee DNR’s to find out what their management plans / strategies are for this lake.   
   3. Jimmy Williams stated that Dan Rankin said we needed to get the carp out of Lake Jocassee.  We should keep all the carp we catch. 
   4. Ken Sloan wants to put together an educational flyer on trout that can be distributed to fisherman and visitors to the lake.  The purpose of the flyer would be to educate people why it is important to conserve the trout in the lake.  Emphasis would be placed on not removing / catching recently stocked trout.
   5. Ken Sloan stated that the state park would have to close the boat ramps after trout stockings since this is SC State Park property and not DNR property.  The JTC can work with Devil’s Fork State Park to accomplish this.
3. Bill Reid has the JTC website redone.  He needs members to send fishing links to the website.  Members are also encouraged to send pictures of fish caught.
4. Treasurer’s Report:  Operating Balance $862.70.
5. Matt McCreary and Julian Studemire presented slide shows on their fishing trips to Canada this summer.
6. The next meeting date is for Oct 18^th.  Ed Few will present the program.
7. The meeting was then adjourned.

1. Respectfully submitted,

   Scott A. Bullions

   Treasurer, Jocassee Trout Club