Fishing For The Ultimate Catch Both Fresh and Saltwater-Ohio and Charleston

The digital clock just flipped to 5:00 AM. I was already awake due to anticipation. I got dressed in the usual attire for what I was about to embark on and grabbed an old pair of tennis shoes. I gathered up my fishing gear, which consisted of a sturdy rod, a silver spoon with a purple twister tail, pliers, and some backup bait. It was still dark, with a hint of light beginning to filter through the trees, when I hopped into my pickup.

It was a short drive to my favorite part of the river. My pulse quickened as my anticipation peaked now that I was nearing the final destination. I flipped off my shoes and slipped on the old pair. Gear now flung over my shoulder, pliers in my pocket, I breathed in the rivers scent and was ready to push on. I had to cross a smaller creek to get over to the main body. The rapidly surging waters cooled my feet as I stepped across the river rock and shale. Small bass scurried away, but they had nothing to fear from me. I was in search of a more fearful predator.

I climbed over some old tree trunks of fallen giant maples. Previous storms or even old age had done its handiwork, but circumnavigating the rugged terrain was part of the excitement. The river was now in view. The river mist created by slightly warmer waters than the morning air was kissing the surface of the slow moving currents. This was a deeper section of the Grand River in Northern Ohio. It had to be to accomadate the most highly prized fresh water fish of the North. I ducked under branches and forced my way throw the thick foilage a few hundred more feet and stepped into the water with my already soaked old pair of tennis shoes. It was a required part of the attire to avoid picking up leaches along the mucky banks. I waded through the waist high water to an island. I stepped onto its shores. It was a strategic location, ripe for an ambush by the raveness nemisis that prowled its bank and shoals.

My cast hit the river's surface. The first splash was in the books. Above me circled a hawk. Peering over my shoulder to where the waters were shallower down river, a group of dear were lazily making their way across, keeping a wary eye on me at the same time. My second cast hit the water and immediately the line went taunt. You have to be careful of what you did next because the numerous submerged rocks could play you a fool. I returned the rod tip with equal force. A few seconds later the waters swurled violently and the king of the river exited into the air. The battle of wits was on. Days before this I had lost a trophy after it had bitten through my line, so played this one carefully. The 40 inch muskie broke the surface several more times before he surrendered to my will twenty minutes later. I carefully dislodged the bent up hooks, calculated its size, and sent the vanquished ruler on his way. I took a deep breath of satisfaction and watched the proud monarch of the river disappear.

That was a magical year, one of my best fishing experiences. All in all I caught seven muskies in and around the same location in a two month period. One thing I learned that year while fishing that part of the river, when the muskies are prominent the small mouth are nowhere to be found. Years have passed since then and I now live in South Carolina, but when I return to Ohio, visiting family and friends, I make every effort to return to my favorite fishing hole.
  
Charleston doesn't have muskie or pike, both prized catches of the North, but it does have great fishing of another kind, salt water fishing, and size has no limits, meaning bigger fish, depending on what you are going after. The prized catch of the inner coastal waters around Charleston is the spottail bass. Of Course, to catch them, you need a boat or a good friend with a boat. If you are looking for a less expensive mode of transportation, kayak fishing is becoming quite popular. This type of fishing takes alittle getting use to, but it pays off both in expense and excitement. If you want to learn more about kayak fishing you can read this article in the Azalea Magazine. A great way to fly fish.

The other way to chase the spottails is by a fishing charter. Finding a charter with a experienced guide is important. A charter I went on while vacationing in the Charleston area didn't catch a single thing all morning, not even one hit. The guide couldn't even catch a shark in the Charleston Bay. Needless to say, we were not happy anglers. One suggestion for a dependable charter is Benford Fishing Charters. The operator is a new captain, but very knowledgeable of Charleston waters. Captain Marvie Benford specializes in shallow water light tackle fishing, and also offshore, harbor tours and cruises. Call or email (benfordfishingcharters@hotmail.com) for pricing and trip details-(843 729 8079) or email me at vacationrick@hotmail.com.

Charleston Will Be Getting Its Idol On

Could the next American Idol be from Charleston? Next month, and that would be July, American Idol is coming to the best town around. The wanna-be's and could-be's will compete for the opportunity to fulfill a dream by securing a spot that would take them to "Hollywood, Baby". Well, for a select few it will be a dream come true, for others a disappointment turned darkest nightmare. Idol fans have seen it season after season, tears of ecstasy  and tears of agony. Thousands will audition, few will be chosen. Keep your expectations reasonable and it could be a once in a lifetime opportunity of fun and the ultimate experience, but never the end of the world. Talent is discovered in many ways.

Charleston has produced outstanding talent before. One Charleston singer/songwriter, who had a dream to sing, has deep roots in the Lowcountry. The performer's family goes back many generations and first gained fame as a lead singer and rhythm guitarist in a rock band founded in 1986 with a fishy name. The band charted six top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. In time the singer went solo and then country. This Charleston performer is described as having a rich baritone voice. The sentimental ballads and bright hooks that are a part of his recordings made this person the most successful African-American country singer since Charley Pride. The band's name was Hootie and the Blowfish, and its lead singer, Darius Rucker. Many of his songs were inspired by his own life experiences.

Rucker’s success in the country music format was recently recognized at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Top New Artist title and again with ACM, Teen Choice, and AMA Award nominations. His 2008 Album release, Learn To Live, produced three consecutive No. 1 singles and Top 5 smash, “History In The Making.” His second country album, Charleston, SC 1966, a title which pays tribute to one of Rucker's biggest influences, Radney Foster, includes the multiple-week #1 hit single, "Come Back Song," and his Top 10 single, "This."

The registration for American Idol will occur July 20 and July 21 and auditions will take place July 22 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Potential contestants will be coming from all over South Carolina and no doubt other states, but not only contestants will be coming, their families and supporters will be accompanying them. How does that all add up? Charleston will be rocking that week, heavy with inspiration and perspiration. The beaches will be heating up, the restaurants will be cooking, and the nightlife will be sizzling. It will be an opportunity to see the diversity that is built into this country. Expect the crowd to be predominantly young and ambitious. That's what it is all about, with an emphasis on having a good time. Get your Charleston on, the best town around.

North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Dr, North Charleston. Directions-Charleston map. Looking for things to do? Check out all the articles on my blog.

Summerville's Third Thursday June 16, 2011-A Great Place To Be

It wasn't your ordinary, nothing special Thursday in Summerville. It was the Third Thursday in Summerville. The Third thursday is an event sponsored by Summerville D.R.E.A.M. (Downtown Restoration, Enhancement and Management), which is a "non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the historic identity, ensuring the economic vitality, and promoting a sense of community in the heart of Downtown Summerville". By my own definition, Third Thursday is where people come together to look, watch, listen, and talk.

It is an event where the various businesses and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to showcase their goods, their skills and their services to the people who visit their shops. But for the owners, it is far more than just that. The patrons who visited their establishments were more than just another tranaction, they were friends, and if your were not a former acquaintance, they treated you as such.

When I first arrived, around 5 PM, I made a quick assessment of the layout. Since it was my firt visit to the event, a guide was needed to point me in the right direction and inform me about the events key features, like where all the free stuff was at. That is where Kathy came in, my gracious hostess and experienced Third Thursday patron.

Our first stop was "Aura Lee's Jewelry Handbags" at 140 W Richardson Ave. I must include at this point, I was not there for the handbags. I was informed there would be free beer and sure enough, while I was standing near the front entrance on the patio, a courteous gentleman introduced himself and offered me a beer. His name was William Summers. He slipped me his card, which informed me he was the director and VP of VFG. Surprisingly, the beer William offered me was one of my favorite brands. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, I discovered he was from Pittsburgh, which meant he was a Steeler fan. It seems like I run into a Steeler fan everywhere I go. As a former resident of Northeast Ohio and a former season ticket holder in the Dawg Pound, that put us on an uncommonly common ground.

As I drank my beer and watched people come and go, a young girl was setting up her guitar and equipment to entertain the gathering crowd. She sang her first song and American Idol came to mind. I introduced myself and inquired of her name. I asked her if she ever thought of trying out for American Idol. She informed me American Idol is coming to Charleston in July and plans to audition. I took video, drank another beer, and listened to two more songs completely convinced she has the potential to be someone who is going places. Her name is Chelsea Summers and she is a singer/songwriter. I hope to hear from her in future Third Thursdays.

It was time to check out the festivities over at the "Summerville Got Talent" show on the square. There was a decent crowd both sitting and standing around the makeshift stage. One of the contestants was a 14 year girl, who played the guitar and sang. I listened and took video of four different performers and she stood out the most. It was a good venue for hometown folk young and old to showcase their talent.

The Art Walk was next. Various displays of art work and handcrafted goods lined an unfinished part of Central Rd off W. Richardson. More live music filled the humid air and spreads of free goodies were set up in the various shops along the way, such as cheeses, crackers, deserts, and wine. The art gallery and the quilting shop were packed and noisy with the chatter of friends having a good time. At the end of the road I met Douglas Edwards and his wife. A tent was set up displaying a collection of his works. They were paintings of local landmarks and beaches done in oils and acrylics. I listened to the story of his journey and we exchanged thoughts on a common interest.

I met up with my hostess and her family. We walked to a business on West Richardson next to Aura Lee's. It was filled with numerous paintings, old collectables, and more hospitality. The owner said hello and offered me a choice between beer or wine. I opted for the beer, which she agreed was the right choice.

We finished out the night back at Aura Lee's. A young man was doing riffs on Chelsea's guitar and playing pieces of familiar rock songs. I met some more new acquaintances and another Steeler fan. Conversations ranged from what you did for an occupation to Facebook. It was a successful night of looking, watching, listening, and talking. You are cordially invited to the next Third Thursday in July starting at 5 PM. You will have a good time.

A Charleston Icon Of The Past-The Charleston Hotel

Charleston Hotel

Charleston, like many other cities in America, has both joyously celebrated and tragically suffered through changes inflicted either by planned design or forces beyond its control.

Time, the most unrelenting force, mercilessly moves in only one direction and either you seize the moment and prepare for the next or you end up a "decaying American city", likened to a "poisoned ecosystem", doomed to becoming a ghost town. (No pun intended, Charleston lives off of its ghosts.) Joe Riley, mayor of Charleston, unflatteringly characterized the downtown district by those words, and then, seized the moment. Charleston Place rose from a huge, sandy lot where a JCPenney once stood. The Holy City celebrated and was reborn.

Charleston has on various occasions been tried and tested by the uncontrollable forces wielded by nature in form of earth, wind, and fire. An earthquake devastated the city on August 31, 1886 damaging 2,000 of its buildings. Three-quarters of the homes in the historic district sustained damage of varying degrees when Hurricane Hugo struck the city September, 1989 causing over $2.8 billion in losses. Five major fires have been documented throughout its history, which occurred in 1740, 1778, 1796, 1838, and 1861. Through these upheavals, Charleston licked its wounds and rebounded fairly quickly to become what it is today, one of the most popular destinations to visit.

City icons have been systematically dismantled and others have risen in their place. In recent years, residents watched as the two aged, stately bridges traversing the Cooper River gracefully met their planned demise and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge ascended in their place - becoming the second longest cable-stayed bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It now stands in the Charleston skyline as a shining beacon of progressive evolution. In early spring, tens of thousands descend upon it for the Cooper River Bridge Run to tread their way into the very heart of Historic Charleston.

Some icons of the past are now only footnotes in history and few Charlestonians are around to even recall where they once stood. They can only be seen in places containing the city archives or photos floating around the Internet, and only if you are looking. The Charleston Hotel was one such icon. It proudly graced Meeting Street for over 120 years and was a cornerstone near the Old Market area. I only happened to stumble upon it while searching through old pictures of Charleston. It carried the distinction of being counted among the first major buildings to be constructed in the Greek revival style in America.

A compelling part of the Charleston Hotel's story revolves around a little known fact due to a lack of a photographic record - there were two Charleston Hotels. The original Charleston Hotel went up in smoke along with a large section of the city’s Ansonborough neighborhood in the famous fire of 1838. It stood less than two years. The second rose from its ashes but in 1960, it met the wrecking ball. Some of the iron works that were part of the old hotel's decor is rumored to be displayed at other places in Charleston. Its address was 200 Meeting Street.

Bank of America

When you are walking in the area of Hymans Restaurant, look across the street. The Bank of America building occupies the sacred ground where the Charleston Hotel once previously stood 52 years ago. The Bank of America building was built in the early 1990's. 

While standing at the front of Hymans, close your eyes and do a "Somewhere in Time." Maybe, if you concentrate hard enough, upon opening your eyes you will find yourself in 1840 dressed in a hoop skirt or a gentleman's suit of the day sipping on mint julep. It certainly would help the transition, the mint julep that is.

Steppin' Out Around Charleston And Rockin' Out At Piccolo Spoleto Summer Frenzy Block Party

Downtown Charleston, June 4, hot and humid. Revisited some old favorites in the Historic District. The Old Market was busy as usual. Strolled around observing people, took pictures, and gathered information for my next article. One man I passed was describing to what appeared to be visiting family the crepe myrtle and how it only blooms in the South. Although, he couldn't remember the name of the tree.

Stopped at Bubba Gumps for a "Boat Bucket of Trash", as it is called, and a refresher. The shrimp was good, but the fish was somewhat "trashy" or more appropriately, alittle "fishy". The waiter asked me how the food was and I politely said, "Good". I had no great expectations going in, its Bubba Gumps.

Back out on the street and on the move. Tour vendors were trying to coax patrons into signing up for their tours. One tour representative was offering couples, married or living together with an income, $125 to view one of their time shares down the road. Been there, done that, no thank you.

Walked around Queen Street and Church Street. Plenty of beautiful alleyways and cobblestoned roads to take pictures of. Nicely dressed groups of people were standing outside of the theaters waiting to get in to see the shows. Casually dressed and not so casually dressed individuals waited outside of restaurants. Thought about stopping at Boccis, but the line was too long. Walked past the Powder Magazine. The "Gentleman Pirate" had retired for the night. Admired the iron works on the Dock Street Theater.

It was now getting close to the time for the other reason I came downtown this evening. Walked over to King Street and headed towards Marion Square. There wasn't many shoppers at that time of night. I rounded the corner onto Calhoun Street. The various tents, food trucks, and stands lining the perimeter of the square came into view. I could hear the music ever so faintly in the distance coming from the direction where the stage was set up. The Piccolo Spoleto Summer Frenzy Block Party was underway.

The party-goers were just starting to gather around the stage and by the time the first band of the night, DJ TEC, had completed their set and the second band, Byog, was done setting up, the crowd had doubled. Gangrene Machine, Mingle and Calibrate, and Night School rounded out the entertainment for the rest of the evening.

There were a few spectators dancing to the rythmns of the night and as things progressed everyone had gotten into the party mood. The crowd battered around two beach balls for some added fun while they waited for each performance to begin. All in all, everyone appeared to have fun. It was a great night visiting my old friend, Charleston.