Southern Tides February 2023

Southern T ides

all about the water

Amy Thurman amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Neva Parsons neva@southerntidesmagazine.com

DISTRIBUTION & SALES Jay Rich jay@southerntidesmagazine.com

CONSULTING NATURALIST

John "Crawfish" Crawford subtropicalnaturalist@gmail.com

THE BITTER END COLUMNIST

Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill theoriginalcaptaingator@gmail.com

THE RIVERKEEPER REPORT

Meaghan Gerard meaghan@ogeecheeriverkeeper.org

FISHING WITH CAPTAIN JAY

Captain Jay Cranford gacharterfishing@gmail.com

Contributors

Nick Riccio, Jr. Wildlife Photographer

Melissa Cummings

GADNR Wildlife Resources Division

Mark Corke BoatUS

Laurie Lohne Photography

Mandy Kriegh, photo contributor

Bonny Hobby, photo contributor

Image credits

Top: BoatUS tests boat cleaners. Photo by Mark Corke

Center: Jekyll hosts annual treasure hunt for glass globes. Photo provided by JIA

Bottom:

Great horned owl nesting on Jekyll. Photo by Nick Riccio, Jr.

CALL FOR READER PHOTOS

Last summer as I was putting the August issue together, none of the photo submissions really worked for a cover shot, and because y’all never hesitate to tell me if a photo doesn’t meet your high standards, I knew I’d have to find something good. And fast.

So I posted on the My Georgia Coast Facebook page asking for amateur photos of Coastal Georgia. Not only could this help me find a cover shot, but it would also give amateur photographers an opportunity for exposure in a print medium.

That one post elicited a tremendous response – well over 300 submissions. Which led to the August and September cover photos from Nick Riccio, Jr., who has since agreed to be a regular contributing photographer, October and November covers from Laurie Lohne Photography, who also contributes regularly, and the January cover from William Oliver, as well as two photo essays, one featuring birds and the other featuring beach finds.

For a long time now, I’ve wanted to create a section for sharing reader photos. It just makes sense – Southern Tides focuses heavily on good images and y’all are a talented bunch! Many of you have asked me about this over the years, but in order to add a new section, there has to be enough interest and enough submissions to make it work. That post last summer was proof that the interest is there, so then it came down to submissions. I can’t sort through hundreds of submissions from Facebook comments and private messages every month, I just don’t have that kind of time, so I set up a Flickr account that will allow all of you to upload photos you’d like to share.

Now it’s up to you!

Each month we’ll print at least three photos selected from those uploaded. On occasion, if we have a number of images around a similar theme, we’ll publish another photo essay feature. And of course, there’s always the possibility that one of your photos might be selected for the cover.

Visit the Flickr page, upload a favorite image or two, and we’ll notify you if we’d like to use your shot. You’ll retain all rights, and be given full image credit.

So let us hear from you!

See you out there!

Amy Thurman Editor in Chief amy@southerntidesmagazine.com

Juvenile white ibis, taken on Jekyll Island, by Nick Riccio, Jr.

River and clouds, taken in McIntosh County by Bonny Hobby.

Curious green anole, taken on the dock, by Laurie Lohne.

It’s definitely been cold outside as of late and while that warm house and fire are extremely inviting, the fish are biting!

Let’s look at species to fish in the colder months of winter.

Sheepshead, aka convict fish

While other fish may be easier to catch, these toothy critters are a great option for bringing home a delicious meal. These fish love to feed on oysters, clams, crabs, and shrimp, but their "hard to feel" nibble and chewing method make it difficult to detect the bite. Because of that, there’s an old saying that applies: You need to set the hook “right before he bites.”

Take plenty of bait. Sheepshead are also known as convict fish because they steal a lot of bait (and because of the stripes that resembled old-time convict uniforms). Because they’re such adept bait thieves you’ll have plenty of chances to work on your timing and hook-set. Sheepshead can be plentiful during the winter; look for them around bridges, pilings and other structure.

Redfish, aka red drum

This is one of my favorite saltwater game fish to target and is at top of the list for most inshore winter anglers all over the southern waters of the United States. These fish are very active in the winter, especially in the shallow flats and creeks which warm up quickly on a sunny day. We mainly use live shrimp with a popping cork or dead bait on the bottom for the slot fish.

Cobia

Get your heavier gear ready for these fish. During the winter, Cobia will start to increase their crazy feeding habits, offering you an awesome opportunity to reel in one of these tasty trophies. We use a variety of lures and baits to catch these feisty fighting fish in the winter. They are so much fun to catch! Heavy jigs and trolling lures are often effective, but you can also go for live baits, such as pogies, to attract these hungry handsome predators.

Barracuda, a bigger fish with some action

Better known as "the slippery stick" of the sea, these fast, toothy trophies seem to be feeding year-round, especially during the months of December through March, and are excellent for the angler targeting a fish that gives you plenty of excitement when someone hollers, "Fish on!"

Fishing Captain Jay WITH

WINTER BITE

By Captain Jay Cranford www.coastalgafishing.com

While searching for barracuda in clear water, you can usually see these ferocious feeders from a great distance, and they are often found stalking the reefs and flats, nearshore and offshore. Do your research on the best rigging techniques, cast your line and hold on!

Even though that warm fire is pleasant and comfortable, the fish are still biting, so when you get some time, go out and enjoy yourself and have some fun. Please, be good stewards of our waters; don't litter and only keep what you plan to eat. There will be more opportunities the next time you go.

Don't wish ... let's go fish!

gacharterfishing@gmail.com • www.coastalgafishing.com

Captain Jay has over 20 years experience fishing the Georgia coast. He's passionate about fishing and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with you!

Charter guests displaying their catch; cobia at top, barracuda in bottom image.

Photos by Jay Cranford

INGREDIENTS

1 pkg rice noodles (white or brown)

1 lb wild Georgia shrimp, peeled & deveined, chopped if desired

1/2 red onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)

1 jalapeno, diced (or other spicy pepper)

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

1 tsp fish sauce

1 tbsp Thai Seasoning paste

2 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp additional cilantro

Soy sauce, if desired.

Taste of the Tides

SAVORY THAI SHRIMP & NOODLES

Of course the seasonings are Thai, not the shrimp! This dish can have as much heat as you like, just add more or less of the crushed red pepper and jalapeno peppers. The fish sauce is found in the Asian food section of most grocery stores, and the Thai paste is in the produce section, near the fresh herbs. We don't advise leaving these out. This dish cooks quickly.

DIRECTIONS

• Cook rice noodles according to package directions.

• In a medium-sized skillet, saute red onion, jalapeno and red pepper flakes in a tablespoon of oil, just until soft.

• Add green onions, cilantro, mint, and shrimp, stir to combine.

• When shrimp just begins to change color, add fish sauce. Yes, it stinks to high heaven, but the odor cooks off. Stir well and cook about two minutes.

• Add Thai seasoning, stir thoroughly, cook another two minutes.

• Add lime juice, stir thoroughly and cook one more minute.

• Remove from heat. Add noodles to skillet and stir until coated. Serve with additional cilantro sprinkled on top. Drizzle with soy sauce, if desired.

Notes:

- If you're not a cilantro fan, skip it.

- Can also be served over rice or even on a salad.

Do you have a seasonal seafood recipe to share?

Send it to amy@southerntidesmagazine.com and include a photo, if available.

Do Green Cleaners Work?

Many manufacturers claim their boat-care products are environmentally friendly. But how effective are they at getting your boat clean? The BoatUS Foundation finds out.

Article and Photos By Mark Corke BoatUS Foundation

The staff at BoatUS Foundation, dedicated to clean and safe boating, started this Green Cleaners test with two questions: What does “green” mean when it comes to the products we all use to clean our boats, and how well do they clean? In search of answers, we recently gathered in a driveway, soaking wet, covered in soap suds, cleaning dirty boats with a variety of “green” cleaners on the market, cleaners advertised as being safer for the environment.

This is the second time the Foundation tested “green” boat cleaners. Many of the products we tested in 2009 are no longer available, and many new products have since entered the market as more boaters have embraced more environmentally friendly cleaning alternatives. It was time for a new test.

The first challenge was labeling. We found that there are no federal requirements or specific standards manufacturers must follow to make claims like “biodegradable” or “environmentally safe.” The Federal Trade Commission only requires that all claims “must be qualified and backed up by competent and reliable scientific evidence.” That’s a low bar.

In 2009, some products we looked at were marked with the “Design For The Environment” logo, now called “Safer Choice,” a certification initiative by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers make smarter choices. Products with the Safer Choice logo contain ingredients that have been screened, but not tested, by EPA. This means that where two or more ingredients perform the same function, the one with the lesser environmental impact has been chosen and incorporated into the final product. Booyah Clean was the only product in our test carrying the Safer Choice logo.

Products carrying the Safer Choice logo aren’t necessarily more environmentally safe than those without it. The program is voluntary and requires participating manufacturers to go through a lengthy process and disclose all ingredients, a proprietary issue for some who chose not to participate in the EPA screening.

The aims of our BoatUS test were to assess the cleaning products, first on their ability to clean and second on their effect on marine life. Our findings are presented in a chart so you can compare products and decide which are right for your situation.

The contenders

While there are many boat cleaners available, we chose nine commercially available products that are conveniently available from local boating-supply stores or online. All products included some kind of “biodegradable” or “environmentally safe” marketing claim on their labels, online, or in marketing materials. And none were included in our previous test. We put the off-the-shelf products up against two common, homemade cleaning solutions often touted as the gold standards for eco-friendly cleaners –including on our own BoatUS Foundation website! Spoiler alert. They didn’t measure up.

When it came to testing the products, we followed the manufacturers’ recommendations for use. The majority were diluted in a bucket with water. A couple come in spray bottles intended for spot cleaning, which we used full strength as instructed. The two homemade cleaners included a vinegar/water solution, and a solution of baking soda, white vinegar, lemon ammonia, and water. Both these home

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner (Gold Eagle)

“Nontoxic, non-hazardous formula meets or exceeds EPA standards for biodegradability”

remedies were applied as spot cleaners using a spray bottle.

Adding elbow grease

In 2009, we tested the cleaners only on a fiberglass boat hull. This time we tested each on three different surfaces: Hypalon, used for making the tubes on many inflatable dinghies; stippled nonskid fiberglass; and smooth fiberglass gelcoat. Both the Hypalon and nonskid were cut into 12inch squares from boats beyond economic repair. The third test sample consisted of carefully marked-off sections on the hull of a small bowrider sitting on a trailer.

To be as fair and consistent as possible, we first rinsed each test panel with fresh water to remove any loose dirt before applying the cleaners. Cleaner was applied to Hypalon samples with a Scotch-Brite pad, the nonskid using a nylon-bristled scrub brush, and the smooth gelcoat with a sponge – all tools that the average boat owner might employ.

We also kept an uncleaned sample of each of the surfaces as a “control” so at the end of the test, when everything was dry, we could make a side-by-side evaluation. While some cleaners clearly worked better than others, not all were equally effective on all three surfaces. As expected, the smooth gelcoat was the easiest surface to clean, and all the cleaners rated well on that surface. The Hypalon and

nonskid seemed to hang on to the dirt and showed less difference before and after cleaning. Ratings revealed which cleaners worked best on those surfaces.

Off to the lab

Finally, for the nonpartial scientific evaluation of the impact, if any, that these cleaners could have on the environment, samples of each cleaner were sent to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. The Foundation also paid for the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons, Maryland, to assess the cleaners for their effect on marine life. Testing was carried out under the auspices of Dr. Carys Mitchelmore, a professor at the university and expert in this type of research.

To test each product, a sample was mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions then combined with a consistent, measured amount of seawater containing 10 neonatal mysida. Mysida (Americamysis bahia) are small shrimp-like crustaceans, also called opossum shrimp, which have long been used as test subjects as there is considerable data regarding their sensitivity to myriad environmental contaminants.

Under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, each of the samples was monitored at fixed intervals, noting the

Our cleaning tests were carried out on fiberglass gelcoat (shown); Hypalon, used to make inflatable dinghies; and sections of nonskid decking.

In the lab, shrimp-like mysida were monitored several times daily under controlled conditions.

boat-owning and boat-cleaning experience, to the majority of cleaners on the market that make no claim to be less environmentally toxic. So, use these high-scorers with confidence, use the manufacturer’s recommended amount, minimize any product run-off, and enjoy happy times aboard, knowing you’re doing your part to keep our aquatic playground as clean as possible.

10 tips for greener boat cleaning

◆ Rinse your boat with freshwater after every trip. It will go a long way in keeping the boat clean, and can prolong the periods between using detergent products.

◆ Apply a good boat wax at least once per year to help prevent dirt, bird droppings, and airborne contaminants from adhering to the boat to make cleaning easier.

◆ Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially regarding dilution levels. During our product tests, we found that increasing the detergent-to-water ratio did not improve cleaning power.

◆ If your marina has a designated wash-down area, use that for all boat cleaning. A boat cleaned out of the water will likely have less of an impact on water quality than one cleaned afloat where the runoff has a direct path to the water.

◆ Most products require treatment in a wastewater treatment plant to be truly nontoxic and biodegradable, so use them in an area that doesn’t drain directly to the water.

◆ Some cleaners, although they may not be as environmentally friendly as others, clean better using less product, so overall environmental impact may be decreased. So, always start by using less product, which may be quite enough to do the job

◆ For overall cleaning, use a general-purpose boat wash and a spot cleaner to remove tougher stains.

time it took for the mysida to die. Essentially, the faster they die, the more negatively impactful the cleaner is on marine life and environment. Testing was limited to marine-life toxicity; no testing was done on biodegradability claims.

The bottom line

As expected, no one product we tested walked away as the clear winner in every category. Some cleaned one material really well, others had different attributes; some cleaned everything adequately but killed our mysida test subjects more quickly. The takeaway? Depending on what you need to clean, consider having two “green” cleaners on hand – one for reliable general cleaning, and another for more difficult occasional jobs such as nonskid or hypalon. There are many good options that work well and do less harm to the environment.

Another great takeaway? The clear consensus was that the “green” cleaners that scored highest on our test stacked up in cleaning power, in our staff’s years of personal

◆ When a using a spot cleaner, wipe the area with a cloth that can be disposed of ashore, rather than rinsing off with water.

◆ For boats stored in the water in coastal areas, wash the boat on an outgoing tide, which allows any soap runoff to be carried away from shore.

◆ Avoid cleaning the boat in full sun. Warmer temperatures make cleaners evaporate faster, and you’ll end up using more product.

This article was reprinted with permission from BoatUS Magazine, flagship publication of the membership organization Boat Owner's Association of the United States (BoatUS). For more expert articles and videos to make your boating, sailing, or fishing better, visit BoatUS.com.

Georgia Bass Slam & Angler Awards

Grand Prize Winners Announced and 2023 Season Kicking Off

By Melissa Cummings Communications and Outreach Specialist GADNR

Division

Catching a Bass Slam or landing an Angler Award fish is already an accomplishment and garners some fun rewards, but it’s even more exciting when you win the Grand Prize for the 2022 Bass Slam or Angler Award Program! Out of the 43 Bass Slammers and 295 Angler Awards caught in 2022, the Grand Prize winners are Andrew Wood (Bass Slam) of Atlanta, and Daniel Woodcock (Angler Award) of Ellabell, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. Congrats to both!

Grand Prize Winners received a cooler, camp chairs, tackle box and other prizes.

Now, let’s start working on those 2023 catches.

Georgia Bass Slam: Catch (at least) five of the different black bass species found in Georgia within a calendar year and you have a Georgia Bass Slam! This program recognizes anglers with the knowledge and skill to catch different species of bass in a variety of habitats across the state, while also stimulating interest in the conservation and management of black bass and their habitats. For complete rules and more info, visit BassSlam.com.

Angler Award Program: This program recognizes those who catch fish that meet or exceed a specific weight or length for that species. There are adult, youth, public fishing area, and trophy bass angler award program categories. For complete rules and more info, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/ fishing/anglerawards.

Other Fishing Recognition Programs:

• State Records: In addition to the angler award program,

the division also maintains a freshwater fish state-record program for anglers who land a catch that exceeds the existing record catch weight by one ounce or more. More information at GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/ recordprogram/rules.

• Kids First Fish Certificate: The division wants to recognize children across the state for catching their first fish with an online kid’s “first fish award” certificate available at GeorgiaWildlife.com/my-first.

Georgia Wildlife Resources thanks anglers that took part in these programs and appreciates all anglers that head out to state waters throughout the year to wet a line. For more information about fishing in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife. com/fishing/angler-resources.

Wildlife Resources

Daniel Woodcock of Ellabell, Grand Prize winner of the 2022 Angler Award.

Photo provided by GADNR

Treasure Hunt!

Island Treasures, the annual hide-and-seek tradition on Jekyll Island, Georgia, is inspired by local history. In the 1900s, east coast fishermen marked their nets with glass balls or floats that would occasionally break loose and wash ashore for beachcombers to find. In the 1950s, collecting these rare glass floats became a hobby. To commemorate this history, Jekyll Island began choosing hand-picked glass-blowing artists to create glass treasures that successful treasure seekers could find and take home as a memento of their visit to the island during January and February each year.

Initially established as a way to increase tourism during seasonally slower months of the year, the annual event entices visitors to explore the island’s historic district, beach village, parks, and common areas along established paths to look for clear hidden globes that can be redeemed for glass collectibles. Island Treasures is different from a traditional scavenger hunt, in that the real treasure is what you discover from your visit to Jekyll Island! The island’s natural beauty, its peace and serenity, its recreational offerings, history, conservation and more. But even more so, the time you spend with family and friends to create lasting memories is the treasure you’ll find again and again. If guests find a clear hidden globe, it can be redeemed at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center from 9 a.m.5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. There, they will exchange it for the Island Treasure that matches the numbered tag in the plastic globe. If guests find a plastic globe after February 28, they can turn it into the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center through March 31 to receive their one-of-a-kind glass float. After March 31, no plastic globes can be redeemed for an Island Treasure.

The Jekyll Island Treasures hunt is free. Please note, there is a parking fee to get on the island, as it is a state park.

For more info, visit: jekyllisland.com/islandtreasures

Did You Know?

You can put up a nest box in your yard to help attract great horned owls. To learn how, visit: bit.ly/gho_nestbox

GREAT HORNED OWLS

Bubo virginianus

Compiled by Neva Parsons

Nestlings may climb around on nearby branches as early as five weeks of age. They learn to fly around 9 to 10 weeks.

Biology

◆ These are large birds, ranging in height from 18 - 25 inches, with wingspans of 39 - 58 inches and weigh from 2 - 5½ pounds. Females are larger than males.

◆ They can easily navigate among trees thanks to short, wide wings, while their soft feathers both keep them warm and assist in quiet flight while stalking prey.

◆ Great horned owls can turn their heads more than 180 degrees, which comes in handy because their eyes are immoveable.

◆ Their average lifespan is 5 to 15 years. The oldest on record lived 28 years.

Quick Facts

◆ Great horned owls typically nest in this area in February and March.

◆ Highly successful predators, these carnivores feed on animals as small as mice on up to other raptors, reptiles and mammals larger than themselves.

◆ If you hear or see a flock of crows squawking and swarming an area, they could be harassing one of their most dangerous predators, the great horned owl.

◆ Found throughout North and South America, in most any environment from wetlands to deserts.

Parenting

◆ These owls produce 1 - 5 eggs. Eggs are incubated for 28-35 days, with both parents taking part in this duty.

◆ They are fiercely protective parents and both parents provide food until the nestlings fledge.

POUNDS

The amount of force needed to open this owl's talons.

Great horned owls do not have horns. The horn-like tufts of feathers surrounding their ears are called plumicorns.

Photo by Laurie Lohne Photography

Photo by Nick Riccio, Jr.

Great horned owls are also sometimes known as tiger owls, because of their coloring and fierce hunting abilities.

Photo by Mandy Kriegh

Bitter End

BOATING OPTIONS - PART I

By Captain J. Gary "Gator" Hill

Over the last several years I’ve discussed many facets of boating and vessel maintenance. This month however, I want to discuss some options for new boaters as well as experienced boaters who may be between boats. You have three obvious choices when it comes to getting on the water in a vessel. Boat ownership is often the first thing that comes to mind, or maybe the rent-a-boat option, or joining a boat club. Boat ownership isn’t always possible, so first let’s take a look at what I see as the pros and cons of the latter two, starting with boat clubs.

Boat clubs can be found literally around the world, with one of the largest being the Freedom Boat Club. Freedom has three locations in our area, one on St. Simons Island at Dunbar Yachts, on Whitemarsh at Savannah Boathouse, and one out of Hilton Head Plantation. Another on a national scale is Carefree Boat Club, at Isle of Hope Marina. A third option in the boat club scene is Destination Boat Club of the Carolinas with a location coming to Savannah. At the time of this writing, I’m unsure of their intended home but have heard it will be Savannah Bend Marina.

Boat clubs all generally operate in the same manner. To get started, you pay a join fee, which will vary in price and can be as low as $1000.00 on up to $5000.00 or more. Sometimes special pricing is available during slow seasons. You will also pay a monthly membership fee. The price will vary based on your desired usage days; weekday packages tend to be more value priced as there are more days available, and more people work weekdays. Most clubs have a monthly fee of about $250.00, give or take, though this varies from location to location and plan to plan. After these fees are satisfied and you have been checked out on their vessels (most provide at least some basic boating handling training), you will have a variety of boats to choose from depending on your needs at the time and the club’s inventory. Top outlets will offer a wide variety of boats from bowriders, to center consoles, to pontoons, and skiffs. The only other cost involved is paying for fuel used. Pretty easy-peasy, right?

I know some of you are thinking, “Heck, I can own my own boat for those kinds of fees.” For some of you, that may be a better option. But with boat clubs you don’t have the other side of the coin: maintenance, cleaning, and storage. So, there’s a lot to be said for boat clubs.

The next way to get on the water, which can work whether you’re staying in your own backyard or jet setting around the world, is renting. Living in our modern world, this is as simple as a quick online search. Just type in boat rentals and the location you desire.

A generic search yields several companies, including a couple of popular ones like Boatsetter and Click & Boat. These generally have a higher price-per-hour rate, though the upside is there are no lingering fees following you around. I only recommend this option for seasoned boat operators, as you do assume liability when renting. Meaning if you run it up on rocks due to lack of local knowledge or just not paying attention, you assume responsibility for any damage. So if renting, be sure to purchase a rental insurance plan (which should be offered with said vessel). Many rental companies will give you the option to captain your own vessel or have a captain provided. If you are not an experienced boater or are apprehensive, then going with a professional captain is a great option, and actually offers many upsides. Almost every coastal area has charter/rental companies that provide captain and boat. What I like about this idea is it frees you up to spend quality time with family and friends. Also you can have an adult beverage and not have to worry about the marine patrol. Easiest way to check into these services is through social media and online services under marinas. Remember to vet their reviews through aps like TripAdvisor or other similar services.

The third option we’ll explore is buying a boat! But I’ve run out of room so I will pick up that next month in either this column or an article.

'Til our wakes cross again, peace and love, and shrimp and grits. I'll see you on the water!

Captain Gator has spent the past several decades truly living the salt life, from living on and racing sailboats, to being a paddle guide, to becoming a 100-ton master and working in the tour boat industry. A strong love of history and the water has shaped him into becoming one part educator, one part entertainer, and one part storyteller. When asked if he is a native, his reply is yes, by osmosis.

TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com

Boat club membership is one way to get on the water without the hassles of maintenance or storage fees.

Photo provided by Freedom Boat Club