23 minute read
A youth movement on the lake
Advertisement
- JOHN LASSETER - FORMER CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER OF WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS, PIXAR AND DISNEYTOON STUDIOS
West-Oak fisherman Tristan Willis is pictured “at work” for his high school team. Enthusiastic school-age and college fisherpersons assure the future of fishing on Upstate lakes. Photo courtesy of Shawn Martin
DON’T FRET ABOUT THE FUTURE OF FISHING Die-hard young anglers are flocking to Upstate lakes
story by Brett McLaughlin
t’s been a brutal spring and
Iearly summer in the world of sports.
Even the most avid sportster has grown weary of watching reruns of decades-old football and basketball games, to say nothing of South Korean baseball. Wives have looked on hopelessly as grown men, nestled in Barcaloungers with pretzels and beer, have nearly cried
Tristan Willis and his stepfather Shawn Martin give a “thumbs up” to another successful outing by the West-Oak High School fishing team. Martin captained his son’s boat. Photo courtesy of Shawn Martin
watching the “live” televised announcement of the NFL schedule. Even our view of HD television has become blurred, denying us a shot at reality when watching virtual NASCAR.
Yes, an occasional round of actual golf has been able to brush off the cobwebs of the Covid-19-induced sports coma many off us have suffered, but, in large part, most sports enthusiasts have been left only with agony in the absence of the ecstasy of sports.
That has not been the case, however, for those who fish.
Despite the best efforts of our Covid overseers to limit life on the water, many true anglers have found a way to seek their prey. Among these hardy sports men and women has been “the next generation” of anglers: young, exuberant boys and girls, who are proving that fishing is not just a sport for the bass-nabbing elite or old men with too many flies pinned to their sun hats.
Indeed, countless young people casting across the waters of the Upstate are putting to rest any doubts that fishing has a future. Many across the Southeast who have grown up on the water have joined a burgeoning legion of fisherpersons competing on teams throughout junior and senior high school.
Tristan Willis is one of them.
A late arrival to the competitive high school fishing scene, Tristan made up a lot of ground his senior year, teaming with
West-Oak High School fishing team member Connor Green shows off one of his catches from a tournament earlier this year. Photo courtesy of Shawn Martin
Robert Myers poses with his twins, Brooke and Lilly, after a recent outing. Myers, who captains his daughter Kate’s boat during competitions, said he will have a problem when all three girls are in high school and only two can be in the same boat. Photo courtesy of Robert Myers
OUT OF THE ORDINARY ON TO THE WATER
The weather wasn’t exactly perfect at the last tournament the West-Oak teams were involved in, but the fish were biting; Kate Myers (in red) and her teammate Katie Youngblood did just fine, finishing among the top teams out of over 150 boats. Photo courtesy of Robert Myers
junior partner Connor Green to reel in a host of angling honors as members of the West-Oak fishing team.
“I love fishing. It’s what we do,” the future Marine said. I’ve been doing it since I was 2 or 3. I fished with my grandfather, my dad and now my stepdad.”
Tristan explained that when one is used to fishing for leisure, the rigors of tournament fishing take some getting used to. With the help of his stepfather and boat captain Shawn Martin, he was able to make the transition.
“You have to learn what baits are working and get used to the idea of only catching a fish every once in a while,” he said.
The high school season consists of four tournaments, each open to teams from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. There may be as many as 150 boats in any given competition. Each event consists of a practice day, during which boat captains can also fish, and two days of tournament competition when only school-age team members can fish.
Martin said he and his stepson fished from the shoreline and docks together until last year when Martin’s
Sea Ray SLX 250
Yamaha 242 Limited SE
Bennington G25
FIND YOUR NEW BOAT TODAY
MasterCraft X24
2020 boats and yachts are here! MarineMax Greenville is your one stop for everything boating. We are proud to offer the world’s best brands. And when you join the MarineMax family you gain access to top-notch service, classes, events, Getaways! ® and much more. Call us or stop into our location to find the boat of your dream!
MarineMax Hall Marine Greenville 14 Burty Road | Greenville SC 29605 | (877) 361-3362 | marinemax.com/greenville
SUE SELLS
LAKE KEOWEE Just Listed
Everyone landed a bass when the Myers girls, Lilly, Kate and Brooke (from left), recently took to the lake. Photo courtesy of Robert Myers
father-in-law gave them an older boat that needed some cleaning up. Once he and Tristan took to the water, they were hooked on lake fishing.
“We live in a great area with the lakes and rivers,” Martin said. “It’s great being outdoors, and it’s fun to do.
“Interest (among young people) is really growing,” he added. “We go as a team to community activities, and people are always surprised and curious.” This was Martin’s first year as a boat captain, but Tristan’s sixth-grade brother, Sam, is getting involved in the sport. And, Martin said he would stay involved as long as there is interest. Robert Myers would seem to also have a long future ahead as a boat captain.
Kate Myers loves to fish and appears to love the fish she catches. Only a sixth-grade student this past year, she competed in several tournaments against high school age students. Photo courtesy of Robert Myers
EXPANSIVE MOUNTAIN AND
LAKE VIEWS IN KEOWEE KEY $825,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Full & 2 Half Baths 5 Dinghy Court
My husband and I have bought and sold many homes (12) over the years, so we have had a lot of experience with realtors. Sue Pulliam is one of the best realtors that we have ever hired. She clearly demonstrated a good knowledge of the market that we were dealing with. She walked us through all the paperwork, counseled us on the positives and challenges regarding our property, as well as assisting us in setting a realistic price that would bring the best financial outcome. She was an excellent communicator throughout the process. Result: Our house sold in 9 days! Mission accomplished! Thank you Sue! We recommend her highly! JONATHAN AND B.J. COLLINS
Sue Pulliam Luxury Home Specialist Top Performing Realtor Western Upstate* Over 25 Years Marketing & Sales Experience 2019 Allen Tate Chairman’s Circle* 2019 LEGEND’S CLUB MEMBER 864-723-0629 Cell • Sue.Pulliam@allentate.com
After sort of stumbling into being a captain for a high school team, he spent the past year captaining a boat for his sixth-grade daughter, Kate, and her teammate, Katie Youngblood.
“I was at church when a lady asked me if I had heard about high school fishing tournaments,” he said. “I had taken her son fishing three or four years ago, and she said his buddy was putting on a tournament and they needed a captain. I ended up taking two church kids from Anderson.”
It wasn’t long before his daughters became interested. However, unlike the high school requirements he had encountered, Myers was told that with middle school-age students the captain could tie lures, handle fish and drive the boat.
“You just can’t handle the rod,” he said. “When they’re in high school, you can’t do anything, and you’re told where to go in the boat.”
It doesn’t seem to matter to his daughter, however. At one tournament this year the West-Oak all-girl team beat nearly all the boys, finishing eighth out of 167 boats.
“She’s all about it,” he said of Kate’s approach to competitive fishing. “She can tie her own lines, and I’m teaching her to handle the boat. She’s got a boyfriend, and she’s all about beating him and the high school football and basketball players that only fish one or two weekends in the spring and summer.”
Myers looks forward to captaining his daughter in the years ahead but said there may be trouble on the horizon.
“We’ve got twins in the third grade,” he said. “You can only have two on a fishing team. It’s going to get real interesting when they all get to high school.” n
Members of the West-Oak Fishing team prepare to launch during one of their tournaments this past year. Photo courtesy of Shawn Martin
Transforming Ordinary SpacesTo Extraordinary Places!
SUN ROOMS PATIO ENCLOSURES SCREENED PORCHES COVERED PATIOS
• Decks and Railings • Atlantis Wire Railing Systems • Screen Enclosures • 3 Season Sunrooms
• 4 Season Insulated Sunrooms • Solid Patio Covers • StruXure Pergolas/Patio Covers • SunSetter Awnings
Call Today 864-888-1620 For Your Free Estimate! 10239 Clemson Blvd. • Suite 140, Seneca • porchconversionofseneca.com
MLS 20216577 207 SUNRISE POINTE WAY • $4,199,000 Spectacular 5 bedroom, 6 full and 2 half-bathrooms on an exceptional, 1.53 acre waterfront lot, with gentle slope and 326 ft of prime shoreline. Keith Summerour-designed and built by boutique craftsman, Mike Blackburn. The attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship will exceed even the most meticulous buyer’s mind. Over $500,000 in mature landscaping, native shrubs, trees and boulder pathways. Extensive use of diverse reclaimed antique wood in beams, floors, trim and some walls, applied and finished with great skill. Unsurpassed quality and attention to detail abound, denoting this as one of the finest homes on Lake Keowee. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
MLS 20224433 7 POINT NORTH DRIVE • $1,999,000 Captivating waterfront with multi-layer mountain views! While 7 Point North is an impeccably designed, built, and maintained home, the views (some of the best on Lake Keowee, or anywhere else for that matter) immediately captivate. The property provides a gentle slope, level paver driveway, and easy walk to the shoreline and covered dock. The home’s main-level living areas are open and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows flanking a stone fireplace in the great room. The main-level deck is tiled and has a grilling area. The lower-level stone patio sits above a putting green, complete with synthetic turf. 404.281.0475 • Trip Agerton / trip@justinwinter.com
SOLD
MLS 20217933 411 EVERGREEN TRAIL • $1,799,000 Welcome to your personal private Cliffs at Keowee Falls estate. Situated on Keowee Falls most desirable lakefront cove, this 2.76 ac property comprises the adjoining home site (51) with the custom built 4,800 sq ft residence constructed on the middle of the properties (52). The sites have been opened to offer unencumbered long-range lake, mountain and island views, with waterfront shoreline of approximately 217 ft. The properties are bordered by a stream that flows down the right property line, terminating into a cascading waterfall.
864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
THE FINEST COLLECTION
864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com ©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.
live the extraordinary...
SOLD
MLS 20222945 144 N. WATERSIDE DRIVE • $1,860,000 Capturing the easy-breezy feelings of a favorite vacation, this home offers a bevy of resort-style amenities: a waterfront setting that’s steps away from Keowee’s shores, a lakeside pool and hot tub, and open, light-filled spaces. With 6 bedrooms spread across 3 levels—made accessible to everyone via an elevator—the residence is the perfect memory-making headquarters for generations of family and friends. The home’s exterior incorporates earth-hued North Carolina river rock that is particularly striking. A pathway leads to the shoreline and double dock with power lifts. Fine craftsmanship and high-end finishings are on display in every direction. 864.506.5453 • Allie Winter / allie@justinwinter.com or 864.207.2100 • Leigh Thomas / leigh@justinwinter.com
MLS 20227990 354 LONG COVE TRAIL • $1,545,000 Set along the shores of a calm, emerald-green Lake Keowee cove, 354 Long Cove Trail offers an enviable floor plan that extends across 3 levels and is beautifully underscored by master craftsmanship throughout. The home rests near the base of a lakefront hillside and at the end of a paver drive. In the great room, pine ceilings and a soaring stone fireplace provide the perfect backdrop for a spellbinding wall of lakeside windows and French doors, which open to a deck. The main-level master presents lake views in a window-lined sitting area. Outside, a covered stone terrace fronts the lake and stepping-stone pathways lead to the covered dock. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
MLS 20221822 248 FEATHERSTONE DRIVE • $1,699,000 This still-new home offers over 300 feet of shoreline,180-degree views across Lake Keowee—including spectacular sunsets and glimpses of The Reserve’s golf course—and a flexible, social floor plan that allows for up to seven bedrooms when needed. A breezy jaunt of around 30 steps separates the house from its custom covered dock. The interior opens to a great room that combines foyer, living, dining, and kitchen areas while eliminating walls that might block the view. Lakefront outdoor living areas occupy the home’s rear and side: a broad main-level covered deck wraps to a screened porch with stone fireplace, the ideal spot for toasting sunsets year-round. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com THE FINEST COLLECTION
864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com ©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.
SOLD
MLS 20217587 188 HICKORY SPRINGS WAY • $1,675,000 Set on 1.17 ac of gently sloping waterfront and overlooking a notably wide Lake Keowee cove, this home offers open living spaces and spacious accommodations in a still-brand-new residence. The house is eye-catching with its exterior of masonry siding and natural stone. Inside, the foyer leads to a broad great room with a tall bow window, stone fireplace, and vaulted ceiling. Outdoor living areas span the length of the home: a screened porch with fireplace, open deck, and covered porch. Across the rear of the home, a stone terrace looks out over a firepit, slate pathways, covered dock with lift, and the property’s sweeping shoreline. 864.202.0505 • Melissa Wiles-Sellers / melissa@justinwinter.com
UNDER CONTRACT
MLS 20222997 126 WATER CREST TRAIL • $1,589,000 Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on 1.11 acres with 160 ft of waterfront, this Evergreen Construction custom home is the epitome of lake living. At 4,995 SF, with 4 bedrooms plus bunk room, 4-1/2 baths, and a separate guest suite with kitchenette over the garage, this Craftsman style lake home is comfortable, inviting and designed for family fun. The lake views are long and the walk to the covered slip dock is short and easy. Outdoor living areas include lakeside porches (open & screened), a grilling deck, and a lower level terrace. Additional features include a lakeside waterfall and firepit to provide additional enjoyment. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
MLS 20209916 110 RED BUCKEYE TRAIL • $1,469,000 5 bedrooms, 4 full plus 1 half bathrooms and bright, spacious living areas comprise this 5,400 SF waterfront home with good proximity to the clubhouse and golf course. The double slip covered dock awaits your lake enjoyment. .86 acres of mixed forest and meticulous landscaping surround the low-maintenance exterior of this home. Enhanced floor plan opens to great room, dining area and kitchen with ease of access to screened and open porch. Control 4 home automation system allows lighting, thermostat control, two security cameras, and monitored security system. Audio and video are available in virtually every room of the house. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
THE FINEST COLLECTION
864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com ©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.
live the extraordinary...
MLS 20220155 400 S. POINT BLVD • $649,000 Located in the midst of The Reserve at Lake Keowee’s nature preserve, 400 S. Point Boulevard blends elegant living with outdoor pursuits. A portion of the community’s conservation easement is across the street and nearby cart paths lead to the many amenities this community has to offer. Inside, both the foyer and light-filled great room have vaulted plank ceilings with aesthetic beam accents. An expansive deck wraps around the home and joins a spacious, breezy screened porch. With multiple doors to the porch and decks, the kitchen, dining, great room, and outdoor areas create an ideal flow for entertaining. Both inside and outside spaces enjoy seasonal mountain and lake views. 248.866.6007 • Lori Parks / lori@justinwinter.com
UNDER CONTRACT
MLS 20225427 120 TRANQUIL COVE • $1,775,000 With a design that’s distinctively inspired by its street address, 120 Tranquil Cove is a serene setting for Lake Keowee living. This brand-new home sits on a short peninsula that offers lake views on 3 sides, and the wide cove it occupies imparts an open-water feel while being sheltered from primary lake channels. Throughout the interior, bright, open spaces and a neutral palette form the backdrop for layers of natural elements: rustic flooring, stone walls and fireplaces, wood beams and transoms, shiplap accent walls and ceilings. Spanning the rear of the home, a lower-level porch holds the home’s 3rd fireplace. In the yard, stepping stones travel to the shoreline and covered dock. 864.202.0505 • Melissa Wiles-Sellers / melissa@justinwinter.com
MLS 20207833 233 LONG COVE COURT • $949,000 Located on an elevated home site over a wide cove is this charming stone front cottage with inspiring views that include Lake Keowee as well as several golf holes. The home exudes a comfortable, cozy atmosphere punctuated by impeccable quality. Porches on both levels ensure the out-ofdoors is always close at hand. A wonderful sense of privacy has been created with a serene drive into the home and lighted stone pillars serving as the entry to the motor court. Yet this home lies within easy walking distance of the clubhouse and golf, making this one of the best locations in all The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards. 404.281.0475 • Trip Agerton / trip@justinwinter.com
THE FINEST COLLECTION
864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com ©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.
UNDER CONTRACT
MLS 20221095 407 EVERGREEN TRAIL • $1,689,000 Elevated, extraordinary views are the hallmark of this residence. Positioned on a ridge overlooking a far-reaching span of Lake Keowee, the waterfront home celebrates its glorious scenery with multiple outdoor living areas, as well as liberal windows in practically every room. While outdoor vistas are the paramount feature here, wonderful architectural details abound. At the front of the home, a cascading water feature borders an enchanting garden of flowers and ferns. A lower-level terrace adjoins a wide paver path (ideal for a golf cart) that weaves through verdant garden plantings to the deep-water, covered dock. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
UNDER CONTRACT
MLS 20224840 109 TRANQUIL COVE • $985,000 This Meritus Signature Homes plan, The Nantahala, boasts all the elements most desired. Light and bright theme of elegance but with a comfortable feel. The master retreat plus 2 more en suites are all on the main level plus a finished bonus with bath for added flexibility. This open concept plan with angled island is convenient for casual dining and entertaining large gatherings. This home is located conveniently to the community docks dedicated to this neighborhood. Perfect for those who want water access without the upkeep of a dock year round. 864.202.0505 • Melissa Wiles-Sellers / melissa@justinwinter.com
MLS 20226054 109 WOOD SORRELL WAY • $1,695,000 This most unique offering is a gated estate of over 10 acres, set on a perfectly private point with 1,100’ of deep water shoreline. A mile of customdesigned trails meander through mature mixed woodland. The single-level 3,800 SF residence is brimming with custom designed and crafted attributes, including true gourmet kitchen, magnificent twin flue stone fireplace, stone grotto outdoor shower, expansive, 1,200 SF screened porch and two home offices. The meticulously maintained, low-maintenance residence comprises 4 bedrooms with 4.5 bathrooms. A sanctuary of peace in a natural setting, this home gracefully balances casual indoor and outdoor lake living. 864.506.6387 • Justin Winter / justin@justinwinter.com
THE FINEST COLLECTION
864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com ©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.
live the extraordinary...
Newest Neighborhood in The Reserve at Lake Keowee Stillwater Group Custom Homes Exclusively Represented by Justin Winter Sotheby’s International Realty Single Family Homes/Homesites Available
Model Open by Appointment 864-202-0505 or 248-866-6007 Custom Lake Residences From the High 1m’s Home Sites Start at $500K
MUSCADINE RETREAT
461 PENINSULA RIDGE • $2,800,000
UNDER CONTRACT
THE COPPERLEAF
415 PENINSULA RIDGE • $1,999,000
THE HAMPTON RETREAT
465 PENINSULA RIDGE • $2,850,000
SOLD
THE FINEST COLLECTION
864-481-4444 | info@justinwinter.com | www.justinwinter.com ©2020 Justin Winter and Associates, LLC. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC and used with permission. Justin Winter and Associates, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC nor any of its affiliated companies. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data based on Western Upstate MLS.
