Congratulations to Casey Ashley for qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic for the second consecutive year. He rebounded from the previous four tournaments where he had finished from 71st to 80th. His 7th place finish at Oneida Lake, NY assured his advance to 26th in the final point standings and he won $15,000 in the process. We wish this personable young man from Donalds, SC good luck in the Classic.

In addition, Ashley is a talented musician and recently recorded a song for ESPN. He has performed the national anthem at the opening and weigh-in ceremonies of several tournaments. The new single “Fisherman”, written by renowned songwriter Rodney Clawson, is available now and you can see the video on ESPN’s website.

John Farr of Anderson was co-angler at one event in the past with Ashley and has nothing but good words to say about this young rising star on the tour.

Another local angler, Brian Tidwell, from Seneca, fished well in the co-angler division of the recent Forrest Wood Cup at Lake Murray. He finished second, winning $10,000.

Michael Bennett, a professional angler from California, captured the $1,000,000 first prize. Bennett is only 24 years old and the youngest angler to win the Forrest Wood Cup.

Dave Lefebre, Union City, PA, finished second in the professional division, winning $100,000, Terry Bolton, Jonesboro, AR, finished third; winning $75,000 and Chris Baumgardner, Gastonia, NC finished fourth, winning $60,000.

We enjoyed being on the Southern Woods and Waters show at WRIX Talk Radio last Saturday morning. Larry Holbrooks, a captain with the upstate SCDNR, was a guest and talked about some of the changes in regulations for the upcoming hunting season. We did not cover nearly all of the changes in detail, so it is recommended that you read the rules and regulations booklet closely.

A change mentioned concerned the increase of the bag limit on doves from 12 to 15 birds. Another was the allowing of crossbows in all hunts that allow archery for deer. A key change is no either sex hunts for deer scheduled for Fridays this year. The regulations only permit Saturday either sex hunts. The only exception concerns those purchasing antlerless deer tags. Check the regulations booklets for the dates.

Hunt schedules include fifty-one WMA public dove fields listed by SCDNR for 2008. Check SCDNR news by searching Public Dove Hunting in South Carolina for locations and requirements. There will be special youth hunts again this year for doves and deer. These may require prior registrations, so those interested should inquire early.

It’s not too late to attend the Harry Hampton Hunting and Fishing Expo in Spartanburg where you can see the world-record whitetail deer killed by Milo Hanson and exhibited by Joe Kelly. The show runs Aug. 22 (today) through Sunday, Aug. 24. Okefenokee Joe, famous snake expert will be on hand and SCDNR will have a number of exhibits. Vendors with the latest outdoor equipment will be on hand.

Contact me at lross3871@charter.net