MIDLANDS STRIPER CLUB NEWS

Columbia S.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2009

Contact: Jim Goller, (803) 600-1570, email: wildlifesc@embarqmail.com

MIDLANDS STRIPER CLUB CANCELS MSC/HYDRO GLOW DNR BENEFIT OPEN TOURNAMENT

Due to concerns for the Lake Murray summertime striped bass fishery, Midlands Striper Club’s (MSC) Programs and Conservation Committee (PAC) voted to cancel its upcoming MSC/Hydro Glow SCDNR Benefit Open tournament scheduled for July 17 & 18, 2009 out of Jakes Landing on Lake Murray near Columbia. With the decline in participation by circuit anglers in other recent events, the club was concerned it could lose valuable dollars better spent to help improve the lake's fishery. MSC guarantees its prize money and therefore is at risk to make no money for SCDNR as well as potentially lose several thousand dollars in payouts.

The committee also expressed concerns that undersized fish released in the all-night fundraising event may not survive and this could further impact a fishery that is currently producing only a small number keeper-sized striped bass. The club wishes to thank everyone sincerely for supporting this important fundraiser in the past and hopes to continue the tradition of an annual all-night Hydro Glow event in the future in support the DNR’s striped bass fishery efforts in the Palmetto State.

Mr. Darrell Keith, owner and CEO of Hydro Glow Inc. of Dawsonville, GA, and the event's primary co-sponsor, expressed his understanding and pledged his support of MSC's decision.

MSC's PAC committee also voted to cancel the club's regular tournaments on Lake Murray during July and August for the same concern: small fish survivability when released into hot summer water. MSC tournament directors replaced the two events with club tournaments on Clarks Hill (Lake Thurmond). The club's Lady Angler tournament was moved from July to September 26 for the same concerns, but that event will be on Lake Murray out of Jakes Landing.

The club's governing committee wished to help the fishery and "lead by example." By not holding club events while the fish were stressed during the hot summer months, the club hopes to convince other anglers to follow suit. Studies have shown that striped bass released into lakes during hot summer weather do not have a good chance of survival. The fish become stressed after being brought from cool, deep depths and after being handled for hook removal.

Midlands Striper Club, founded in 1979, is celebrating its 30^th year and is one of the oldest striped bass fishing organizations in the country. Since 2001, the club’s nearly 200 members have donated over $36,000 to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources for striped bass research and stock enhancements in the Palmetto State. For more information, visit the club’s website at www.midlandsstriperclub.org or email info@midlandsstriperclub.org. MSC’s next meeting is Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Flight Deck, 109A Old Chapin Road, Lexington. Guests and prospective members are always welcome.