DNR News
** Archived Article - please check for current information. **
December 4, 20143500 stripers stocked at Santee State Park on Lake Marion
Approximately 3500 phase II striped bass were stocked in Lake Marion at Santee State Park on Thursday, Dec. 4. This stocking was part of the 28,000 to 30,000 stocked during the week. On hand for the fish stocking were state Sen. Kevin Johnson of Manning, Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter of Orangeburg, Orangeburg Co. Councilman Johnny Ravenell and Santee Cooper Country's executive director Mary Shriner.
Sen. Johnson remarked, "I want to thank the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for keeping Lake Marion stocked and available for recreational fishing. It is greatly appreciated here in Santee Cooper country."
"I hope that taxpayers will see the work that DNR does and see the value of paying for that fishing or hunting license, because of that we are able to keep these great outdoor opportunities for all of the citizens of the state of South Carolina," said Rep. Cobb-Hunter.
"This is a great day for us. Anytime we can enhance recreational activities for Orangeburg County, it's a plus," said Councilman Ravenell.
"This is very important to us," said Mary Shriner. "Fishing brings in $30 million to this area every year."
DNR used a specially equipped fish-hauling truck to stock the 3500 fish. The striped bass were initially hatched at the Jack D. Bayless Hatchery and raised to phase II size at the Dennis Wildlife Center. Both of these facilities are located in Bonneau.
The DNR Freshwater Fisheries Section annually stocks from seven to 10 million fish in state waters, including striped and hybrid bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel and blue catfish, bluegill, redbreast, redear sunfish (shellcracker), and rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Anglers in South Carolina spend almost $742 million to fish each year, making the sport, with economic multipliers factored in, a billion dollar business in the Palmetto State.
Striped bass are found in major rivers and large impoundments of South Carolina. They are also found in estuarine and coastal areas. They prefer cool waters and are diadromous throughout their range, except in South Carolina.
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