The 8th Annual Dillon County Shrimp-Casters Contest was held September 4th, a beautiful late summer afternoon, at Kathi and Brownie Campbell’s pool. The last two contests were held in threatening or severe weather conditions. This year’s conditions were welcomed and enjoyed.
The contest format remained the same, three throws in each division: 3 foot, seven foot, and eight foot nets. Nets were judged on shape and how well the net covered the bait.
The contest was accurately and fairly judged by Kathi Campbell, Woody Monahan, and Gene Varn. Missing this year was long time judge Jerry Richardson who was unable to judge this year.
There were nine contestants ranging in age from their early 20s to 80s. Lawrence Jordan was the rookie caster and Mickey Dew the veteran.
The three foot championship was won by Bill Aston, second place by Jimmy Fore, and third place by Harold Kornblut making it a clean sweep by the Latta casters.
The seven foot champion was Richard Calhoun, second place David McLaurin, and third place Mickey Dew. A late shrimping report from this past Saturday confirmed that Richard and David cannot only cast but actually catch shrimp.
The eight foot champion was Daniel Coleman, second place Bill Aston, and third Richard Calhoun. This was the closest of the three events.
This year Richard Calhoun suggested that there should be an overall Grand Champion. This would be determined by combining the three throws with the highest total being the Grand Champion. Though the results were not announced at the contest, the first Dillon County Shrimp-Caster’s Grand Champion was Daniel Coleman with a total of 126.5 points. Daniel will be presented with his trophy and name placed on the winner’s plaque at next year’s contest.
A delicious example of South Carolina’s low-country cooking, Frogmore Stew, was prepared by Tracy Pelt, an excellent meal even if for the first time the shrimp were bought and not caught.
Richard Calhoun again asked the blessing for the event, the meal, and the safety of the fleet.
With the beautiful weather, fine food, keen competition, and excellent fellowship as Richard Calhoun is apt to say, “Nothing could be finer than to be in South Carolina.”
A perfect throw by Bill Aston
Lawrence Jordan gets last minute advice.
