Roof Repair in Beaufort, SC

I run into this problem all the time. I fly fish, my wife doesn't. That by itself is not a problem, but when it comes time to pick a destination for a vacation, it becomes a problem.

Where can we go where I can get some quality fly fishing and have her enjoy what she enjoys—shopping, cafes, museums, spas, and working out? It is a dilemma; most of the time, the two don't go hand in hand.

Beaufort, South Carolina — The Perfect Solution

If you aren't familiar with Beaufort, it is a coastal southern town just South of Charleston, SC. In Beaufort, time slows down, Spanish moss hangs from the oak trees, the city is rich in history, seafood doesn't get any better, and genuine Southern hospitality is everywhere. And the fishing?

Fly Fishing in Beaufort, SC

South Carolina has 344,500 acres of salt marshes, and 50% of those marshes are in Beaufort County. For the fly angler, that means a whole lotta shallow water to sight fish for tailing Reds, and when I visited there last month, there were a lot of redfish in those marshes. So the answer to the question "And the fishing?" It's excellent and abundant.

You Are Going To Need a Guide

The marshes are one big maze of creeks and rivers; it takes years for someone to learn their way around. A good guide is on the water every day and dialed in on where the happy fish are.

Indigo Fishing Charters

I booked a day with Capt. Jon Gore of Indigo Fishing Charters. There is so much fishable water in Beaufort that we didn't see another boat in any of the spots we fished. If you've never fly fished for red drum, it is more hunting than fishing. During the warmer months, you can get into the grass when the tide is high and look for fish feeding on crabs and shrimp.

What you are looking for is the fish's tail sticking out of the water and waving in the air while its snout is rooting in the mud. When you find fish doing this, and they don't spook easily, this is what guides call a "happy fish."

Winter Has Good Fishing

During the winter, low tide is a good time to fish the flats. You have to be on your game because your shots at a fish come fast, and they are usually moving. One minute is calm and serene, the next your captain is urgently giving instruction: "One o'clock! Forty feet, moving left to right, put it in front of him!" You better have your fly line right and ready to cast. That window can close fast.

Beaufort Has a Lot More To Offer Than Just Good Fishing

When I was out fly fishing, my wife spent the day in the historic downtown district of Beaufort, located alongside the Beaufort River and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. There was no shortage of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites for her to visit, so she didn't mind my being out on the water for the day.

When You Visit Beaufort

Capt. Jon Gore is an exceptional guide. He was prepared, had a clean, quality boat, brought fly fishing gear in case I didn't have any, and put me on fish. He knows his way around all the creeks and flats and is tuned in to what I call "the active areas." He primarily targets redfish and speckled sea trout, but if the timing is right, you can have opportunities to chase tarpon, jack crevalle, sharks, triple tail, and cobia.

If you are a beginner fly angler, Jon is long on patience and not one to yell or make you feel foolish because you didn't make the perfect cast. He will give you some instruction if needed and get you onto another fish. It's mostly laughs and good conversation in between caught fish.

My wife convinced me to visit downtown Beaufort before we left. I suspect she just wanted another day to check out the shops.

I was ok with that because I wanted to get some flies at the Bay Street Outfitters. Amongst their outdoor gear is a fully stocked fly shop. Plus, I wanted to visit a few of the antique stores - I'm always looking for old fly tackle. And then we'd have dinner at the Old Bull Tavern.

The truth is we had eaten at the Old Bull the night before, and the food and atmosphere were so good that we decided to eat there one more time before we left. Two nights in a row, and there wasn't a weak dish on our table.

If you really want to do Beaufort right, stay a few nights at the Anchorage 1770. This was the highlight of our trip. As the name states, the Inn was built in the 1700s. Its location is perfect for staying in Beaufort. It is across the street from the water and is within walking distance from the main street of the historic downtown area.

It has a rich history; much of the architecture of the building is from the original structure and reflects its fascinating past. Whatever restoration that's been done is historically sensitive and maintains the authenticity of the building. Its roots run deep, and you can feel its ghosts throughout the building.

I got a chance to tour the property. Every guest room has its own story and unique decor. Some of the building's owners from its historical past were a little on the eccentric side. The room we stayed in still had secret panels that one of the owners had built to hide alcohol from his wife. If the walls could talk.

The Ribaut Social Club

In 1891, the Anchorage was home to the Ribaut Social Club. It hosted parties, dances, and even gambling. January 2017 marked the return of the Ribaut Social Club within the Anchorage, "as a fine dining and social space for Beaufort locals and visitors to mingle over cocktails and impeccable regional cuisine."

My wife and I had dinner there on our first night, and it was like something out of a movie. Surrounded by all that history and delicious food made from local, fresh ingredients. This was authentic Lowcountry culture. I scored big points with my wife.

Fly Fishing, Culture, and Delicious Food

This is a trip that will satisfy both the angler and the non-angler. The fishing for redfish is some of the best in the Southeast. There is plenty to see and do in downtown Beaufort. A food scene that reflects Southern culture mixed with fresh seafood. Southern cocktails can be enjoyed on a porch overlooking the river. And the Anchorage 1770 Inn that will make your stay in Beaufort extra special.

There is no bad time of the year to visit since the weather never gets too cold, and the fishing is good all year around. Beaufort is a special place with a tangible feel to it. Bring a fly rod, bring a partner, and soak in the Southern hospitality of the Lowcountry. KB

"The gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span the hours spent in fishing.” - Herbert Hoover

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The commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, a former combat pilot who took command of the base almost two years ago, has been relieved of duty following one of the air station’s biggest annual events for what a regional headquarters’ spokesman called a “loss of trust.”

Col. Mark Bortnem assumed command from Col. Karl Arbogast in June 2023.

Bortnem was relieved of his duties by Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, said Nat Fahy, a spokesperson for MCIEAST, a Marine Corps regional headquarters in North Carolina to which MCAS Beaufort belongs.

“This decision was made due to a loss of trust and confidence in Bortnem’s ability to command,” Fahy said.

Specific reasons for Bortnem’s removal were not given.

Bortnem is being reassigned to duties as directed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, the Marine training base in Port Royal located 10 miles south of the Beaufort air station.

Lt. Col Michael Eubanks has been named acting station commander.

All of Bortnem’s information has been taken down from the MCAS Beaufort web site.

1st. Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, a MCAS Beaufort spokesperson, confirmed late Tuesday morning that Bortnem had been relieved of his duties Monday.

Bortnem’s removal came after one of the biggest events of the year at the Beaufort Base, the annual air show featuring the Blue Angels, which draws thousands of spectators.

Bortnem, who grew up in Milford, Michigan, graduated from Ohio State University and the U.S. Air Force’s Air War College. He’s been a Marine for over 30 years, first enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1991. He has served in a wide variety of global locations, including the pacific region, the Middle East, and the Arctic. Bortnem has nearly 3000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time.

“I’m determined to integrate myself into Team Beaufort and keep this place remaining as the best air station in the Marine Corps, working around the best folks, and with the best Marines,” said Bortnem when he took command.

The air station, known as “Fighter Town East,” is in transition from the F/18 Hornet to the supersonic F-35Bs whose technological advances include improved warfare technology and the capability for vertical landings and short takeoffs from amphibious assault ships.

A highly publicized “mishap” involving one of those stealth F-35B fighter jets occurred Sept. 17, 2023.

After departing from MCAS Beaufort, a pilot was forced to eject during an electrical storm while attempting to land in North Charleston but the jet kept flying for 11 minutes. The lost plane prompted a plea from the Marines to the public to help locate the aircraft, which eventually was found 64 miles away in Williamsburg County, SC. An investigation blamed the pilot for ejecting from a flyable aircraft — “albeit under extremely challenging cognitive and flight conditions.” No punitive actions were recommended. The aircraft was a total loss — $100 million — and the cleanup at the crash site cost $2 million, according to the investigative report.

Last May, MCAS Beaufort welcomed the first three F-5N Tiger IIs as part of a new squadron that is providing simulated air-to-air combat training for the Marine F-35 pilots to prepare them for “the next high fight” with real foreign enemies. It was the first adversary jet fighter squadron based on the East Coast, according to the Marines.

This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM.

The Island Packet

843-256-3420

Karl Puckett covers the city of Beaufort, town of Port Royal and other communities north of the Broad River for The Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet. The Minnesota native also has worked at newspapers in his home state, Alaska, Wisconsin and Montana.

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Col. Mark D. Bortnem was relieved of his command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025, due to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command.

Bortnem had been the Commanding Officer of MCAS Beaufort for nearly two years since he took command from Col. Karl Arbogast on July 14, 2023.

1^st Lt. Lyndsay Cribb, Director of Communications and Strategy (COMMSTRAT) at MCAS Beaufort, initially confirmed Bortnem had been relieved of his command Tuesday morning, but couldn’t comment further.

Nat Fahy, Director of COMMSTRAT for Marine Corps Installations East (MCIE) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune provided The Island News with a statement Tuesday afternoon.

“Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, has relieved Col. Mark D. Bortnem of his duties as commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, effective immediately. This decision was made due to a loss of trust and confidence in Bortnem’s ability to command.

“Bortnem is being reassigned to duties as directed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

“In the interim, the air station’s Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Michael R. Eubanks will serve as acting commander until one is formally appointed. There are no further details to provide at this time.”

While the statement attributes Bortnem’s removal to a “loss of trust and confidence” in his ability to command, this is used as a catchall phrase by the U.S. military. In the past 10 years, dozens of officers across all branches have been removed from their commands due to a “loss of trust and confidence.”

Issues with their leadership could range from the work or training environment they establish to misconduct. Without more details, it’s impossible to know exactly why Bortnem was removed.

Bortnem, who grew up in Michigan, has been a U.S. Marine since 1991. He graduated from Ohio State University (B.A. in Political Science) in 1998 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, ending his time as an enlisted Marine and beginning his career as an officer.

Graduating flight school with distinction, he was designated as a Naval Flight Officer in 2002. He then joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 332, with which he deployed to Iraq several times.

After graduating pilot conversion training at Naval Air Stations Corpus Christi and Kingsville with distinction, he was designated as a Naval Aviator and served as a Flight Instructor.

Bortnem was assigned to MCAS Miramar where he completed F/A-18 pilot training and was assigned as the Executive Officer with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 and Operations Officer with Marine Aircraft Group 11. During this time, he deployed twice to Japan and achieved all advanced qualifications as an F/A-18 pilot.

From 2014-2016, Col. Bortnem was assigned to Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada where he served as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, with which he deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Upon his return to Canada, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of 401 Tactical Fighter Squadron, becoming the first U.S. officer to command a Canadian squadron.

In 2016, Col. Bortnem was assigned to Camp Smith, Hawaii, where he was assigned as the Marine Forces Pacific Air Officer and Director of Aviation Operations.

From 2018 to 2020, Colonel Bortnem was the Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 in Miramar, Calif. During this time, he deployed to Japan and the squadron was recognized as the recipient of the Robert M. Hanson award as Strike Fighter Squadron of the Year.

In 2020, Col. Bortnem was assigned as a student to Air War College in Montgomery, Ala. In 2022, h was assigned as Director of the Commandant of the Marine Corps Safety Division.

Col. Bortnem has nearly 3,000 flight hours, including more than 500 hours of combat time, and he is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Air War College (2021, M.A. in Strategic Studies).

Bortnem’s photo and biography have been removed from the leadership page on the MCAS Beaufort website, https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/.

Lt. Col. Robert L. Steinhauser III remains the Executive Officer on board MCAS Beaufort.

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

State wildlife officials told sister-station WTOC that the attack happened in the Sun City neighborhood in Beaufort County on Wednesday morning. The sheriff’s office told the station that the man had been working in his yard.

The man’s wife reportedly told deputies that the man was putting mulch down and had his back turned to a pond when the alligator attacked. She said she then grabbed a tomato stake and poked the gator in the eye and hit it.

She was eventually able to get the alligator to let go of her husband and got him inside.

Despite having to be airlifted, WTOC reported that the man’s injuries were not life-threatening.

After the attack, an alligator that was eight and a half feet long was euthanized due to its aggressive behavior.

The man’s exact age was not given, but the Sun City neighborhood is a community designed for residents 55 years or older.

Just one day before the attack, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office posted a warning on Facebook to residents. In the post, the agency said April and May is mating season for alligators, and encouraged residents to use extra caution around water.

Beaufort County is on the South Carolina coast, down near the Georgia line and includes Hilton Head Island.

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BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Joe and Marian Roeser were in a Sun City Hilton Head neighborhood tending to their yard – when their lives changed in just seconds.

A man was working in his yard when the gator bit him according to Beaufort County Sheriff’s office.

Both South Carolina DNR officers, wildlife staff and local authorities responded to the incident.

“His wife is a hero,” said Lt. Danny Allen, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office report, Marian says Joe was spreading mulch with his back turned to a pond near their home, then heard him yelling for help.

So she grabbed a tomato stake and fought back.

“It does sound like they went for the eyes,” said Allen.

Joe was airlifted to a hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries as of Wednesday morning.

WTOC has reached out to the couple for updates about his condition – but have not heard back as they both recover.

Deputies remained on scene with DNR after the victim was taken to the hospital to keep an eye on the 8.5 foot alligator to make sure it didn’t attack anyone else.

“The alligator was captured and put down because of this attack,” said Allen. “But generally what we want folks to know, April and May is peak time for breeding and movement with alligators.”

Allen encourages people to notify the Department of Natural Resources immediately if an alligator continues lingering near their property.

People may not see clearly through murky water – but aggressive gators could be waiting for a moment to attack.

“Fight for your life, hit for the eye area and honestly hit wherever you can and definitely if you see some that is in need, please, someone needs to be calling 911 to get us there as soon as possible,” said Alllen.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says:

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