Fishing at Edisto!
Edisto is a fisherman’s paradise with remarkable year round fishing opportunities. Fishing may be done inshore, near shore, or offshore. Below is a brief description of each.
Inshore Fishing at Edisto
Inshore fishing at Edisto is perhaps the most peaceful of all fishing opportunities. Redfish, flounder, and sea trout abound in the creeks surrounding Edisto. From Jeremy Inlet on the north end of Edisto to St. Pierre Creek on the south end, Edisto is truly an angler’s paradise. A fisherman with a small boat (I use a 13 foot Boston Whaler) can fish every month of the year at Edisto. My favorite fishing areas include Scott Creek, St. Pierre Creek, Milton Creek, Bailey Creek, Shingle Creek, and many of the feeder creeks that lead to them. Some of my favorite fishing opportunities are fishing for trout in January, February, and March and flyfishing the flats for redfish in the Summer and Fall. In the Fall, if you find a school of redfish feeding, it is not unusual to catch 20, 30, or more on the fly rod. I release all reds but do admit to keeping a nice trout from time to time for dinner.
Redfish in the creeks!
Nearshore Fishing at Edisto
Nearshore fishing at Edisto centers around the many man made reefs that may be found from @ 12 – 20 miles off of Edisto. This requires a little bit larger boat (my first was a 17 foot Scout that performed well). Nearshore fishing at Edisto is really hot when it is really hot — that is, Summertime fishing. Some of my favorite nearshore targets include Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Spadefish, Redfish, Flounder, and Cobia. Heading off to one of the nearshore reefs maintained (and mapped online) by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, you may get lucky and run into schools of Spanish Mackerel or Bluefish feeding on top of the water. When you do, fishing can be fast and furious. Sometimes it can be too fast and furious as my friend who spent an afternoon wearing a grub for an earring can attest. The nearest reef is the Edisto 40 with the Edisto 60 (both represent approximate water depths) a few miles farther out.
John IV with a nice Spadefish from a nearshore reef.
Offshore Fishing at Edisto
This is the one I wait on all year long. By the time March arrives, I can hardly stand it. From mid-April through the end of June, the offshore fishing from Edisto is world class. This fishing takes a substantial boat as the ride from Edisto to the Gulf Stream is usually at least 60 miles in the Summer (the Stream moves so it is hard to give exact mileage). We usually leave the dock in the dark and arrive home mid to late afternoon so this is a full day of fishing but, boy can the reward be worth it. First, the water in or near the Gulf Stream is a sight to behold. Beautiful water teeming with dolphin (both the fish and the mammal), sea turtles, flying fish, and more sea life than you might think possible. Second, the fishing can be just incredible. We usually target dolphin (the fish, not the mammal) also known in different parts of the country as mahi-mahi or dorado. Catching 12-20 dolphin is not at all unusual and it is hard to beat fresh dolphin for dinner. In addition to the dolphin, many trips will include bonus fish — tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and even the mighty (and bone wearying) blue marlin. We fish for all of these species by trolling ballyhoo (it looks like a very small sailfish) behind the boat with a skirt to give it a little more action. The fish put up a great fight (winning all too often) and make fabulous table fare (we don’t keep the sailfish or the marlin) when we get home.
Eva and Jill with a nice bull dolphin!
If fishing is your thing, Edisto is your place.