December 4

Morning surface water temperatures off the front beach at Edisto Island are down to 60 degrees, but the creeks are much cooler – especially in the mornings. Both rivers are clear. 

Things happened really, really fast with the inshore fishing around Edisto the past two weeks, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that as temperatures plummeted the shrimp raced out of the creeks. Now they are either in deep holes or the ocean, but luckily a variety of artificial lures are working for most inshore species. 

As predicted for a couple of days there was an incredible trout bite on the main river points as shrimp were leaving and the trout stacked up to gorge on them, but it happened very fast and now the majority of the trout are back in the creeks. A few can be found on the main rivers mixed in with the black drum and reds on the flats. 

Accordingly the trout fishing has gotten tougher, as they can be pretty easily picked over by fishermen in the creeks – and they don’t have to feed every day in cooler temperatures. But fish can still be caught by covering water, and trolling the creeks with a ¼ ounce grub on a jighead is a good way to locate fish. Captain Ron likes to start at the backs. 

For inshore redfish cut mullet and mud minnows are often the best way to catch them, although they will also take scented soft plastics. Besides the fish on the flats there will still be groups of fish in holes back in the smaller creeks that have structure. Low tide is usually the best time to catch them. 

Flounder are gone and the sheepshead are generally headed that way, but some can still be caught on deeper inshore structure in 10-12 feet. 

Only smaller whiting are left in the surf typically, and the bigger ones are in more than 10 feet of water. They can be on hard structure or the outskirts of the reefs.   It’s worth noting that schools of trout can be targeted at the mouths of major inlets like Frampton and Jeremy when there is a favorable wind which doesn’t make the surf too rough to spot them.  

Nearshore at the reefs there are big weakfish, bluefish, black drum, sheepshead, and red drum, but if you want to target the schools of giant redfish ride around in 40-60 feet of water and look for the telltale sign of gannets diving where redfish are feasting on bait schools. Cut mullet off to the side of structure at that depth is also a pretty sure-fire way to catch big reds. 

The best bottom fishing is in 90 feet of water until it gets very cold, and bluewater trolling is slowing down as temperatures drop. 

November 20

Morning surface water temperatures in the creeks around Edisto Island are about 67 degrees. With a significant amount of freshwater inflow both rivers are clear but relatively tannic in parts. 

It’s an odd day to be writing a fishing report for Edisto Island, as today conditions are basically the same as a week ago. However, after overnight lows in the upper 50s and 60s for the last week, overnight lows are expected to dip into the mid- to lower 40s the next four nights and a lot should change. 

Looking ahead, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the dropping water temperatures should be an almost unmitigated boon, as each of the next three or four cold fronts should bring about a significant increase in feeding activity for resident inshore species. In particular the trout and redfish should bite much better (they are already biting very well), and as bait starts to leave both species will stack up at creek mouths and points leading out to the ocean to ambush it. The artificial lure bite should also get better back in the creeks as fishermen no longer have to compete with live bait. Expect the next 2-3 weeks to be the peak of the entire year for trout fishing, and for the redfish action to be similar. 

While sheepshead are already starting to make their winter spawning migration offshore, related more to time of year than temperature, good numbers of fish will be around inshore until temperatures drop below the mid-50s. Structure in 5-10 feet of water at low tide is still the best place to look for them, and with so many pecker fish gone the range of bait options is greatly expanded beyond just fiddler crabs. Most any crustacean can work.

The only species that anglers will be sad to see leave in the next few days is the flounder, and once temperatures drop below about 65 they will mostly be gone. 

The bull redfish bite will also change, but not for the worse. As the fish wrap up their spawn they will aggregate in schools of hundreds to thousands and follow bait schools in 30-60 feet. The best way to locate them is looking for diving schools of gannets.   

At the nearshore reefs any Spanish mackerel that have not already left will soon, but little tunny, bonito, bluefish, larger black sea bass, and sheepshead will also be around – in addition to bull reds. Additionally, the next 3-4 weeks will be the annual peak for large weakfish.  

In 60-70 feet of water the bottom fishing will continue to be as good as much further offshore, and on days when you can get out blue water trolling will also be very strong for wahoo and tuna. The only problem will be fronts that make it difficult to impossible to get out to the fish.

November 13

Morning surface water temperatures in the creeks around Edisto Island are 70-71 degrees. Both rivers are clear and there is still plenty of bait in the creeks. 

The inshore action around Edisto is very strong, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that at least the trout bite is about to get even better. About three weeks ago the trout fishing was phenomenal, but then as temperatures rose back towards and into the 70s it fell off. Water temperatures should be in the mid-60s right now, but since they are running behind Captain Ron looks for the trout bite to peak around Thanksgiving – about three weeks late.  In the next few days the cold snap should turn it on.  

Live shrimp under a popping cork will be hard to beat for trout, but you will also be able to catch them on DOA shrimp or other artificials. Fish points where trout can ambush shrimp on clean, moving tides. 

The redfish have been extremely cooperative when you can find them, and they will take finger mullet, mud minnows, and live shrimp as well as scented artificials.  There are a few schools on the flats, but the easiest place to locate them is back in the smaller creeks around deep bends with any sort of structure including trees, docks and rocks.  

With current water temperatures flounder are still around, and the sheepshead bite continues to be very good. It will stay that way until water temperatures drop into the mid-60s. At low tide the fish will eat fiddler crabs (as well as clams and oysters, which feature a higher hook-up ratio but attract more pecker fish) around structure in 5-8 feet of water. On higher tides they go in the grass and become very hard to catch. 

Perhaps the best thing going right now is the bull redfish bite, and there seem to be more around this year than in typical years. They can be caught from the surf to the Edisto Rocks (15-20 feet of water) to the nearshore reefs. 

In the surf there are lots of bait stealers around, but besides bull reds there are trout running the beaches, whiting, and summer trout if you can find a good rip. That’s more likely to happen at the inlets than on the front beaches.

At the nearshore reefs summer trout and bluefish are also thick.

By now temperatures have cooled enough that in 60-70 feet of water the bottom fishing is very good, and offshore trolling is also very strong for wahoo and tuna. Both will only get better in the coming weeks. 

October 30

Morning surface water temperatures in the creeks around Edisto Island are 68-69 degrees. Both rivers are clear and there is still plenty of bait in the creeks. 

The inshore action around Edisto is about as good as it gets, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that pretty much everything is peaking right now. It should stay that way for the next 2-3 weeks, and until water temperatures fall out of the 60s fish will feed more after each cold front. The pattern for trout and redfish is the same as at last report, and basically redfish will be shallower along the banks while trout will be a little deeper. Oyster beds surround by harder bottom areas, instead of regular pluff mud, are better. Fish moving tides. 

Both species will eat shrimp but the bigger trout seem to be eating finger mullet or artificials that mimic them better – for a bigger meal. 4-5 inch soft and hard jerkbaits are both very good, and there is still a topwater bite. While live bait is always more effective for redfish, they will also take artificials including scented plastics on weighted hooks. 

Flounder have also showed up in better numbers again on the main river flats, although ¾ are still undersized. 

The sheepshead bite is also peaking right now, and at low tide they will eat fiddler crabs (as well as clams and oysters, which feature a higher hook-up ratio but attract more pecker fish) around structure in 5-8 feet of water. On higher tides they go in the grass and become very hard to catch. 

In the surf there are lots of bait stealers around, but the quality fish besides reds, including bulls, and trout running the beaches are whiting and summer trout if you can find a good rip. That’s more likely to happen at the inlets than on the front beaches.

At the nearshore reefs summer trout and bluefish are thick, while bull drum can be found from the beaches to the reefs. 

By now temperatures have cooled enough that in 60-70 feet of water the bottom fishing is very good, and offshore trolling is also very strong for wahoo and tuna. 

October 17

Morning surface water temperatures in the creeks around Edisto Island are in the low 70s but will likely rebound a couple of degrees after this cold front passes. Both rivers are clear and there is still plenty of bait in the creeks. 

The inshore action around Edisto is absolutely on fire, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout bite is particularly incredible. Migratory fish have showed up and the resident fish that have been there all summer are also gorging on shrimp which are on the move. As the temperatures in the smallest creeks drop trout are ambushing them as they leave, and the same phenomenon is going on at the main river points. On pretty much every bank you will see trout eating shrimp right now. 

While live shrimp will obviously catch fish, there is a really good artificial lure bite and live bait isn’t necessary. In the mornings there is good topwater action, and during the day imitation shrimp under a popping cork are hard to beat. The same is true for redfish, and you can catch as many on artificials as live bait. Generally they are a little shallower than the trout. 

The sheepshead bite is also peaking right now, and in a recent tournament tons of big fish were caught. At low tide they will eat fiddler crabs (as well as clams and oysters, which feature a higher hook-up ratio but attract more pecker fish) around structure in 5-8 feet of water. On higher tides they go in the grass and become very hard to catch. 

Whiting and bull red drum are around right off the beaches, but bulls can also be found nearshore out to about 60 feet of water. They are following bait including schools of shrimp and mullet and can be caught at the mouths of inlets casting from the beach, but they will also be on any hard bottom structure. At the reefs the summer trout are thick, bluefish and small black sea bass are prolific, and there are lots of bonito. The Spanish and king mackerel have moved out to 60 plus feet of water. 

In 90-100 feet of water the bottom fishing is very good, and offshore trolling is also hitting a fall peak. Getting 5-6 blackfin tuna and 2-4 wahoo per trip is the norm. 

October 3

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 78-79 degrees and the water is still fairly clear. 

The Edisto River was very low before the storm, and so the combined effects of Helene has simply been to make it come up a little above normal but not flood. While another storm would be a big problem, for now conditions are virtually unchanged.

The inshore action remains pretty consistent, although again Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) points out that at the next cold front he expects significant changes to the bite. As temperatures cool shrimp will start to leave the creeks and trout will stack up again on the same main river points where they were located during the spawn to ambush them. There are fish there now, but not the numbers of a month ago as they are pretty spread out. 

You can still catch fish in these areas on a popping cork and live shrimp, but it’s an awkward time when there are so many bait stealers around that you go through a ton of shrimp. Soon they will be more receptive to artificial lures, and of course the bait stealers will eventually thin out. 

At the same time the redfish continue to bite very well, and in the creeks and on the flats fish are hungry. Docks have been really good. In general low tide is the best time to fish the creeks.

The action for sheepshead continues to be pretty fantastic, with some really big ones feeding.  For the next few weeks it will be the peak season for them, and at low tide they will eat fiddler crabs (as well as clams and oysters, which feature a higher hook-up ratio but attract more pecker fish) around structure in 5-8 feet of water. On higher tides they go in the grass and become very hard to catch. 

Captain Ron has not been picking up many flounder recently but they should still be around. 

In the inlets there is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major ones.  Plenty of small whiting are in the surf and the mullet run is under way which will attract more species. Already the tarpon are concentrating in the ocean and we are in the peak time for them.    

Nearshore there are a lots of king mackerel and Spanish right at the color change, from around 1-4 miles offshore depending on the day, and more big weakfish are showing up. Bluefish, ladyfish and bonita are also around, and the bull red drum spawn is underway. 

Bottom fishing is best in 90-100 feet, and offshore trolling for wahoo and tuna is good when you can get out. 

September 26

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 78-79 degrees and the water is clear. 

With water temperatures and conditions very stable the inshore action has been pretty consistent over the last couple of weeks, although Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that at the next cold front he expects significant changes to the bite. The storm will also have some effects. As temperatures cool shrimp will start to leave the creeks and trout will stack up again on the same main river points where they were located during the spawn to ambush them. There are fish there now, but not the numbers of a month ago as they are pretty spread out. 

You can still catch fish in these areas on a popping cork and live shrimp, but it’s an awkward time when there are so many bait stealers around that you go through a ton of shrimp. Soon they will be more receptive to artificial lures, and of course the bait stealers will eventually thin out. 

At the same time the redfish continue to bite very well, and in the creeks and on the flats fish are hungry. Docks have been really good. In general low tide is the best time to fish the creeks.

The action for sheepshead continues to be pretty fantastic, with some really big ones caught this week.  For the next few weeks it will be the peak season for them, and at low tide they will eat fiddler crabs (as well as clams and oysters, which feature a higher hook-up ratio but attract more pecker fish) around structure in 5-8 feet of water. On higher tides they go in the grass but are very hard to catch. 

Captain Ron has not been picking up many flounder recently but they should still be around. 

In the inlets there is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major ones.  Plenty of small whiting are in the surf and the mullet run is getting under way which will attract more species. Already the tarpon are concentrating in the ocean and we are in the peak time for them.    

Nearshore there are a lots of king mackerel and Spanish right at the color change, from around 1-4 miles offshore depending on the day, and more big weakfish are showing up. Bluefish, ladyfish and bonita are also around, and the bull red drum spawn is underway. 

Bottom fishing is best in 90-100 feet, and offshore trolling for wahoo and tuna is good when you can get out. 

September 12

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 77-78 degrees, but still 80 in the ocean. The Edisto River is very low and the water has good clarity. 

The inshore action for trout has really slowed down, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that this is a result of the spawn winding down. It’s now a transition period, but once shrimp start to leave the creeks as cold fronts blow through then they will stack up again on the same main river points where they have been to ambush them. Certainly you can still catch 15-20 trout per day with live bait under a popping cork around the points, but that’s as opposed to 45-50 a week or two ago.

At the same time the redfish are biting very well, and in the creeks and on the flats (when you can find them) fish are hungry. The one surprise has been that there are far less 10-12 inch fish around this year than usual. In general low tide is the best time to fish the creeks. 

The most improved bite this week is with the sheepshead, and for the next 4-5 weeks it should be the peak season for them. They are much more aggressive than a few weeks ago and at low tide they will eat fiddler crabs (as well as clams and oysters, which feature a higher hook-up ratio but attract more pecker fish) around structure in 5-8 feet of water. On higher tides they go in the grass but are very hard to catch. 

Captain Ron has not been picking up many flounder recently but they should still be around. 

In the inlets there is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major ones.  Plenty of small whiting are in the surf and the mullet run is getting under way which will attract more species. Already the tarpon are concentrating in the ocean and we are entering the peak time for them.    

Nearshore lots of small weakfish, bluefish, and ladyfish are around, and the bigger red drum are starting to spawn. There are also bonita and abundant Spanish mackerel. 

Bottom fishing is best in 90-100 feet, and offshore trolling for wahoo and tuna is picking up. But there are very, very few days when you can get offshore right now. 

August 29

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 80-82 degrees. The Edisto River is back to normal levels (actually a bit low for this time of year) and the water color is normalizing.  Bait is abundant. 

Inshore fishing is really good right now around Edisto, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it’s a slightly odd bait situation as the shrimp that are in the creeks after the storm are a bit small (but still usable) in the three-inch range, while the finger mullet are generally on the bigger side at around five inches. Despite that both trout and redfish are pretty easy to catch right now, with the trout still almost exclusively on the main river shell points – especially close to the ocean. It will be another six weeks or so until substantial numbers of fish head into the creeks. 

While the trout are very happy to eat shrimp, pecker fish, bluefish and ladyfish generally get to them first and so finger mullet under a popping cork are a better choice. It’s worth remembering that it’s a pretty sure bet that if blues and ladyfish are in an area it’s also a good trout hole.

Redfish are feeding very well on the river flats and in the creeks, with low tide generally best in both areas. For both trout and redfish there is also a phenomenal topwater bite in the morning that will continue until temperatures really cool. 

Captain Ron has not been picking up many flounder recently although they should be around, and it’s still a tough time for sheepshead as they are high in the water column and spooky. In the inlets there is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major ones.  Plenty of small whiting are in the surf.  

Nearshore about 5 miles off around the color change the Spanish mackerel are abundant, and yesterday Ron saw about 10 schools, each with acres of fish, returning from offshore fishing.  At the reefs there are little tunny, bluefish, ladyfish, bull reds, black drum, and in 60-90 feet spadefish – although they are finicky. Summer trout will arrive in September. 

Bottom fishing is good and yesterday in 90 feet they caught a limit of triggerfish, vermillion snapper, some black sea bass, grunts, and American reds that they had to release. 

While they did not troll offshore catches of wahoo have been really good with boats catching up to 10 in a day. However, the best action is at daylight and dusk because in this heat the fish go down to about 125 feet during the day (where it can be ten degrees cooler). 

Finally, yesterday Ron fished for swordfish in 1400-1800 feet with electric reels and ten-pound weights!  While they didn’t boat any fish (before deciding to come in and get meat) a week before they landed this beauty.

August 16

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 82. The water is very brown tannic and shrimp are hard to find but the mullet run has started. 

We apologize for the brief, late report, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) was back on the water for the first time after the storm today. Considering the Edisto River had the third highest crest in recorded history, missing the highest by only 4 inches, he was pleasantly surprised at how little had changed – besides the shrimp leaving the creeks and the water being so dark.   

It’s been a great summer and that continued as they had another outstanding day of inshore fishing, with things basically picking up exactly where they had left off. They caught 70 plus trout up to 20 inches as well as lots of small redfish and a few bigger ones. Finger mullet continue to be the bait of choice for both species, now because of availability as well as avoiding bait stealers.

Main river points close to the ocean are most productive for trout, especially when the water is cleanest. Juvenile reds are about everywhere.

August 1

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 84, but they should rise again with predicted weather. Both rivers are clear and bait is still abundant. 

It continues to be an above-average summer for inshore fishing around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing is still very good. The redfish are also surprisingly good, and when you find them they will almost always eat. There is a still a good topwater bite for both species early, but it will get much better by September when the water should cool and days get shorter. 

Outside of the early bite the trout are still feeding well on live bait fished around main river areas like points close to the ocean. They will eat anytime there is clean water – although the incoming tide is usually best. Finger mullet under a popping cork are the best bait both for availability and avoiding bait stealers. 

There are also good numbers of trout in the surf, and while they will pass through plain sandy beaches they are concentrated around inlets, structure and anywhere there is a current break.

The young-of-the-year redfish continue to flood in, and on the river flats sight-fishing for reds is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, but there are now too many other species around to target them with shrimp. 

The tarpon action continues to be outstanding, and while the biggest numbers are in the inlets they will generally be anywhere there is abundant bait. There are also lots of tarpon at the mouths of all the major creeks (where there are deep holes). Live menhaden and mullet will both work.

The flounder fishing is the only thing that has gotten worse recently, and for some reason they aren’t picking up many at all as a by-catch this week. All summer they have been in the same areas as trout and sandy creeks (often close to the ocean) have been some of the best spots. They will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics should all catch fish. 

The sheepshead bite is unchanged, and while the big fish are still around they are just harder to catch as they are feeding very high in the water column and very spooky. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. 

While Spanish mackerel can be found at the reefs as far out as about 60 feet, right now there are also lots of them lining the sand bars at the river entrances. 

At the nearshore reefs spadefish are still around, but they have gotten extremely finicky. There are also tons of 20-25 inch cobia close in but they get bigger by 60-90 feet.   

Bottom fishing is good from 70-90 feet, but the closer you get to the ledge the bigger the fish. 

Offshore trolling for wahoo and tuna remains a little slow but August should be better, especially on the full moon.  

July 18

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 86, as warm as the water is likely to get this year, and with no rain the water is very clear. Shrimp have showed up in good numbers this week and finger mullet are still abundant. 

Even though bait-sized shrimp are again plentiful in the creeks, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that he still finds finger mullet to be the go-to bait for inshore fishing for the “big three” species – especially with so many picker fish like pinfish around. 

You can still get a few bites for trout (and redfish) with topwater lures first thing, but that bite has slowed and the window has shortened. It’s now completely done by about 7:30. But the trout fishing with live bait is very good in the main rivers, particularly off points close to the ocean, with the incoming tide best. But you can catch fish any time there is clean water, and there are lots of 18-19 inch fish around right now. Finger mullet under a popping cork are the best bait both for availability and avoiding bait stealers. 

There are also good numbers of trout in the surf, and while they will pass through plain sandy beaches they are concentrated around inlets, structure and anywhere there is a current break.

The tarpon action continues to be outstanding, and while the biggest numbers are in the inlets they will generally be anywhere there is abundant bait. There are also lots of tarpon at the mouths of all the major creeks (where there are deep holes). Menhaden and mullet will both work.

The young-of-the-year redfish in the 8-12 inch range continue to flood in, and on the river flats sight-fishing for reds is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, but there are now too many other species around to target them with shrimp. 

The flounder fishing is still very good, with one to two keepers as a by-catch on every trip. They are in the same areas as trout and sandy creeks (often close to the ocean) are some of the best spots. They will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will all work, and right now if you actually target flounder getting a half-dozen keepers is quite possible. 

The sheepshead bite is unchanged, and while the big fish are still around they are just harder to catch as they are feeding very high in the water column and very spooky. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. 

While Spanish mackerel can be found at the reefs as far out as about 60 feet, right now there are lots of them lining the sand bars at the river entrances. 

At the nearshore reefs spadefish are still around, but without jelly balls you have to use shrimp or squid for bait. There are also some cobia and assorted other species. 

Bottom fishing is good from 70-90 feet, but the closer you get to the ledge the bigger the fish. 

Offshore trolling for wahoo and tuna has been a little slow. 

July 11

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 86, as warm as the water is likely to get this year, and with no rain the water is very clear. We are between shrimp seasons but finger mullet are abundant.

It’s a typical mid-summer bait situation inshore at Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that there are a few large brown shrimp still in the creeks, but with most of them off the beaches filling up nets for commercial trawlers it’s not enough for an easy bait source throwing a cast net. At same time the white shrimp are too small for bait. But fortunately there are millions and millions of finger mullet around that are the perfect bait size, and they are the go-to bait for trout and a number of other species. 

You can still get a few bites for trout (and redfish) with topwater lures first thing, but that bite has slowed and the window has shortened. It’s now completely done by about 7:30. But the trout fishing with live bait is very good in the main rivers, particularly off points close to the ocean, with the incoming tide best.  But you can catch fish any time there is clean water, and there are lots of 18-19 inch fish around right now. Finger mullet under a popping cork are the best bait both for availability and avoiding pecker fish. 

There are also good numbers of trout in the surf, and while they will pass through plain sandy beaches they are concentrated around inlets, structure and anywhere there is a current break.

The tarpon action continues to be outstanding, and Ron even had one take a finger mullet under a popping cork while trout fishing yesterday. The biggest numbers are in the inlets, but they will generally be anywhere there is abundant bait. There are also lots of tarpon at the mouths of all the major creeks (where there are deep holes).  Menhaden and mullet will both work.

The big change with the redfish is that young-of-the-year fish in the 8-12 inch range have started to show up, but otherwise the pattern is unchanged. On the river flats sight-fishing for reds is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, but there are now too many other species around to target them with shrimp. 

The flounder fishing is still very good, with one to two keepers as a by-catch on every trip. They are in the same areas as trout and sandy creeks (often close to the ocean) are some of the best spots. They will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will all work, and right now if you actually target flounder getting a half-dozen keepers is quite possible. 

The sheepshead bite is unchanged, and while the big fish are still around they are just harder to catch as they are feeding very high in the water column and very spooky. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. 

While Spanish mackerel can be found at the reefs as far out as about 60 feet, right now there are lots of them lining the sand bars at the river entrances. 

At the nearshore reefs spadefish are still around, but without jelly balls you have to use shrimp or squid for bait. There are also some cobia and assorted other species. 

Bottom fishing is good from 70-90 feet, but the closer you get to the ledge the bigger the fish. Note that the red snapper season is Friday, July 12. 

Offshore there was another mini-run of dolphin this past week, which is not unusual, while trolling for wahoo and tuna has been a little slow. 

June 27

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are in the mid-80s and the water is very clear. There are lots of live shrimp in the creeks and finger mullet are big enough for bait. 

The inshore fishing is still very good around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout bite is still about the best thing going. They are still concentrated in the main rivers, and points close to the ocean are the first place to look. At first light the best way to catch trout (and redfish) is with topwater lures, and generally the fish you catch on top will be above average. Right now you can still get a bunch of shots in the first hour or two of the day, but in a week or two that will slow down.

After the early bite you can still fish live shrimp under a popping cork, but Captain Ron is actually switching over to finger mullet now because they are more durable, you go through less – and you won’t get messed with as much by pecker fish. 

But the newest bite this week is for tarpon, and they have showed up in the area in droves. Basically they will be wherever the menhaden are, which could be on the front beaches – or it could be 10 miles up the river. On full moons the menhaden will often make their way far inshore. 

Besides topwater fishing, on the river flats sight-fishing for reds is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, but there are now too many other species around to target them with shrimp. 

The flounder fishing has gotten even better, and sandy creeks (often close to the ocean) are some of the best spots. They will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will all work, and right now if you actually target flounder getting a half-dozen keepers is quite possible. But there are still way more short fish around and giggers are getting the most big fish. 

The sheepshead bite is unchanged, and while the big fish are still around they are just harder to catch as they are feeding very high in the water column and very spooky. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is still an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. 

While Spanish mackerel can be found at the reefs as far out as about 60 feet, right now there are lots of them lining the sand bars at the rivers entrances. 

At the shallower nearshore reefs there are lots of small spadefish, undersized black sea bass, cobia, small bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and an absolute ton of ladyfish. They are actually making it hard to target anything else. There are also more good flounder than normal, and while you can target them with finger mullet or mud minnows, jigging one-ounce bucktails is just as effective. 

At the 60-foot reefs the best spadefish action can be found. 

Most anglers trolling for king mackerel are targeting 90-100 feet, but there are plenty anywhere you can find food – be that menhaden schools or Spanish mackerel. 

Bottom fishing is very good in 90-100 feet, but some of the best action is actually in 145-170 feet now.

Offshore the dolphin season is really winding down, while wahoo are spotty. It continues to be an above-average year for blue marlin and sailfish, and there are good numbers of blackfin tuna deep. Very early in the morning you can catch kings trolling at the ledge. 

June 12

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are approximately 78 degrees and the water is very clear. There are lots of live shrimp in the creeks and finger mullet are now big enough for bait. 

There isn’t too much to change with the inshore report this week, but as predicted Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that weaker tides have the trout fishing wide open. In fact, he says the action is as good as it gets and yesterday morning they caught over 100 fish in three hours! 

The trout are still concentrated in the main rivers, and they could be from points close to the ocean to the mouths of creeks further back or even miles up the river around a hole. They do generally prefer saltier water, and they always feed better when the water is clear and clean. 

Still the best way to catch trout (and redfish) is with topwaters first thing, and after that early bite there is no substitute for live shrimp under a popping cork.  

Besides topwater fishing, on the river flats sight-fishing for reds is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, but there are now too many other species around to target them with shrimp. 

The flounder fishing continues to be above average, and sandy creeks (often close to the ocean) are some of the best spots. They will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. 

Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will all work. 

The sheepshead bite is unchanged, and while the big fish are still around they are just harder to catch. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. Sometimes you can see shrimp skipping on the surface, and that combined with the presence of birds usually means that trout, bluefish, ladyfish, and even Spanish mackerel are also feeding. 

At the nearshore reefs it continues to be an above-average year for Spanish, and the king mackerel are around them by now. The spadefish fishing is great in about 60 feet of water, but on some days they will only eat jelly balls while other days they will also eat squid and shrimp. There are lots of cobia around, and they can be caught on bucktails, live pinfish and more.  Overall the best reef action is in 60-90 feet, while on the shallower reefs it’s more about bull reds, bluefish, ladyfish and Spanish. 

Bottom fishing is very good in about 70-90 feet, and right now there are lots of grouper being caught in 75-85 feet although the season will close soon. Getting a limit of vermillion snapper is easy. 

Offshore it’s the worst year for dolphin in a while, while the usual number of tuna and wahoo seem to be around. But it’s an outstanding year for blue marlin, and Captain Ron has also gotten into some pods of sailfish. 

June 6

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are approximately 77 degrees and despite strong tides this week the water remains pretty clear. There are lots of live shrimp in the creeks and finger mullet are now big enough for bait. 

Very strong tides this week made for a tougher inshore bite in some ways, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports they were also a mixed blessing when it came to the trout. Around quarter moons they have been catching far more fish, but on the big new and full moon tides they have been catching less but bigger ones. That’s because the big females are spawning and active on the main moon phases. 

The trout are still concentrated in the main rivers, and they could be from points close to the ocean to the mouths of creeks further back or even miles up the river around a hole. They do generally prefer saltier water, and they always feed better when the water is clear and clean. 

Still the best thing going inshore is topwater fishing for trout (and redfish) first thing, and after that early bite there is no substitute for live shrimp under a popping cork right now.  

Besides topwater fishing, on the river flats sight-fishing for reds is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, but there are now too many other species around to target them with shrimp. 

The flounder fishing continues to be above average, and sandy creeks (often close to the ocean) are some of the best spots. They will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. 

Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will all work. 

The sheepshead bite is unchanged, and while the big fish are still around they are just harder to catch. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. Sometimes you can see shrimp skipping on the surface, and that combined with the presence of birds usually means that trout, bluefish, ladyfish, and even Spanish mackerel are also feeding. 

At the nearshore reefs it continues to be an above-average year for Spanish mackerel, and the king mackerel are around them by now. The spadefish fishing is great in about 60 feet of water, but on some days they will only eat jelly balls while other days they will also eat squid and shrimp. There are lots of cobia around, and they can be caught on bucktails, live pinfish and more.  Overall the best reef action is in 60-90 feet, while on the shallower reefs it’s more about bull reds, bluefish, ladyfish and Spanish. 

Bottom fishing is very good in about 70-90 feet, and right now there are lots of grouper being caught in 75-85 feet although the season will close soon. Getting a limit of vermillion snapper is easy. 

Offshore it’s the worst year for dolphin in a while, while the usual number of tuna and wahoo seem to be around. But it’s an outstanding year for blue marlin, with one boat recently going 4 for 6 in one day in 600 feet. Captain Ron has also gotten into some pods of sailfish. 

May 23

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are approximately 75-76 degrees. Water clarity is very good for this time of year. 

Inshore fishing and particularly the trout bite is even better this week as the May full moon has arrived, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the first wave of really big females has moved to the main river points to spawn. In general the pattern is to fish for them with topwater lures in the morning around the white shell banks and then to fish live shrimp, DOA shrimp, or grubs during the day in the same areas. High tide offers some of the best fishing but they will feed whenever the water is clean.

Redfish can also be caught on topwater lures first thing, with the bite extending for both species on cloudy days, and on the river flats sight-fishing is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, and whether you are throwing cut bait, minnows, shrimp or jigs they are not finicky.

Good numbers of flounder have arrived by now, and they are still catching two to three as a by-catch each trip.  So far there are more keepers this year than last year, and plenty of 18-inch fish are being caught.

As they first move inshore the best place to look is closer to the ocean. Sandy creeks are some of the best spots, but they will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. As the season progresses fish will spread out more into the backwaters. 

Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will all work. 

The sheepshead bite continues to drop off, and it’s truthfully kind of hard to understand. The big fish are still around but they are just harder to catch. Fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is still the best pattern.   

There is an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. Sometimes you can see shrimp skipping on the surface, and that combined with the presence of birds usually means that trout, bluefish, ladyfish, and even Spanish mackerel are also feeding. 

About the biggest excitement is at the nearshore reefs right now, and the spadefish have showed up in big numbers. Cobia should be around but haven’t been seen on the top of the water column. Cobia should be caught on bucktails, live pinfish and more, and for spadefish there are decent numbers of jelly balls around and they will also take fresh dead shrimp or squid. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel and weakfish are also still here, and in fact it’s as good a years for Spanish as in years. King mackerel are also around and menhaden can now be found right off the beaches. 

Bottom fishing is very good in about 90 feet for almost everything except black sea bass. But the grouper season will close soon. 

Offshore the dolphin have showed up, and so far this season it is an average run.  Wahoo, tuna and sailfish are also doing okay, while the blue marlin bite has been exceptional in 600-800 feet.  

May 16

Morning surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are approximately 70-72 degrees. Water clarity is very good for this time of year. 

The trout bite is pretty outstanding by now, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that lots of big females have moved to the main river points to spawn. In general the pattern is to fish for them with topwater lures in the morning around the white shell banks and then to fish live shrimp, DOA shrimp, or grubs during the day in the same areas. High tide offers some of the best fishing but they will feed whenever the water is clean.

Redfish can also be caught on topwater lures first thing, with the bite extending for both species on cloudy days, and on the river flats sight-fishing is good with the high clarity. On low tide the fish are grouping up in big schools, but you can generally only catch a fish or two out of each before you must give them a break. They will eat about anything right now from Gulp! to mud minnows to cut mullet. There is also good tailing activity on high tides when they are feeding on fiddler crabs.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, and whether you are throwing cut bait, minnows, shrimp or jigs they are not finicky.

Good numbers of flounder have arrived by now, and they are still catching two to three as a by-catch each trip.  As they first move inshore the best place to look is closer to the ocean. Sandy creeks are some of the best spots, but they will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. As the season progresses fish will spread out more into the backwaters. 

Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will both work. 

At the same time the sheepshead bite is dropping off, and fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is mainly yielding smaller fish by now. 

There is an excellent bite for whiting in 6-8 feet of water over the sand bars lining the major inlets. Sometimes you can see shrimp skipping on the surface, and that combined with the presence of birds usually means that trout, bluefish, ladyfish, and even Spanish mackerel are also feeding. 

About the biggest excitement is at the nearshore reefs right now, with cobia and spadefish both showing up in 40-60 feet.  Cobia can be caught on bucktails, live pinfish and more, and for spadefish there are decent numbers of jellyballs around and they will also take fresh dead shrimp or squid. Bluefish, Spanish and weakfish are also still here.   

Bottom fishing is very good in about 90 feet for almost everything except black sea bass. 

Offshore the dolphin have showed up, and so far this season it is an average run. Numbers are good with 10-15 per day on average, and some catches of 20-30 plus, but few fish over 20 pounds have arrived. The best depth is in 400-800 feet. There are also plenty of wahoo and tuna around. 

May 2

Morning surface water temperatures in the creeks around Edisto Island are approximately 69 degrees. Water clarity remains good. 

The trout have finally made a move around Edisto this week, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fish are moving to the main river points. There will be a big spawn on the May 8 new moon, and fish are already loaded with eggs. The best time to catch them is when there is clean water, and on the big new and full moon tides that usually correlates to slacker tides (or the incoming) while on quarter moon phases that can be the whole cycle. Ron generally prefers high water because the fish set up most predictably off the points.

Live shrimp are great if you can get them, but there are only a few around in the creeks and mud minnows and Gulp! will both work. But right now the best, readily available bait for trout and redfish is 3-inch menhaden. 

When water temperatures hit about 70 degrees the topwater bite should be wide open for a few weeks; it has already started but is only sporadic right now. 

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, and whether you are throwing cut bait, minnows, shrimp or jigs they are not finicky.

Good numbers of flounder have arrived by now, and they are catching two to three as a by-catch each trip.  As they first move inshore the best place to look is closer to the ocean. Sandy creeks are some of the best spots, but they will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. As the season progresses fish will spread out more into the backwaters. 

Mud minnows, menhaden and soft plastics will both work. 

The inshore sheepshead bite is still peaking, and for now fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is the best pattern.  

The nearshore reef bite is wide open, and Spanish mackerel are as thick as they have been in years. There are even a bunch of fish coming into the rivers each morning feeding on glass minnows and menhaden, but they are so scattered inshore that they are hard to target. In 30-60 feet the weakfish are peaking, and there are lots of bull red drum around which are following birds and bait. Sheepshead, black drum, and black sea bass can all be caught on quarter pieces of blue crab as well as fiddlers. Spadefish have arrived in about 60 feet but for now they are deep, while cobia should get here any day now. 

Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is still good in 60-70 feet, while for species such as vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and red porgies 90-100 feet is now as good as 140-150 feet. When water temperatures rise a few more degrees then 90-100 will be the best depth.  

Offshore the dolphin have showed up, and calm days like today should have a couple thousand boats on the water chasing them. The bite will last until Memorial Day. Wahoo and tuna are also around.

April 25

Morning surface water temperatures on the beach just off Edisto Island are approximately 68 degrees. Water clarity remains good. 

The only major change this week is with the offshore fishing, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the dolphin run is now underway. It will only get better and better. Wahoo fishing remains good and there are also some tuna around.

Inshore the trout have not moved yet, and for now more than 90% of the fish that are there are back in the creeks. Any day now fish should start to arrive on the main river points and the topwater bite should come on.  

Redfish continue to feed well on the main river flats. In the morning they are eating baits like Spooks even better than sub-surface baits, and tide doesn’t matter as long as it’s not so high that fish are up in the grass. They can also get spooky on very low tides. During the day scented soft plastics are out-fishing everything else for flats redfish.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding well in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, and whether you are throwing cut bait, minnows, shrimp or jigs they are not finicky.

More flounder are arriving every day in droves, and as they first move inshore the best place to look is closer to the ocean. Sandy creeks are some of the best spots, but they will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. As the season progresses fish will spread out more into the backwaters. 

Mud minnows and soft plastics will both work. 

The inshore sheepshead bite is still peaking, and for now fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is the best pattern.  

The nearshore reef bite is wide open, and in addition to sheepshead and black drum there are tons of Spanish mackerel that can be caught casting or trolling, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, and more. This is also about the peak of the season for big 5-pound summer trout. 

Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is still good in 60-70 feet, while more and more species such as vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and red porgies are showing up in 90-100. However, the best action is still in 140-150 feet for bigger fish because they are the most particular about temperatures.  

April 19

Morning surface water temperatures on the beach just off Edisto Island are approximately 65-66 degrees. Water clarity remains good. 

Some things have changed this week but others have not, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the biggest change is that the topwater bite for redfish has really come along on the main river flats. In the morning they are eating baits like Spooks even better than sub-surface baits, and tide doesn’t matter as long as it’s not so high that fish are up in the grass. They can also get spooky on very low tides. During the day scented soft plastics are out-fishing everything else for flats redfish.

In the creeks the redfish are feeding even better in holes and around structure on the lower half of the tide cycle, and whether you are throwing cut bait, minnows, shrimp or jigs they are not finicky.

In contrast there is very little change with the trout, and they just haven’t showed up on the main rivers yet. Once temperatures hit about 68 then trout should arrive on the main river points and the topwater bite should come on, but for now more than 90% of the fish that are there are back in the creeks. 

More flounder are arriving every day in droves, and as they first move inshore the best place to look is closer to the ocean.  Sandy creeks are some of the best spots, but they will also be found around mud banks with a mixed shell bottom – particularly when the water is cleaner. As the season progresses fish will spread out more into the backwaters. 

Mud minnows and soft plastics will both work. 

The inshore sheepshead bite is still peaking right now, and for now fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is the best pattern.  

The nearshore reef bite is wide open, and in addition to sheepshead and black drum there are tons of Spanish mackerel that can be caught casting or trolling, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, and more. This is also about the peak of the season for big 5-pound summer trout. 

Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is still good in 60-70 feet, while more and more species such as vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and red porgies are showing up in 90-100. However, the best action is still in 140-150 feet for bigger fish because they are the most particular about temperatures.  

Finally, when you can get out the offshore fishing for wahoo is still strong and more tuna are arriving. The dophin have not yet arrive but any day they could show up. 

April 11

Morning surface water temperatures on the beach just off Edisto Island are approximately 63 degrees. Water clarity remains good. 

With 80-degree weather seemingly here to stay next week Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that there should be a lot of change very soon, but already fish are starting to transition patterns. In particular there are more small male trout showing up on the main river points, although the big roe females have yet to arrive. He has also seen bait-sized shrimp arriving in the creeks, and at times trout have even been schooling on them! But overall the trout in the creek are getting more scattered and covering water is essential. 

There have also been some good schools of redfish around in the smaller creeks, while the flats have been slower. Flounder are also arriving, and there have already been some good ones caught on artificial lures.   

The sheepshead bite is peaking right now, and they are actually the one fish for which action will get worse once things heat up. For now fishing fiddler crabs in 8-10 feet of water around structure is the best pattern.  

There are also plenty of sheeps and black drum still at the nearshore reefs, in addition to a lot of bluefish and an incredible number of small black sea bass. Summer trout are also arriving in pretty good numbers, and when water temperatures hit about 65 degrees then bonito, false albacore, and Spanish mackerel will show up. 

Bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass is still good in 60-70 feet, while more and more species such as vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and red porgies are showing up in 90-100. However, the best action is still in 140-150 feet for bigger fish because they are the most particular about temperatures.  

Finally, when you can get out the offshore fishing for wahoo is still strong and more tuna are arriving. The best dolphin fishing should start very soon.