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The newest Edisto Island fishing report can be found at: http://www.anglersheadquarters.com/edisto-island-sc-fall-2019-fishing-report/

July 29

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 85 degrees, and clarity remains good in both the North and South Edisto River.   Bait shrimp remain hard to catch since we are between white and brown shrimp seasons, but finger mullet are easy to catch in the creeks.

The trout fishing is still really good inshore around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the keeper percentage continues to climb. There is still a good topwater bite first thing around main river points, and live shrimp or mud minnows fished 4-6 feet under a popping cork will work throughout the day in the same areas. Trout will feed anytime there is clean, green water, but that usually means fishing around high tide.  Fish will continue to spawn through September.

The redfishare still in a familiar pattern, and on the outgoing tide the fishing has been pretty good fishing finger mullet 1 ½ to 2 feet below a popping cork on the river flats. The better fishing is early, and like trout you can pick up some reds on topwater lures.

Fish can also be caught back in the creeks around low tide in the usual deep bends with fallen trees and structure, docks, etc.  There are so many bait stealers in the creeks that you can’t fish shrimp, but cut mullet and cut crab will both work – with live finger mullet on a Carolina rig pretty much the bait of choice.

The flounder bite is still much better than usual, and the best way to target them is around main river points with mud minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig.

Sheepshead fishing is still fair, and most of the fish are small.  They remain deeper, and fishing with fiddler crabs around docks with 10-15 feet of water at low tide is the best pattern.

From now until September is the peak season for tarpon, and at the mouths of inlets and the mouths of major creeks in the main river they are seeing lots of fish.  There are tons of big schools of mullet and menhaden around.

There are a ton of whiting and sharks in the surf.

Nearshore there are lots of Spanish mackerel from a couple of miles offshore out to 60 feet, and it continues to be the best king mackerel season in a long time from 60 feet out to the ledge.  Spadefishare holding at the Edisto 60 and further out, but fishing is not particularly strong.

In 90-120 feet bottom fishing is wide open, with a mix of snapper, porgies, triggerfish, black sea bass and more.

Dolphin and billfish are still around, but the wahoo bite remains the best thing going offshore.

July 24

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about as hot as they will get, between 86 and 88 degrees.  Clarity remains good in both the North and South Edisto River.   Bait shrimp are a little hard to catch as we are between white and brown shrimp seasons, but finger mullet are easy to catch in the creeks.

If anything the trout fishing has gotten better inshore around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they are catching more big fish than a month ago. The keeper percentage has gotten higher. There is still a good topwater bite first thing around main river points, and live shrimp or mud minnows fished 4-6 feet under a popping cork will work throughout the day in the same areas. Trout will feed anytime there is clean, green water, but that usually means fishing around high tide.  Fish will continue to spawn through September.

The redfishare still in a familiar pattern, and on the outgoing tide the fishing has been pretty good fishing finger mullet 1 ½ to 2 feet below a popping cork on the river flats. The better fishing is early, and like trout you can pick up some reds on topwater lures.

Fish can also be caught back in the creeks around low tide in the usual deep bends with fallen trees and structure, docks, etc.  There are so many bait stealers in the creeks that you can’t fish shrimp, but cut mullet and cut crab will both work – with live finger mullet on a Carolina rig pretty much the bait of choice.

The flounder bite is still much better than usual, and the best way to target them is around main river points with mud minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig.

Sheepshead fishing is still fair, and most of the fish are small.  They remain deeper, and fishing with fiddler crabs around docks with 10-15 feet of water at low tide is the best pattern.

From now until September is the peak season for tarpon, and at the mouths of inlets and the mouths of major creeks in the main river they are seeing lots of fish.  There are tons of big schools of mullet and menhaden around.

There are a ton of whiting and sharks in the surf.

Nearshore there are lots of Spanish mackerel from a couple of miles offshore out to 60 feet, and it continues to be the best king mackerel season in a long time from 60 feet out to the ledge.

In 90-120 feet bottom fishing is wide open, with a mix of snapper, porgies, triggerfish, black sea bass and more.

In the Governor’s Cup this weekend there were some dolphin caught as well as a ton of wahoo to go along with just under 10 blue marlin and 40-50 sailfish.

June 26

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 84 degrees in the mornings.  Clarity remains good in the North Edisto, while the South Edisto remains dirty.  Bait shrimp is still easy to find.

Trout fishing remains the best thing going inshore around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that there is still a good topwater bite first thing around main river points.  Live shrimp fished 4-6 feet under a popping cork will work throughout the day in the same areas.  Trout will feed anytime there is clean, green water, but that usually means fishing around high tide.

There are not many trout back in the creeks.

The redfishare still in a familiar pattern, and on the outgoing tide the fishing has been pretty good fishing live shrimp 1 ½ to 2 feet below a popping cork on the river flats. The better fishing is early, and like trout you can pick up some reds on topwater lures.

Fish can also be caught back in the creeks around low tide in the usual deep bends with fallen trees and structure, docks, etc.  There are so many bait stealers in the creeks that you can’t fish shrimp, but cut mullet and cut crab will both work – with live finger mullet on a Carolina rig pretty much the bait of choice.

Often a by-catch in the Edisto area, they are catching more flounder than usual while fishing for other species, including on artificial lures.  The best action remains around main river points, and if you fish mud minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig (instead of under a floating cork) you can really improve the chances of catching a mess of flatfish.

Sheepshead fishing is still basically fair, mostly because the catch is mainly small fish at this point.  Because of the heat they have gone a little deeper, and fishing with fiddler crabs around docks with 10-15 feet of water at low tide is the best pattern.

Tarponare still rolling everywhere, and they are seeing tons of them at the mouths of major creeks on the outgoing tide.  However, because these fish are over deep water this can be a very difficult place to present a bait to them, and so concentrating on sand bars early with mullet or menhaden is still the best pattern.

Nearshore Spanish mackerel fishing is still excellent in 30-60 feet of water, and king mackerel are strong from the same range out to the ledge.  But the best nearshore fishery is for spadefish, which are better than usual even compared to what is usually an excellent time of year to fish for them. Jellyballs are prolific and they are eating them well.   There are also some cobiain the same areas as the spadefish.

The dolphinis the only species to really drop off this week, and they have gotten much more scattered.

June 21

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 82 degrees in the mornings.  Clarity is good in the North Edisto, while the South Edisto is dirty.  Bait shrimp have gotten easy to find.

Trout fishing remains the best thing going inshore around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that there is still a good topwater bite first thing around main river points.  Live shrimp fished 4-6 feet under a popping cork will work throughout the day in the same areas.  Trout will feed anytime there is clean, green water, but that usually means fishing around high tide.

There are not many trout back in the creeks.

The redfishare in a familiar pattern, and on the outgoing tide the fishing has been pretty good fishing live shrimp 1 ½ to 2 feet below a popping cork on the river flats. The better fishing is early, and like trout you can pick up some reds on topwater lures.

Fish can also be caught back in the creeks around low tide in the usual deep bends with fallen trees and structure, docks, etc.  There are so many bait stealers in the creeks that you can’t fish shrimp, but cut mullet and cut crab will both work – with live finger mullet on a Carolina rig pretty much the bait of choice.

Often a by-catch in the Edisto area, flounder fishing has been really good this year and even without targeting them specifically Ron’s boat has been picking up a good number while fishing for other species.  They caught a 19-incher on a Vudu Shrimp this week! The best action has been around main river points, and if you fish mud minnows or mullet on a Carolina rig (instead of under a floating cork) you can really improve the chances of catching a mess of flatfish.

Sheepshead fishing is basically fair, mostly because the catch is mainly small fish at this point. Because of the heat they have gone a little deeper, and fishing with fiddler crabs around docks with 10-15 feet of water at low tide is the best pattern.

Tarponare rolling everywhere, and they are seeing tons of them at the mouths of major creeks on the outgoing tide.  However, because these fish are over deep water this can be a very difficult place to present a bait to them, and so concentrating on sand bars early with mullet or menhaden is probably the best pattern.

Nearshore Spanish mackerel fishing is excellent in 30-60 feet of water, and king mackerel are strong from the same range out to the ledge.  But the best nearshore fishery is for spadefish, which are better than usual even compared to what is usually an excellent time of year to fish for them. Jellyballs are prolific and they are eating them well.   There are also some cobiain the same areas as the spadefish.

While the dolphin bite is not what it was at the beginning of the summer, there are still plenty around including some bulls!

May 24

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to 80 degrees in the mornings, and with no rain the water remains very clear.

In the last couple of days it seems that the redfish are getting more aggressive, and this morning Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that his boat had several nice strikes on topwater lures and landed this beast.  They also had 25-30 troutstrikes as that bite remains wide open.

May 23

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 78 degrees in the mornings, and with no rain the water is very clear.

Trout fishing remains strong around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that from daylight to 9 a.m. they are catching trout on topwater lures around main river points close to the inlets.  During the day targeting clean water with a DOA shrimp four feet under a popping cork in the same areas is working.  Live shrimp would be great if you could get them, and small menhaden and mud minnows will also work.  Because clear water is so important, the top four hours of the tide cycle is typically the best period with the peak at the high incoming tide.

The redfishbite remains tough on the flats, and Ron reports that fish remain really finicky.  Fish are still on very small bait and usually they will not even chase a topwater lure, a sure sign the bite is off.

In the creeks the bite is much better fishing at low tide around trees in deep bends, rocks and docks. Cut shrimp are not working very well right now, but cut mullet and cracked crab pieces are both effective. If you could get live shrimp they would probably do well.

Flounderfishing is good around the mouth of inlets where there is a sand or shell bottom.  To target flounder fish mud minnows on a Carolina rig or jighead, and they are also catching lots of flounder while fishing for trout or redfish with a mud minnow under a cork but near the bottom.

The sheepshead bite remains fair, and it’s been a slow couple of weeks with a number of fish still offshore spawning in what has been a very late year.  The best action is still in the creeks around docks with 6-8 feet of water at low tide. Fiddler crabs are the best bait.

At the nearshore reefs the action is still very good for Spanish mackerel and they are also still catching summer trout on spoons and bucktails.  Menhaden will also pick up a variety of species including bull reds.  Cobia fishing is also strong with bucktails, live pinfish or croaker.

In 60-90 feet king mackerel are thick and they are catching them slow trolling menhaden, or casting lures in the morning.

In 90-100 feet you can catch grouper, triggerfish and black sea bass on squid and bucktails.

The mahi mahi season is at its peak right now.

May 9

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are 74 degrees in the mornings, and the water in the North Edisto is still very clear with the South Edisto dingier.  Steamboat Landing remains closed for repairs.

Trout fishing continues to improve around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the biggest spawn of the year is coming on the May full moon.  From daylight to 9 a.m. they are catching trout on topwater lures around main river points close to the inlets, and during the day targeting clean water with a DOA shrimp four feet under a popping cork in the same areas is working. Live shrimp would be great if you could get them, and small menhaden and mud minnows will also work.  Because clear water is so important, the top four hours of the tide cycle is typically the best period with the peak at the high incoming tide.

The redfishbite is tough on the flats, and Ron reports that they are about as finicky as he has ever seen them.  The only change on the flats is that they are picking up some reds first thing on topwater lures.

In the creeks the bite is much better fishing at low tide around trees in deep bends, rocks and docks. Cut shrimp are not working very well right now, but cut mullet and cracked crab pieces are both effective. If you could get live shrimp they would probably do well.

The sheepshead bite has dropped off and now rates only as fair, with the best action still in the creeks around docks with 6-8 feet of water at low tide.  Fiddler crabs, clams and oysters are all working.

Flounderfishing is good around main river points in Townsend, Frampton and Jeremy Inlet, but they are mainly catching lots of small fish. To target flounder fish mud minnows on a Carolina rig or jighead, and they are also catching lots of flounder while fishing for trout or redfish with a mud minnow under a cork but near the bottom.

At the Edisto 40, Edisto 60, Edisto Nearshore and 4KI reefs the action is still good for a variety of species including summer trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, black drum, red drum and sheepshead, although you still have to wade through a lot of bluefish when you drop a spoon or bucktail down.

This week the cobiahave just started to show up at the reefs. Live or cut bait on the bottom is working, and you can also chum them in and jig for them or throw a bucktail with a 6-8 inch trailer at fish on the surface. You can also sight cast for cobia at dead high tide in the St. Helena Sound when the water is the cleanest.

Finally, the bull dolphin have arrived offshore.  The smaller fish come earlier in the season, but by now you are likely to catch several over 20 pounds if you get into fish.  It took a 50 pounder to win the last tournament!

April 26

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are right at 70 degrees in the mornings, and with very little rainfall the water remains very clear.

In the last three or four days small trout started to show up around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that when water temperatures rise a couple more degrees to about 72 the big females should start spawning in the area.  The whole month of May should be the best time of the year to catch big trout.

You will be able to catch the bigger fish they same way they are already catching tons of 12- and 13-inch fish, targeting clean water with a DOA shrimp four feet under a popping cork around main river points close to the inlets.  Live shrimp would be great if you could get them, and small menhaden and mud minnows will also work.  Because clear water is so important, the high incoming tide is usually the best with the top four hours of the tide cycle the best general period.  Early in the morning you can catch them on topwater lures.

Trout spawn on the new and full moons, and the new moon about a week away should be wide open.

The redfishbite is tough on the flats, and Ron reports that they are about as finicky as he has ever seen them.  Yesterday his boat sat on several schools for a couple of hours without a bite.  Eventually they retreated into the creeks, where the bite is much better fishing at low tide around trees in deep bends, rocks and docks.  Cut shrimp are not working very well right now, but cut mullet and cracked crab pieces are both effective.  If you could get live shrimp they would probably do well.

The best inshore bite is for sheepshead, and Ron reports that the action is very good fishing in the creeks around docks with 6-8 feet of water at low tide.  Fiddler crabs, clams and oysters are all working.

Flounderare just starting to show up around the main river points close to the inlets, where they can be caught on mud minnows on a Carolina rig or jighead.  For now the fish are small but the bigger fish won’t be far off.

At the Edisto 40, Edisto 60, Edisto Nearshore and 4KI reefs the action is good for a variety of species include summer trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, black drum, red drum and sheepshead.  There are some really nice summer trout out there, of which you can only keep one, but you have to wade through a lot of bluefish when you drop a spoon or bucktail to get one.

April 3

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are in the low 60s, and because of the lack of rain before yesterday the water is very clear.

As is typical for redfish in March and April, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the flats redfish have gotten very skittish. The ones his boat is catching are coming on mud minnows fished 1 ½ to 2 feet below a cork, and they seem to have almost completely quit biting artificial lures.  Mid-tide is the best time to catch them.

In the creeks redfish action is more stable, and the best time to fish for them is low tide.  They are biting on cut mullet, shrimp and mud minnows.

Overall troutfishing around Edisto Island is spotty, even though to the north and south there have been some good catches at times.  The best place to fish is in the creeks as they have not yet returned to the main rivers, and fishing jigs around sunken trees on bluff banks is the best pattern.

Both inshore and at the nearshore reefs sheepsheadfishing is very good, and they can be caught around docks with 8-12 feet of water at low tide. Fiddler crabs, clams, and oysters will all work both inshore and offshore.

Flounder are just starting to show up, but when water temperatures hit the upper 60s in the next week or two they should really get going. The best place to fish for them early in the season is in the mouth of inlets and creeks close to the ocean. They will eat fiddler crabs or mud minnows fished on a Carolina rig or jighead.

At the Nearshore Reef, Edisto 40 and Edisto 60 Spanish mackerel, bluefish, Atlantic bonito and little tunny have all arrived earlier than Ron has ever seen them.  Usually inshore temperatures must hit 68 before they arrive, but they are much earlier this season.  Bull reds are always around the nearshore reefs.

March 6

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 57 degrees, and although the water is clear right now it will probably get tannic in the next week or so with all the rains.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the flats fish are pretty skittish.  With good visibility they are easy to spot, but getting them to bite is another matter.  Scented soft plastics are the best baits right now.

It’s easier to get creek redfish to eat around low tide, and the hardest part of catching them is not getting them to bite but finding them.  You need to move around a lot and try different holes, and if there are no bites within 15-30 minutes move to the next spot.  Cut bait or cut shrimp on the bottom in the best bet.

The troutbite around Edisto remains really tough, and while there are still a very few fish in 8-15 feet of water around deep bends that can be caught at low tide on ¼ ounce grubs the fishing probably won’t improve much until the second week of April.  By then some fish should move back in from the ocean.

Certainly the best thing going inshore is the sheepshead, and Ron reports that this is one of the best times of the year to catch big ones that have not yet gone offshore to spawn.  Fishing clams and oysters around docks with 8-10 feet of water is the best inshore pattern.  There are also a lot of non-keepers mixed in.

Nearshore reefs are loaded with oversized red drum, and there are tons of good black sea bass in 40-60 feet.  Because of fishing pressure isolated rock piles hold more fish than major structure.  Sheepshead are also loaded up at the reefs.

In 90 feet of water there is good bottom fishing for porgies, vermillion snapper, and triggerfish.

With a warmer than usual winter there are some dolphin showing up on weedlines, and out on the ledge there are some wahoo and tuna around.  You can usually only fish one day per week, though, because of weather.

February 6

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are around 53-54 degrees, and water clarity is getting decent.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that we are getting into two of the toughest months of the year.  A lot of the time the flats fish are feeding on incredibly small bait less ¼ of an inch or less long, including young of the year baitfish and tiny crabs, and this can make them harder to catch.  When temperatures start to warm they can also get more skittish and swim off faster than what is old cold and they are more dormant.

Overall the flats pattern is about the same, and anglers need to realize there will be times when the fish just will not eat a bait but you can see them rolling on clouds of small fish.  Scented soft plastics seem to be working better than mud minnows or shrimp on the flats.

Redfish in the creeks can be a little less finicky, and fishing the lower stages of the tide is still best. Fish will be around a variety of structure including docks, trees, rock or other hard cover.  However, the best area in the winter is usually the last couple of bends in the creeks, especially if they have deep water and a downed tree.  In the creeks cut shrimp is still working a little better than cut mullet.

In the creeks black drumcan be found in the same places as the reds and will eat cut shrimp.

The troutbite around Edisto has gotten even tougher, although Ron does expect a good spring for trout.  Trolling might be the best way to locate the few resident fish in the creeks, or you can fish in 8-15 feet of water around trees, deep holes, rock walls and other structure.  Translucent colored baits are starting to work a little better as the water clears.

Sheepsheadhave pretty much moved to the nearshore reefs, and bull reds and black drum can also be found in the same areas.  In 60-90 feet of water false albacore, bluefish, and keeper-sized black sea bass can be caught.

The best fishing is in 90 feet of water where the temperatures can be 15 degrees warmer than 40 feet, and a variety of bottom fish as well as king mackerel will be found out there.

Wahoo and tuna can be found out on the ledge.

January 25

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 52-53 degrees, and until two days ago the water clarity was really improving and close to normal.  After another 1 ½ inches of rain Wednesday the water will be dirty for at least for another week.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fishing remains good on both the flats and in the creeks.  Low tide is the best time for fishing the flats this time of year, and with the water getting dirty again instead of being able to truly see the fish and watch how they react to various lures you will have to look for bulges or mud puffs.  Cut mullet or fresh dead shrimp, or artificials tipped with natural bait, are the best option again.

In the creeks fishing the lower stages of the tide is also best, and fish will be around a variety of structure including docks, trees, rock or other hard cover.  However, the best area in the winter is usually the last couple of bends in the creeks, especially if they have deep water and a downed tree.  While cut mullet is usually king right now fresh cut shrimp is working the best.

Sheepshead fishing is dropping off, and there are only a few keeper-sized fish still inshore.  The best inshore pattern is still deeper docks with 10-12 feet of water.  Lots of small black drum and some keepers are still around in the same areas.

The troutbite around Edisto remains tough, and overall Ron continues to rate this one of the worst winters for deep hole trout fishing that he can remember.  However, they can still catch 7-10 fish on a trip, with many of those small.

The best pattern is fishing in the creeks in 8-15 feet of water around trees, deep holes, rock walls and other structure.  Instead of the translucent colored baits which usually work this time of year, Ron is basically sticking to white or white with a chartreuse tail.

Whitingfishing on the beaches and sandbars is still slow, and generally they have moved to deeper nearshore reefs.

Most of the better sheepshead are at the nearshore reefs.  Fiddler crabs are hard to get but clams and oysters are both working.

Offshore in the 60-90 foot range there are tons of vermillion snapper, porgies, black sea bass, and triggerfish.

Wahoo and tuna can be found out on the ledge.

January 17

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 53 degrees.  Both rivers are full but clearing, with the water very clear close to the ocean.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fishing remains good on both the flats and in the creeks.  Low tide is the best time for fishing the flats, and it continues to get easier to sight fish.  Both artificial lures and natural bait such as cut mullet or fresh dead shrimp will work – or artificials tipped with natural bait.

In the creeks fishing the lower stages of the tide is also best, and fish will be around a variety of structure including docks, trees, rock or other hard cover.  However, the best area in the winter is usually the last couple of bends in the creeks, especially if they have deep water and a downed tree.

Sheepshead fishing is dropping off, as most of the creek fish have already moved offshore.  Some fish can still be caught around deeper docks with 10-12 feet of water, but catching keepers is getting more and more difficult.  Small black drum are still around in the same areas.

The troutbite around Edisto remains tough, and overall Ron continues to rate this one of the worst winters for deep hole trout fishing that he can remember.  However, they can still catch 7-10 fish on a trip, with many of those small.

The best pattern is fishing in the creeks in 8-15 feet of water around trees, deep holes, rock walls and other structure.  Instead of the natural colored baits which usually work this time of year bright white, chartreuse, pink or fluorescent baits have been working better.

Whitingfishing on the beaches and sandbars is still slow, and generally they have moved to deeper nearshore reefs.

Most of the better sheepshead are at the nearshore reefs.  Fiddler crabs are hard to get but clams and oysters are both working.

Offshore in the 90-foot range there are tons of vermillion snapper, porgies, black sea bass, and bonito.  To get keeper-sized sea bass you have to be in at least 60 feet right now.

January 10

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 54-55 degrees but dropping.  The water is clearing but still pretty dirty in the South Edisto, while the North Edisto is looking better.  If rain remains limited both rivers should clear soon.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fishing remains good on both the flats and in the creeks.  Low tide is the best time for fishing the flats and it is getting easier to actually see the schools instead of just wakes.  With visibility improving both artificial lures and natural bait such as cut mullet or fresh dead shrimp will work – or artificials tipped with natural bait.

In the creeks reds are in the usual places such as around docks, deep holes, rock, and creeks bends with structure, and the best time to fish is on lower stages of the tide.

Sheepshead fishing remains good on lower stages of the tide around deeper docks with 10-12 feet of water, but catching keepers is getting more and more difficult.  Once temperatures drop and hold below 55 degrees most of the better fish will move and stay offshore since there is very little deep inshore structure in the 20-30 foot range to hold fish around Edisto.  Fiddler crabs are harder to get but clams and oysters are both working.  There are also a lot of small black drummixed in with the sheepshead, but three out of four fish are undersized.

The troutbite around Edisto remains tough, and overall Ron continues to rate this one of the worst winters for deep hole trout fishing that he can remember.  The dirty water still seems to have pushed Edisto fish away.  Trout can still be caught here and there in the creeks in 8-15 feet of water around trees, deep holes, rock walls and other structure. Instead of the natural colored baits which usually work this time of year bright white, chartreuse, pink or fluorescent baits have been working better.

Whitingfishing on the beaches and sandbars is still slow, and generally they have moved to deeper nearshore reefs.

Offshore in the 90-foot range there are tons of vermillion snapper, porgies, black sea bass, and bonito.  Ron even found a bunch of bull drum in 90 feet on a recent trip.   To get keeper-sized sea bass you have to be in at least 60 feet right now.

January 4

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 56 degrees.  The water is still stained after the second wettest December on record, and even when it looks to have started clearing upriver is pummeled by another round of rain.  Overall the water is brown.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fishing remains good on both the flats and in the creeks.  However, visibility remains so poor that sight-fishing is more difficult than usual.  Typically at this time of year it is mainly an artificial lure bite, but with such low visibility natural bait like fresh dead shrimp or cut mullet is a better choice. Anglers can also use scented soft plastics, preferably tipped with some cut mullet or shrimp.  Low tide is the best time for fishing the flats.

In the creeks reds are in the usual places around structure, and the best time to fish is on lower stages of the tide.

Sheepshead fishing remains good on lower stages of the tide around deeper docks with 10-12 feet of water, but catching keepers is getting more and more difficult.  Fiddler crabs are harder to get but clams and oysters are both working.  There are also a lot of small black drummixed in with the sheepshead, but three out of four fish are undersized.

The troutbite around Edisto remains tough, and overall Ron rates this one of the worst winters for deep hole trout fishing that he can remember. This is surprising after a good period this fall, but the dirty water seems to have pushed Edisto fish away.  Trout can still be caught here and there in the creeks in 8-15 feet of water around trees, deep holes, rock walls and other structure.  Instead of the natural colored baits which usually work this time of year bright white, chartreuse, pink or fluorescent baits have been working better.

Whitingfishing on the beaches and sandbars is still slow, and generally they have moved to deeper nearshore reefs.

When it’s not too foggy or windy fishing is good at the nearshore reefs from 4-12 miles offshore for black drum, redfish, sheepshead and summer trout.  The trout are starting to go further offshore, however.

Offshore in 70-90 feet there is good bottom fishing for porgies, triggerfish, vermillion snapper, and black sea bass.  The grouper season has closed as of January 1.

December 20

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have dropped to 53-55 degrees.  As a result of what is alreadythe third wettest December on record, the water is extremely stained – particularly for this time of year.  Both rivers are dark, with the North Edisto resembling iced tea and the South Edisto almost coffee-colored.

On the redfishfront, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that fishing is good on both the flats and in the creeks.  However, visibility is so poor that instead of seeing fish on the flats as is customary anglers can only really make out wakes where fish are swimming.  Typically at this time of year it is mainly an artificial lure bite, but with such low visibility natural bait like fresh dead shrimp or cut mullet is a better choice. Anglers can also use scented soft plastics, preferably tipped with some cut mullet or shrimp.

In the creeks reds are in the usual places around structure, and the best time to fish is on lower stages of the tide.

On both the flats and in the creeks there are some black drummixed in with the redfish, although these fish are generally smaller in the 12-15 inch range.  It’s harder to find keeper-sized drum this time of year.

Sheepshead fishing remains good on lower stages of the tide around docks with 6-10 feet of water, and even though one group of fish has gone offshore as temperatures have dipped below 55 degrees plenty of fish are still around.  Fiddler crabs are harder to get but clams and oysters are both working.

After a good start to the fall troutbite it has really fallen off with the dirty water, and fish have been harder to find.  They have left the main rivers but can be found in the creeks in 8-15 feet of water around trees, deep holes and rock walls. Instead of the natural colored baits which usually work this time of year bright white, chartreuse, pink or fluorescent baits have bene working better.  Overall the trout bite is fair.

Whitinghave headed a little further out, and they can be found around sand bars and even nearshore reefs in 20-30 feet of water.  Around structure in 30-40 feet black drum, redfish, sheepshead and summer troutcan be caught on ½ to 1-ounce jigs tipped with shrimp and spoons.

Offshore in 70-90 feet there is good bottom fishing for porgies, triggerfish, vermillion snapper, grouper and black sea bass.  However, the best big black sea bass action is in 40-60 feet.  King mackerel are also thick offshore anywhere water temperatures are over 65 degrees.

November 29

Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island have dropped into the mid-50s.  Even with the inflow the rivers are clearing nicely, although the South Edisto is a bit dirtier than the North.

While water temperatures have dropped to about 55-56 degrees, Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the ocean water is still warm and there are no more very cold nights in the immediate forecast.  Inshore temperatures should rebound to about 60 degrees, putting them in the perfect 55-60 degree range for fishing.  Shrimp are gone from the creeks by now.

Redfishcan still be caught on the flats as well as the creeks. On the flats the best time to fish is mid-tide on both the incoming and the outgoing, and by now fishermen have pretty much switched over to scented soft plastics although cut mullet will also work.  In the creeks reds are in the usual places around structure, and the best time to fish is on lower stages of the tide.  Live finger mullet, cut mullet, scented plastics and jigs/ grubs will all work.

Troutfishing remains much better than expected earlier this year, and it still looks like only about half of the area fish were killed last winter.  Trout can still be caught in the main rivers near the ocean beside white shell banks and main river points in 4-8 feet of water.  The best time is the higher stages of the tide and the first of the outgoing.  DOA shrimp and grubs fished with or without a popping cork are working.

However, by now the best place to fish for trout is up the creeks where they can be caught on the lower half of the tide (as long as the water is clear) in deep bends with trees and other structure.  The best way to locate fish is by trolling grubs fished on a ¼ ounce jighead.  In clear conditions use very natural colored grubs, but in dirtier water look to bright white or chartreuse baits.

The sheepshead bite remains excellent and fishing on lower stages of the tide around docks with 6-10 feet of water is still working. Fiddler crabs are still the best bait, but as the cold pushes out the bait stealers a variety of crustaceans will work.  Sheeps will stay inshore until water temperatures get below 52 degrees and stay there.There are still tons of whiting that can be caught anywhere there are shells, a sandbar, a rip, or some other type of variation off the beach.  Flounderare mostly gone by now.

At the nearshore reefs summer troutremain thick in 25-40 feet of water. You can also find some of them inshore in the creeks closest to the ocean if there is some live bottom and at least 12-15 feet of water.  But you can still only keep one!

Big black sea bass have moved closer to the shore in only 40-60 feet of water.

November 15

Inshore surface water temperatures in the main rivers around Edisto Island are in the low to mid-60s. Clarity was improving but these major rain events will muddy the water up.

It’s been a period of significant change in conditions around Edisto Island, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in the last two and a half weeks inshore water temperatures have fallen 10-15 degrees.  The good news, however, is that this is the peak time to catch fish at Edisto, and at this time of year whenever the water temperatures drop the fish generally get more and more willing to eat whatever is moving.

Redfishcan be caught on the flats as well as the creeks. On the flats the best time to fish is mid-tide on both the incoming and the outgoing, and floating live shrimp under a popping cork along the grass lines is generally the best pattern. However, bait shrimp are getting harder and harder to find inshore but luckily, as noted above, with dropping temperatures the fish will eat a wider selection of baits including artificial lures.  In the creeks reds are in the usual places around structure, and the best time to fish is on lower stages of the tide.  Creek reds are not picky right now, either.

After a super cold period at the beginning of the year, which was feared to be devastating, trout fishing has been much better than expected. Numbers are down closer to 50% rather than 80 or 90% as feared, and that’s compared to a banner year last year.

In the main rivers near the ocean trout can still be caught beside white shell banks and main river points in 4-8 feet of water.  The best time is the higher stages of the tide and the first of the outgoing.  Before the cold, wet snap the trout were already starting to get on an artificial lure bite, and that will only accelerate with the weather.  DOA shrimp and grubs fished with or without a popping cork are good bets.

Trout are also stacking up in the creeks and they can be caught on the lower half of the tide (as long as the water is clear) in deep bends with trees and other structure.  As long as water temperatures stay above 50 degrees we are entering the peak trolling period where most any grub fished on a ¼ ounce jighead is a good way to locate fish.

The sheepshead bite has been excellent and fishing on lower stages of the tide around docks with 6-10 feet of water has been working.  Fiddler crabs are still the best bait, but as the cold pushes out the bait stealers a variety of crustaceans will work.

Whitingcan still be caught off the beaches, with bigger fish around the sand bars and more turbulent water.  Flounderare in the process of leaving.

At the nearshore reefs summer troutare thick in 25-40 feet of water. You can also find some of them inshore in the creeks closest to the ocean if there is some live bottom and at least 12-15 feet of water.  But you can still only keep one!

October 19

Inshore surface water temperatures in the main rivers around Edisto Island are in the upper 70s but dropping.  There are lots of bait shrimp in the creeks.

With water temperatures only beginning to go down fish are just now starting to get into a true fall pattern – Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that water temperatures were 80 degrees earlier this week!  Naturally then, redfishremain in a similar pattern, and the bite remains good on the flats and in the creeks.  On the flats the best tide has been the middle outgoing tide when the water is out of the grass, while in the creeks two hours either side of low is best. Live shrimp are the best bait on the flats, but in the creeks live finger mullet work best and avoid bait stealers.

Black drum can be found mixed in with the reds on the flats and in the creeks.  Live shrimp is the best bait.

The trout bite is unexpectedly good, and Ron is extremely pleased to see better numbers than expected after last winter.  The keeper ratio is down, and only about one out of five fish is legal instead of 40 or 50% which would be normal at this time of year.  Still, with fears of 80%+ mortality things are looking pretty good.

Fishing live shrimp 3-5 feet under a cork on main river points in about 6-10 feet of water is the best trout pattern.  Finger mullet will also work.  The best time to fish is when there is clear water, which usually correlates to a couple of hours either side of high tide.  The artificial lure bite has not really started.

Sheepshead fishing has been very good fishing fiddler crabs around docks with 6-8 feet of water at low tide.  Sizes have been solid with about a 50% keeper ratio.

The giggers have been getting lots of flounder, and reports indicate that Frampton, Townsend and Jeremy Inlet have been consistent areas.  Finger mullet are the best bait right now.

Summer trout can be caught in deep holes at the mouths of major creeks, around mud bars, or over hard shell bottoms in 10-20 feet.  They are also at the nearshore reefs.

Around sandbars or nearshore structure in 20-30 feet of water Spanish mackerelare prolific.  Fish are following bait and the key is to look for the birds.

Because of unusually high water temperatures bull red drum are just now starting to bite around the Edisto Rocks in 19-22 feet of water.  They can also be found at the nearshore reefs.  The fish are migrating and they will spawn until mid-November from the surf out to 90 feet of water.

Offshore, tuna fishing has been really good at the ledge or over good bottom structure.  Wahoo are still around but dolphin are not.

Bottom fishing is excellent and fish are starting to move closer in.  Look for a very good bite for vermillion snapper, porgy, black sea bass, triggerfish and grouper.

Inshore surface water temperatures in the main rivers around Edisto Island are around 86 degrees, about as warm as it should get this summer.   The water is tannic/ brown in both rivers because of all the freshwater inflow, and so salinity is lower than normal.

There are some encouraging signs with Edisto Island inshore fishing, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in a lot of ways fishing looks like it’s getting into an early fall pattern.  The creeks around Edisto are filled with jumbo shrimp, with most of them white but some brown, and there is a hot early bite.

The redfish bite has come on pretty strong and fishing is now good in both the flats and the creeks.  There are tons of small, young-of-the-year redfish around right now, and on many days 80% of the catch has been under the slot.  However, on some recent trips Ron has found about a 50/50 mix of slot and over slot fish versus small ones, a promising sign.

In the flats the bite is really not very tide dependent, but in a typical early fall pattern the fishing is usually good for the first couple of hours of the day regardless of tide. Fish are feeding very heavily on live shrimp, and fishing them either a couple of feet under a float or rigged on a small jighead the action is good.  While there are lots of finger mullet around, there is no doubt that shrimp are king right now.

The creek pattern continues to be pretty steady as it has been all summer, but unsurprisingly the best action right now is with live shrimp fished on the bottom.  Fishing around structure at low tide is still the best way to catch creek fish.

There have been plenty of black drum mixed in with the redfish in both the creeks and main river flats, but there are more 14-17+ inch drum on the flats

The troutbite is fair, a little off from where it was a month ago, likely at least in part because of lower salinity from all the freshwater inflow.   Because of the heat trout are hard to find in the creeks, and the best bet to catch them is to fish high tide on the main river white shell banks with live shrimp about four feet under a cork.

Fishermen are reminded that the SCDNR is strongly encouraging anglers to practice catch and release of all spotted seatrout through the end of September.  To read the full news release click here.

It’s been a banner year for flounder, and while Ron’s boat is mainly catching them as a by-catch they are certainly picking up more than is normal at this time of year.  Most of them are around 15 inches or better.  If you want to specifically target flounder the best places to look are at the mouths of smaller inlets with a sandy bottom.  While they like to be around shells, they want to be around shells in sand more than in mud.  Because flounder are such visual feeders clear water is also a significant plus.

Sheepsheadfishing is pretty typical for this time of year, with lots of small sheeps around pilings in 5-8 feet of water.  Fiddlers crabs are the best bait.  They are also starting to get up in the grass tailing on high tides, but how to catch them is anyone’s guess!

There are plenty of small whiting in the surf that will eat cut shrimp or cut bait, but for bigger whiting you need to go a bit deeper off the edges of bars in 10-15 feet of water.

Tarpon are here but the action is very sporadic, and much of the last few weeks conditions have been too choppy to easily look for them. Tarpon move around a lot, and they will eat for a couple of days in one area and then move on.  The best way to target them is to ride around until you see either fish rolling or menhaden or mullet schools.

Both inshore and nearshore Spanish mackerel can be found, and most any day that you can get offshore you can get into them.  While there are some at the mouths of inlets they are a bit sporadic, and the best action is in 30-45 feet of water on out to 60 feet. Nearshore reefs are the best places to target them.  While you can usually catch some trolling spoons, for some reason they have been responding better to very small mylar jigs this year.  Fish the lure with the fastest retrieve you can manage.