August 6
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 85 degrees in the morning, and clarity is still good. The South Edisto is on the verge of getting dirty with recent rains, while the North Edisto is unlikely to change much. There are tons of finger mullet and white shrimp in the creeks and so bait is no problem.
It’s a fairly stable period around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that they are still catching a lot of small trout. However, only about 10% are keepers. Tide is not making a difference as long as there is clear, moving water on a current rip in the rivers, and live shrimp under a cork is the ticket.
There’s not a lot of change with the redfish either, and the catch is still mixed between 8-13 inch fish and over-slot fish. It essentially seems like two year classes are missing.
The best flats pattern is to fish around oyster shells with finger mullet. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they feed better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as at low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The best time to fish the creeks is for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are also the best creek bait.
The flounder catch is pretty good even while targeting other species, and if you want to really increase your chances of catching a flounder slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. Keepers are still rare.
Note that effective July 1 flounder regulations changed, with a new limit of 5 fish per person (from 10) and 10 per boat(from 20). The minimum size moved to 16 inches (from 15).
Catching numbers of sheepshead is still easy around inshore structure, but getting a keeper and avoiding the bait stealers is very tough. It’s like this every year at this time.
Whiting fishing is still really good, and in the surf numbers are good while at sandbars numbers and sizes can be impressive. On rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed. Cut shrimp is hard to beat but cut mullet often catch bigger fish.
The tarpon are still around in really good numbers, and Ron reports that if you want to catch one now is the time to do it. The best way to locate them is to look for large menhaden schools and tarpon rolling on them in the ocean. You can certainly soak baits on the bottom at the mouths of inlets and by sandbars, but if you free-line or float live menhaden to visible schools you may encounter less sharks.
Nearshore reefs are still loaded with Spanish mackerel, and there are very good numbers of king mackerel mixed in right now, too. Kings always follow Spanish, lying underneath and feeding on them, but there are more than usual right now. All you need to do is look for the birds and then throw spoons at the fish or pull live bait.
There are plenty of spadefish at the Edisto 60 and 90, but with no jelly balls around they are still deep and very tough to catch. Pretty soon smaller jelly balls the size of a nickel will show up again and they will be easier to catch.
The bottom fishing remains very strong in 80-100 feet of water, and there are also tons of cobia on the bottom in 90-100 feet seeking cooler water. There is also good king mackerel action out at the same depth, with most of the of kings 15-20 feet down. The best way to target them is to slow troll live bait or pull spoons or big-lipped plugs.
Bluewater fishing is about the same, but expect some really good wahoo fishing soon. Billfish and a few dolphin are around, and if you want to significantly improve your chances of catching a tuna head north to the Georgetown Hole where the numbers are much greater because of the greater depth. Except very early in the morning most of the fish are 100 feet and below.
July 30
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 85 degrees in the morning, and clarity is good. There are tons of finger mullet and white shrimp in the creeks and so bait is no problem.
There continue to be tons of small trout caught around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that, for example, this morning they caught 40. However, only about 10% were keepers. Tide is not making a difference as long as there is clear, moving water on a current rip in the rivers, and live shrimp under a cork is the ticket.
There’s not a lot of change with the redfish, although the 8-12 inch reds have flooded into the area. There are also a lot of over-slot 27- or so inch fish, and so it essentially seems like two year classes are missing.
The best flats pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they feed better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as at low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The best time to fish the creeks is for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait.
The flounder fishing has actually picked up, and if you want to really increase your chances of catching a flounder slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom. Keepers are still rare.
Note that effective July 1 flounder regulations changed, with a new limit of 5 fish per person (from 10) and 10 per boat(from 20). The minimum size moved to 16 inches (from 15).
Catching numbers of sheepshead is still easy around inshore structure, but getting a keeper and avoiding the bait stealers is very tough. It’s like this every year at this time.
Whiting fishing is still really good, and in the surf numbers are good while at sandbars numbers and sizes can be impressive. On rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed. Cut shrimp is hard to beat but cut mullet often catches bigger fish.
The tarpon are around in really good numbers right now, and Ron reports that the better tarpon guides are hooking multiple fish each day. The best way to locate them is to look for large menhaden schools and tarpon rolling on them in the ocean. You can certainly soak baits on the bottom at the mouths of inlets and by sandbars, but if you free-line or float live menhaden to visible schools you may encounter less sharks.
With some better weather of late the Spanish mackerel action has been good around the nearshore reefs, and as always there are some king mackerel mixed in (which feed on the Spanish and lie underneath them). All you need to do is look for the birds and then throw spoons at the fish.
There are plenty of spadefish at the Edisto 60 and 90, but with no jelly balls around they are deep and very tough to catch. Pretty soon smaller jelly balls the size of a nickel will show up again and they will be easier to catch.
The bottom fishing remains very strong in 80-100 feet of water, and there are also tons of cobia on the bottom in 90-100 feet seeking cooler water. There is also good king mackerel action out at the same depth, with most of the of kings 15-20 feet down. The best way to target them is to slow troll live bait or pull spoons or big-lipped plugs.
The Governor’s Cup last weekend saw catches about what would be expected at this time of year in the billfish category, but there were some bigger than expected dolphins in the 30-pound range as well as good wahoo at 56 and then 49 pounds. High speed trolling is the best way to catch them. Just two tuna were landed with 17 pounds the big fish, and a 515-pound marlin was caught!
July 22
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to 85 degrees in the morning, and clarity is good. There are tons of finger mullet and white shrimp in the creeks and so bait is no problem.
There has been some improvement with the fishing around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in particular the trout fishing has picked back up. They are catching a lot of small fish, but that’s better than almost no trout a few weeks ago!
The best fishing is coming from two hours before high tide to two hours after high tide when the water is cleanest, and the action is best around the main river white shell points. With so many shrimp in the rivers the fish want live shrimp under a popping cork.
There’s not a lot of change with the redfish, and slot-sized fish are still hard to come by as the catch is either 8-9 inches or over 26.
The best flats pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they feed better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as at low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The best time to fish the creeks is for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Finger mullet are the best creek bait.
While keepers are rare there are decent numbers of flounder being caught inshore in the same places you fish for the trout, and if you want to increase your chances of catching a flounder slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom.
Note that effective July 1 flounder regulations changed, with a new limit of 5 fish per person (from 10) and 10 per boat(from 20). The minimum size moved to 16 inches (from 15).
Catching numbers of sheepshead is easy around inshore structure, but getting a keeper and avoiding the bait stealers if very tough.
Whiting fishing is still really good, and in the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing remains wide open. They are getting big ones, and on rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed. Cut shrimp is hard to beat but cut mullet often catches bigger fish.
The tarpon are around in good numbers by now, and all you have to do to locate them is look for large menhaden schools and tarpon rolling on them. You can certainly soak baits on the bottom at the mouths of inlets and sandbars, but if you free-line or float live menhaden to visible schools you may encounter less sharks.
With some better weather of late the Spanish mackerel action has been good around the nearshore reefs. All you need to do is look for the birds and then throw spoons at the fish.
There are plenty of spadefish at the reefs as well but they are deeper, and to tease them up to the surface you need to drop a jelly ball down 20-30 feet.
The bottom fishing is very strong in 80-100 feet of water, and there are also tons of cobia on the bottom in 90-100 feet seeking cooler water. There is also good king mackerel action out at the same depth, with most of the of kings 15-20 feet down. The best way to target them is to slow troll live bait or pull spoons or big-lipped plugs.
Bluewater fishing has been a little slow, but everything is about normal for this time of year except that there are less wahoo around than there should be in July and August.
There are some small dolphin being caught and there are some sailfish and marlin in the area. Tuna are almost totally absent.
July 9
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to 83 degrees in the morning, and before the storms the water still had good clarity.
There’s not a lot of change this week in the fishing around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the trout fishing is still very slow. In the summer months when the fish are spawning, particularly around the full moon, they should be gorging.
Usually live shrimp or finger mullet under a cork or on a Carolina rig should be getting tons of bites around points near the ocean at the top of the tide when the water is cleanest, but right now you are lucky to catch a fish. It’s unclear why.
The action for redfish isn’t much better, one reason that Ron says the fishing is about as bad as he’s ever seen it. Slot-sized fish are almost non-existent, and they are either 8-9 inches or over 26.
The best flats pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they may feed better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The creek pattern isn’t much better, but you should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes.
There are lots of small black drum around trees and docks in the creeks that can be caught with shrimp on low tide.
There are good numbers of flounder being caught inshore in the same places you fish for the trout, and if you want to increase your chances of catching a flounder slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom.
Note that effective July 1 flounder regulations changed, with a new limit of 5 fish per person (from 10) and 10 per boat(from 20). The minimum size moved to 16 inches (from 15).
Catching numbers of sheepshead is easy around inshore structure, but getting a keeper and avoiding the bait stealers if very tough.
Whiting are a rare bright spot, and in the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open. Cut mullet are probably better than shrimp or squid for staying on the hook and getting big ones, and on rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed.
The tarpon are around in good numbers by now, and you can certainly soak baits on the bottom at the mouths of inlets and sandbars but you will get a lot of sharks this way. The best way to target them is to look for big concentrations of menhaden just offshore where tarpon are busting or rolling and then free-line or float live menhaden to them. This pattern has been hard to fish with the winds.
While there haven’t really been any days to get out there, the Spanish mackerel and spadefish are both abundant at the Edisto 40, 60 and 4KI. The Spanish mackerel are probably the best area bite right now – when you can fish for them.
The best cobia action is out in 70-90 feet water.
The offshore dolphin fishing has really slowed down, and even though you can catch a few fish 90% of the boats are getting less than 5 per trip. The wahoo aren’t around, but the hope is that they will show up later in July and in August which are normally two really good months.
When weather allows perhaps the best thing going alongside the Spanish is the bottom fishing, and out in 70-100 feet the action is strong. Come July and August the better action will be out in 100 plus feet of water.
June 24
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 81 degrees first thing, and the water is fairly clear in the North Edisto while the South Edisto is very tannic. It has also been extremely windy.
The trout fishing has slowed way down around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that he has only caught one trout in the last two days, a completely unexpected result at this time of year. In the summer months when the fish are spawning, particularly around the full moon, they should be gorging.
Usually live shrimp or finger mullet under a cork or on a Carolina rig should be getting tons of bites around points near the ocean at the top of the tide when the water is cleanest, but right now you are lucky to catch a fish. It’s unclear why.
The action for redfish isn’t much better, one reason that Ron says the fishing is about as bad as he’s ever seen it. Slot-sized fish are almost non-existent, and they are either 8-9 inches or over 26.
The best flats pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they may feed better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The creek pattern isn’t much better, but you should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes.
There are lots of small black drum around trees and docks in the creeks that can be caught with shrimp on low tide but they are mostly small.
There are good numbers of flounder being caught inshore in the same places you fish for the trout, and if you want to increase your chances of catching a flounder slowly drag a finger mullet across the bottom.
Note that effective July 1 flounder regulations will change, with a new limit of 5 fish per person (from 10) and 10 per boat (from 20). The minimum size will move from 15 to 16 inches.
Catching numbers of sheepshead is easy around inshore structure, but getting a keeper and avoiding the bait stealers if very tough.
Whiting are a rare bright spot, and in the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open. Cut mullet are probably better than shrimp or squid for staying on the hook and getting big ones, and on rough high tides when the water gets muddy at the mouth of inlets the fish will really feed.
The tarpon are around in good numbers by now, and you can certainly soak baits on the bottom at the mouths of inlets and sandbars but you will get a lot of sharks this way. The best way to target them is to look for big concentrations of menhaden just offshore where tarpon are busting or rolling and then free-line or float live menhaden to them. This pattern has been hard to fish with the winds.
While there haven’t really been any days to get out there, the Spanish mackerel and spadefish are both abundant at the Edisto 40, 60 and 4KI.
The best cobia action is out in 70-90 feet water.
The offshore dolphin fishing has really slowed down, and even though you can catch a few fish 90% of the boats are getting less than 5 per trip. The wahoo aren’t around, but the hope is that they will show up in July and August which are normally two really good months.
Perhaps the best thing going, except for the wind, is the bottom fishing, and out in 70-100 feet the action is strong. Come July and August the better action will be out in 100 plus feet of water.
June 10
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are around 80 degrees first thing, and water clarity remains very high in both rivers with no rains.
Even though the dolphin fishing has slowed down, the most exciting fishing can still sometimes be offshore. There was a break in the wind Tuesday and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) was able to get offshore, and in addition to five dolphin they caught a pile of bottom fish in 90-150 feet. These included vermillion snapper, porgies and triggerfish, including a pair of relatively rare queen triggerfish. Interestingly they caught almost no black sea bass, and speculation is that the abundant American Red Snapper were eating them.
Wahoo and tuna have been a little slow.
Inshore there’s not much change, and when you find clear water the trout fishing is good around main river white shell points. Early in the morning topwater lures are hard to beat, but after that DOA shrimp will work well if you can’t get live shrimp.
Flats fishing for redfish is a little sporadic, and outside of the early topwater bite the best pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they feed much better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The creek pattern is still stable, and they are catching lots of 17-18 inch fish as well as occasional 30 inchers. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Mud minnows are also working the best in the creeks.
There are also black drum around trees in the creeks that can be caught with shrimp on low tide but they are mostly small.
The flounder fishing remains good inshore, and the best places to look have sandy bottoms mixed with shell in the mouth of creeks. Mud minnows are hard to beat.
The sheepshead fishing has finally slowed down as water temperatures have heated up, and it’s now relatively hard to catch keepers inshore.
In the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open with cut mullet, squid, or shrimp. Big ones are around right now.
Early tarpon have arrived in the inlets and sandbar.
At the nearshore reefs most of the summer trout are gone and the bull reds have gone deeper, but Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish are abundant. There are also flounder at the reefs.
The best cobia action is out in 90 feet water.
May 28
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to 76 degrees, rising to 80 plus in the afternoons. Water clarity remains very high in both rivers with no rains.
With really strong tides this week it’s been a little harder find clear water for trout fishing, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that despite that they are having some very good catches. Yesterday they caught 25 trout including 9 keepers, pictured below.
Trout are on the main river white shell points and the fish are busting with eggs. Early in the morning topwater lures are hard to beat, but after that DOA shrimp will work well if you can’t get live shrimp. Ron is also catching more good fish, but getting less bites, throwing the WillowVibe with a 3-inch Slim Swimz. The bait seems to weed out the little ones.
Flats fishing for redfish is a little sporadic, and outside of the early topwater bite the best pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they feed much better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The creek pattern is still stable, and they are catching lots of 17-18 inch fish as well as occasional 30 inchers. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Mud minnows are also working the best in the creeks.
There are also black drum around trees in the creeks that can be caught with shrimp on low tide but they are mostly small.
The sheepshead bite remains totally wide open inshore, with average sizes about 4 pounds and plenty of bigger fish being caught. Fish fiddler crabs around docks with 6-8 feet of water on lower tides.
The flounder fishing remains really good inshore, and by now they have scattered out pretty much everywhere. The best places to look have sandy bottoms mixed with shell in the mouth of creeks. Mud minnows are hard to beat.
In the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open with cut mullet, squid, or shrimp. Big ones are around right now.
As it usually is at this time of year, at the nearshore reefs in 30-40 feet of water the fishing remains on fire. The biggest change this week is that cobia and spadefish have now arrived in really good numbers, and bluefish, Spanish mackerel, weakfish, bonito, black drum, bull red drum and small black seas bass can also be caught. You generally have to hit 60-90 feet for keeper bass.
Out in 70-90 feet of water the bottom fishing is really good for vermillion snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass and more.
The weather is still spotty offshore, but the dolphin fishing is still fantastic when you can get offshore and Tuesday everyone killed them. The best fishing is in 300-600 feet past the ledge. If you fish around the ledge then wahoo and tuna are also around, but dolphin are the main event right now.
May 20
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still about 72-74 degrees and water clarity is very good – far above normal for this season – in both rivers.
Things remain really positive for the trout fishing around Edisto, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that for about the first two hours of the day there is still a strong topwater bite in the mornings for both trout and redfish. Trout are on the main river white shell points and the fish are busting with eggs. Early in the morning topwater lures are hard to beat, but after that DOA shrimp will work well if you can’t get live shrimp. Ron is also catching more good fish, but getting less bites, throwing the WillowVibe with a 3-inch Slim Swimz. The bait seems to weed out the little ones.
Flats fishing for redfish is a little sporadic, and outside of the early topwater bite the best pattern is to fish around oyster shells with mud minnows. The fish are easier to spot at low tide but very hard to get to bite, while they feed much better at mid-tides when there is a little water in the grass. They will be in the same general area as low tide, just closer to the grass. They are at their most aggressive on the mid-outgoing tide.
The creek pattern is still stable, and they are catching lots of 17-18 inch fish as well as occasional 30 inchers. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Mud minnows are also working the best in the creeks.
There are also black drum around trees in the creeks that can be caught with shrimp on low tide but they are mostly small.
The sheepshead bite remains totally wide open inshore, with average sizes about 4 pounds and plenty of bigger fish being caught. Fish fiddler crabs around docks with 6-8 feet of water on lower tides.
The flounder fishing has gotten really good inshore, and by now they have scattered out pretty much everywhere. The best places to look have sandy bottoms mixed with shell in the mouth of creeks. Mud minnows are hard to beat.
In the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open with cut mullet, squid, or shrimp. Big ones are around right now.
As it usually is at this time of year, at the nearshore reefs in 30-40 feet of water the fishing remains on fire. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, weakfish, bonito, black drum, bull red drum and small black seas bass can be caught. You generally have to hit 60-90 feet for keeper bass. Cobia and spadefish have also just started to arrive.
Out in 70-90 feet of water the bottom fishing is really good for vermillion snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass and more.
Right now the very best dolphin fishing of the year is taking place, but unfortunately boats have only been able to get out about one day per week right now. Wahoo and tuna are also around.
May 6
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are up to about 72 degrees and water clarity remains good in both rivers.
There’s very little change in the patterns from last week to this week, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that for about the first two hours of the day there is still a strong topwater bite in the mornings for both trout and redfish. Generally the trout have moved out to the main river to spawn and they can be caught around the white shell points. The fish are busting with eggs. While early in the morning topwater lures are hard to beat, after that DOA shrimp will work well if you can’t get live shrimp.
Ron is also catching more good fish, but getting less bites, throwing the WillowVibe with a 3-inch Slim Swimz. The bait seems to weed out the little ones.
While the numbers are still not fantastic, the redfish action remains pretty good. Mud minnows fished around oyster shells are working the best outside of the early topwater bite.
The creek pattern is still stable, and they are catching lots of 17-18 inch fish as well as occasional 30 inchers. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Mud minnows are also working the best in the creeks.
The sheepshead bite remains totally wide open inshore, and Ron says it is as good as it gets. Average sizes are about 4 pounds and there are plenty of bigger fish being caught. Fish fiddler crabs around docks with 6-8 feet of water on lower tides. There also a lot of black drum around.
Good numbers of flounder have moved back inshore, and while you can catch them in the main rivers the best numbers are being caught in sandy creeks directly fed by the ocean such as Frampton, Jeremy and Townsend. Mud minnows are again hard to beat.
In the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open with cut mullet, squid, or shrimp. Big ones are around right now.
As it usually is at this time of year, at the nearshore reefs in 30-40 feet of water the fishing is one fire. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, weakfish, black drum, bull red drum and some keeper black sea bass (although you have to weed through a lot of small fish) can be caught.
Out in 60-90 feet of water the bottom fishing is really good for vermillion snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass and more.
The dolphin are showing up fast right now, and anytime the weather breaks in the next few weeks you need to go because this is the peak period. Wahoo are scattered, and there are black and yellowfin tuna as well. Yellowfin tuna are typically from the Southwest Banks to the Georgetown Hole but this year there are some as far south as the Edisto Banks.
April 29
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 68-69 degrees while the creeks can hit the mid-70s on sunny afternoons. Water clarity is good in both rivers.
A strong topwater bite has developed in the mornings for both trout and redfish, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that for about the first two hours of the day you can catch both species on top.
The trout have moved out to the main river to spawn and they can be caught around the white shell points. The fish are busting with eggs. While early in the morning topwater lures are hard to beat, after that DOA shrimp will work well if you can’t get live shrimp.
Ron is also catching more good fish, but getting less bites, throwing the WillowVibe with a 3-inch Slim Swimz. The bait seems to weed out the little ones.
While the numbers are still not fantastic, the redfish action has gotten better on the flats with the warmer weather in the last few days. Mud minnows fished around oyster shells are working the best outside of the early topwater bite.
The creek pattern is still stable, and they are catching lots of 17-18 inch fish as well as occasional 30 inchers. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Mud minnows are also working the best in the creeks.
The sheepshead bite remains totally wide open inshore, and Ron says it is as good as it gets. Average sizes are about 4 pounds and there are plenty of bigger fish being caught. Fish fiddler crabs around docks with 6-8 feet of water on lower tides.
Good numbers of flounder have moved back inshore, and while you can catch them in the main rivers the best numbers are being caught in sandy creeks directly fed by the ocean such as Frampton, Jeremy and Townsend. Mud minnows are again hard to beat.
In the surf and around sandbars whiting fishing is wide open with cut mullet, squid, or shrimp. Big ones are around right now.
As it usually is at this time of year, at the nearshore reefs in 30-40 feet of water the fishing is one fire. Bluefish, Spanish mackerel, weakfish, black drum, bull red drum and some keeper black sea bass (although you have to weed through a lot of small fish) can be caught.
Out in 60-90 feet of water the bottom fishing is really good for vermillion snapper, triggerfish, black sea bass and more.
The dolphin are showing up fast right now, and anytime the weather breaks in the next three weeks you need to go because this is the peak period. Wahoo are scattered, and there are black and yellowfin tuna as well. Yellowfin tuna are typically from the Southwest Banks to the Georgetown Hole but this year there are some as far south as the Edisto Banks.
March 25
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 60 degrees. In the South Edisto the water is greener while in the North it is clearer.
The trout fishing is good in the creeks for the 13-16 inch trout that stay all year in Edisto, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that it won’t be until water temperatures hit about 65 degrees that fish will move into the main rivers to spawn. However, as water temperatures warm the fish are already starting to get more active.
The pattern is still holding pretty similar, and the best bet is to start at the back of major creeks and work your way out. Most any grub fished on a ¼ ounce jighead will catch fish, but the color depends on water clarity.
There’s little doubt that this is the worst time of the year to catch redfish on the flats, in large part because they are feeding on tiny bait and you literally cannot match the hatch.
In the creeks fishing is better, and when you can find the fish they are still willing to eat. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, sea walls, and rock near deep bends and/ or holes. Mud minnows, shrimp and mullet are all working.
On the other hand, besides October this is probably the best time of the year for catching sheepshead inshore. While some of the better fish are still offshore, there are also lots of 4-9 pound fish close in. Fish fiddler crabs around docks with 6-8 feet of water on lower tides.
Small black drum can be found inshore, and flounder are just starting to trickle back inshore. When water temperatures hit about 65 the biggest push will come, but the first wave (of generally smaller fish) is already starting to be caught inside the first creeks close to the ocean.
At the nearshore reefs in 30-40 feet of water the small black sea bass can make the sheepshead and black drum fishing difficult, but bluefish are already starting to arrive in droves. Weakfish are also here and should stay good through April, while in the next few weeks the Spanish mackerel should come. The earliest Ron has seen them arrive is when the water hits 62 degrees. Bull reds are already around.
Right now the only bluewater species being caught is wahoo, but by the 3rd or 4th week of April the best dolphin bite of the year should arrive if it follows the pattern of the last four years.
February 24
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are about 50-52 degrees. The South Edisto is brown but clear, while the North Edisto is green and clear. The water color has not affected the fishing.
The trout fishing is still pretty decent in the creeks, and Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that in a typical day of fishing you can catch a dozen or so. That’s pretty good for this time of year. The fish are in some but not all creek bends, and the best pattern is to cover water with most any grub on a ¼ ounce jighead either trolling or putting the trolling motor down and casting. Of course slow down and really work an area if you get bit.
The redfish are still pretty finicky on the flats if you can find them – and that’s a big if right now. While there aren’t a lot of schools around you can try to sight fish for them on the incoming or the outgoing tide. When you locate fish the best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them.
In the creeks the pattern is still unchanged, and when you can find the fish they are very willing to eat. You should fish for two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Mud minnows remain the best bait.
The black drum are in the same deep holes in the creeks as the reds, especially around trees. Fishing with fresh cut shrimp you will catch both species but the black drum have been pretty small.
Most of the keeper sheepshead are gone right now, but around the mid-March new moon Ron expects some big ones to start to show up inshore again. They will be found in 6-8 feet of water around structure and fiddler crabs should be easier to get by that time.
There are only small whiting in the surf, but if you go out beyond the breakers to sand bars in 6-10 feet of water there are some better ones around.
It’s been very windy recently, but on the nearshore structure in 30-40 feet of water there are some weakfish (soon to be more), black drum, and bull reds. Bluefish are already thick out there while the sheepshead are generally a bit deeper in about 40 feet of water. You generally have to wade through a ton of small black sea bass to catch them.
While there have not been many recent reports with the weather, in 60-70 feet of water there should be good bottom fishing for keeper black sea bass. In 70-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper. 90 feet is usually ideal.
There should be some tuna and wahoo around offshore if the sea lays down and you can find water over 70 degrees.
February 5
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are down to about 50 degrees and the water is still clear.
The best trout fishing remains in the creeks, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reminds anglers that certain days the fish will be feeding – and on other days they will not. They don’t have to feed every day right now, especially as temperatures have dropped a few more degrees. They will also be in some creek bends and not others, without a clear pattern, so the best pattern is to cover water with grubs.
Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. However, Ron prefers to put the trolling motor down and cast like a bass fisherman.
A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, but Ron is throwing his newly designed ZMan Chatterbait WillowVibe. Because the blades hold it higher up in the water column he can cast a heavier bait further and then fish it at the same speed – covering more water. He likes to pair it with 3.75 inch Zman StreakZ or the 3-inch Slim SwimZ.
Of course, once you locate fish you can also cast live bait to them.
The redfish are still pretty finicky on the flats. You can still sight-fish for them on either the incoming or the outgoing tide, but it has gotten even more important to be stealthy and go after them quietly with a trolling motor or poling. The best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bring it back towards them to avoid scaring them.
In the creeks the pattern is still unchanged, and when you can find the fish they are very willing to eat. You should fish two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Mud minnows are the best bait.
While Ron has not seen any black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats, they are in the same deep holes in the creeks, especially around trees. Fishing with fresh cut shrimp you will catch both species.
There are still a few keeper sheepshead inshore that can be caught at low tide around structure with 10-15 feet of water on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, most of the better fish have gone offshore.
There are not many whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 10 feet of water they are around in good numbers.
It’s been too windy to get offshore much recently, but on the nearshore structure there should still be a few weakfish, and in 30-60 feet of water sheepshead and black drum can be picked up if you use shrimp or fiddler crabs. If you fish jigs and spoons and you will not catch them, but there are plenty of bull drum for the catching in 40-60 feet of water.
When you can get out the best bottom fishing for black sea bass is in 50-60 feet of water, while in 80-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper.
There should be some tuna and wahoo around offshore.
January 22
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are still around 53 degrees and the water is clear.
The best trout fishing remains in the creeks, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reminds anglers that certain days the fish will be feeding – and on other days they will not. They don’t have to feed every day right now. They will also be in some creek bends and not others, without a clear pattern, so the best pattern is to cover water with grubs.
Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. However, Ron prefers to put the trolling motor down and cast like a bass fisherman.
A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, but Ron is throwing his newly designed ZMan Chatterbait WillowVibe. Because the blades hold it higher up in the water column he can cast a heavier bait further and then fish it at the same speed – covering more water. He likes to pair it with 3.75 inch Zman StreakZ or the 3-inch Slim SwimZ.
Of course, once you locate fish you can also cast live bait to them.
The redfish are still pretty finicky on the flats. You can still sight-fish for them on either the incoming or the outgoing tide, but it has gotten even more important to be stealthy and go after them quietly with a trolling motor or poling. The best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bringing it back towards them to avoid scaring them.
In the creeks the pattern is still unchanged, and when you can find the fish they are very willing to eat. You should fish two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Mud minnows are the best bait.
While Ron has not seen any black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats, they are in the same deep holes in the creeks, especially around trees. Fishing with fresh cut shrimp you will catch both species.
There are still a surprising number of flounder, including about 50% keepers, being caught while trout fishing in the very backs.
There are still a few keeper sheepshead inshore that can be caught at low tide around structure with 10-15 feet of water on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, most of the better fish have gone offshore and when a cold snap drops temperatures another degree or two most of them will leave.
There are not many whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 10 feet of water they are around in good numbers.
It’s been too windy to get offshore this week, but on the nearshore structure there should still be a few weakfish, and in 30-60 feet of water sheepshead and black drum can be picked up if you use shrimp or fiddler crabs. If you fish jigs and spoons and you will not catch them, but there are plenty of bull drum for the catching in 40-60 feet of water.
When you can get out the best bottom fishing for black sea bass is in 50-60 feet of water, while in 80-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper.
There should be some tuna and wahoo around offshore.
January 14
Inshore surface water temperatures around Edisto Island are around 53 degrees and the water is clear.
The fishing is in a pretty stable period on Edisto Island, but Captain Ron Davis, Jr. (843-513-0143) reports that the redfish have gotten finicky on the flats. You can still sight-fish for them on either the incoming or the outgoing tide, but it has gotten even more important to be stealthy and go after them quietly with a trolling motor or poling. The best way to catch them is to cast Gulp! or Zman soft plastics on light flutter hooks past the school and then bringing it back towards them to avoid scaring them.
In the creeks the pattern is unchanged, and when you can find the fish they are very willing to eat. You should fish two hours either side of low tide around downed trees, docks, and rocks in deep bends and holes. Mud minnows are the best bait.
While Ron has not seen any black drum mixed in with the reds on the flats, they are in the same deep holes in the creeks. Fishing with fresh cut shrimp you will catch both species.
There are still a few trout that can be caught on the main rivers, but Ron reports that the action in the creeks is much stronger – especially if you can find a calm day. While the fish will eat mud minnows on the bottom, you can’t cover much water to locate fish this way and so if you aren’t fishing grubs you really aren’t fishing! Trout are often in the creek bends but not always, and there is not necessarily a lot of rhyme or reason to where they are stacked up.
Trolling is a very popular way to locate trout, and if you catch one or two then you should slow down and fish the area thoroughly. However, Ron prefers to put the trolling motor down and cast like a bass fisherman.
A variety of soft plastics on a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce jighead will catch fish, but Ron is throwing his newly designed ZMan Chatterbait WillowVibe. Because the blades hold it higher up in the water column he can cast a heavier bait further and then fish it at the same speed – covering more water. He likes to pair it with 3.75 inch Zman StreakZ or the 3-inch Slim SwimZ.
There are a surprising number of flounder, including about 50% keepers, being caught while trout fishing in the very backs.
There are still a few keeper sheepshead inshore that can be caught at low tide around structure with 10-15 feet of water on fiddler crabs, oysters and clams. However, most of the better fish have gone offshore and when a cold snap drops temperatures another degree or two most of them will leave.
There are not many whiting in the surf, but if you go just beyond the sand bars to about 10 feet of water they are around in good numbers.
On the nearshore structure there are still a few weakfish, and in 30-60 feet of water sheepshead and black drum can be picked up if you use shrimp or fiddler crabs. If you fish jigs and spoons and you will not catch them, but there are plenty of bull drum for the catching in 40-60 feet of water.
The best bottom fishing for black sea bass is in 50-60 feet of water, while in 80-90 feet there are triggerfish, porgies, vermillion snapper and illegal red snapper.
The wahoo fishing was good right before Christmas, but recently it has slowed way down. Even with a couple of good days to get out there have not been many recent reports, but there should be some tuna around since they are here all year.